SURROUNDINGS

BOYOLALI

This regency is located in the middle of Yogyakarta, Solo and Semarang, east of Merapi and Merbabu Mountains. The city of Boyolali is located 55 Km northeast of Yogya, 27 km northwest of Solo and 75 km south of Semarang.Boyolali regency is proud to have the Adisumarmo - Solo International Airport in its territory, the newly Haj dormitory in the village of Donohudan is also situated in this regency. This fertile regency has been known since a longtime as a potential supplier of fresh milk to the biggest canned milk manufacturers in the country.

SeloThis cool green place located 20 Km westward of the city, on the north slope of Merapi and the south slope of Merbabu is a check point for Merapi and Merbabu climbers. There are nice inns and hotels in Selo for accommodation. This place was a famous holiday resort of Surakarta Royal Families.

PenggingLocated 10 km west of Solo Airport in the district of Banyudono. There are several springs here, the one called Umbul Pengging has been built as a recreational park.
Umbul Sungsang

The graveyard of Yosodipuro, one of the famous poets of Karaton Surakarta which attracts some pilgrims is also in this village. The spring nearby the mosque of the graveyard is considered of having holy water.Pengging is also a place with magical value. Some believe it was the site of Ki Ageng Pengging or Adipati/Viceroy Handayaningrat at the end period of Majapahit Kingdom. He was the grand father of Sultan Hadiwijoyo of Pajang Kingdom. Thus all the kings/ rulers of Mataram, Yogya and Solo palaces are direct descendants of Pengging.

Kedung Ombo DamThis gigantic dam in Kemusu district is potential for rice irrigation, at the sametime serves as tourist attraction.

Cengklik DamLocated 3 km west of Solo Airport. It is being prepared for recreational site.
Umbul TlatarIt is the spring of Tlatar, located north of Boyolali City. There is a swimming pool and fishing ponds.

Copper Craft Center in Tumang CepogoThe villagers who live in this mountainous place, located between Boyolali and Magelang are born craftsmen of several copper products such as flowerpots, lampshade, relief, etc.

Export ProductsTextile and Kenanga oil of Boyolali have a good domestic and foreign market.
Important AddressThe office of the Regent (Bupati) of Boyolali is at 48, Jl. Merbabu, Boyolali.

WONOGIRI
Wonogiri is located on the limestone hills Gunung Sewu around 30 Km south of Solo. The success of 'Greening Program' by planting productive trees has made this hilly region looked green.
Selogiri MonumentSelogiri is a sub-district, which keeps several heirlooms of Puro Mangkunagaran in a seven meters high tower in the Village of Nglaroh.Click here for the related article !
Selogiri Monument
Padepokan Pak Bei Tani"The house of Father Farmer" is a renovated house where the second President lived as a youngster. It is in sub-district of Wuryantoro.
Padepokan Pak Bei Tani
The Gajah Mungkur DamThis Gigantic picturesque dam is located around 3 km from the town of Wonogiri. The water supply of the dam is from the river - Bengawan Solo, the longest river in Java.
Gajah Mungkur Dam
Its construction was in 1975 until 1981. The lake of the dam covers an area of 8.800 ha and has capacity to irrigate 23.600 ha of rice fields in the regencies of Klaten, Sukoharjo, Karanganyar and Sragen. It supplies the drinking water for Wonogiri and electrical turbine with capacity of 12,4 M.W.This is also a beautiful place for water recreation. There is a pier for boots to take people around the lake and also available facilities for water skiing, fishing and floating restaurant. The hand-gliding sport can be enjoyed here.
Dlepih KahyanganLocated 30 Km southeast of Wonogiri. It is a place for supernatural tourism. The story date back in the 16th century, when the young Sutowijoto meditated to acquire divine revelation to become King of Mataram. He was successful and crowned as the first ruler of Mataram Kingdom II.
Dlepih Kahyangan
Karang Gupito BeachThe beach is on the Indian Ocean where the labuhan (sea-offerings) is held yearly in the Javanese month of Suro. There is a big boulder locally called Watu Semar (stone of Semar).
Jamu - The Herbal MedicineThe people of Wonogiri consume a lot of jamu to keep their health. Many local women sell the jamu, roaming the streets. There is a big 'jamu' manufacturer in this small town.
Bus CompaniesDue to its non-fertile lands, many people of Wonogiri seek their fortune outside their region, in the big cities of Java, especially in Jakarta. As a result thereof, some local entrepreneurs have born as owners of bus companies and some of the buses are luxurious. The regency receives considerable income from their 'migrants'.
KARANG ANYAR
This regency is just east of the city of Solo, its capital is 14 km from Solo. In the eastern border stands the silent 3265 M Gunung Lawu, hiding a lot of mystical things.A big part of this region is a fertile cultivation land where the river Bengawan Solo passes through.
Gunung LawuThis Gunung or Mountain Lawu is already famous since the ancient time. Its previous name was Wukir Mahendra. Some believe the top of the mountain was the first site of kingdom on the island. The dwellers were gods descending from Kahyangan (heaven). The gods had seen an empty beautiful place with similar picturesque panorama and environment like in paradise.
The Top of Mount Lawu
The second significant things occurred during the declining period of Majapahit Kingdom when King Brawijaya V (the last king) made his last spiritual journey in this mountain. Accompanied by his most loyal servants, he returned to where he come from (MOKSA - pass away with the body also disappears). Several places in Lawu are considered sacred by the meditators, such as:
Temples of Sukuh and Ceto
Sendang (spring) Drajad; Cakrasurya and Cemoro Sewu, Sumur (well) Jalatunda.
Three spots on the top; Hargo Dalem, Hargo Dumilah and Hargo Dumiling.
Sukuh TempleThe Sukuh temple is located in the Village of Berjo, Sub-district of Argoyoso, in the slope of Gunung Lawu 35 Km east of Solo at a height about 910 m above sea level. The temple stretches from the east to the west with the main gate in the west. This kind of construction is common in prehistoric time, especially in the meghalitic era of pundan berundak (terrace grave). The temple consist of three terraces, the first terrace is the lowest level, followed by the second and the third above it. The terrace are connected with stairs to each other, each of it has an entrance gate.
Sukuh templeThe temple is believed to be constructed in the 15th century during the declining years of Majapahit Empire. The reliefs found beside the first gate are believed had mean (sengkalan) reads Gapura Buta Aban Wong and Gapura Buta Anahut Bubut, meaning the year of 1359 saka or 1437 ADThe remnants of Sukuh Temple consist of :
Reliefs describe the union of the symbolic male and female sex organs (fertility symbol). It can be found on the gate at the first terrace.
Reliefs describe the Sudhamala and Garuda Stories.
Reliefs describe the hand made iron (Pandai Besi) activities.
Human statues
Animal statues
The main temple is pyramidal
The temple was first discovered in 1815 in a very poor condition by Johnson, the resident of Surakarta, during the period of Raffles government. The first study in 1842 had done under the leadership of Dr. Van de Vlis, Hoepermans and was studied by Verbeek in 1889, and finally by Knebel in 1910. In 1917 there had been an effort to secure and rescue by the office of prehistoric sites of the Netherlands East Indian Government, Then in 1989 the restoration was resumed by the Restoration and Maintenance of Prehistoric and Historic Project in Central Java.The view surrounding the temple is alluring. The road to this temple with impressive grandeur is surfaced all the way. The structure and the mood of the Lawu Temples is different from other temples in Java, it is built like a Maya stepped pyramid, so it is worth seeing.
Ceto TempleFurther 500 M up the slope of Gunung Lawu, Candi Ceto with numerous terraces dates from the era of Sukuh. It is another 'erotic' temple of Java. On the ground laid a lingga decorated with a dragon, lizards, crab and anchor, behind it is a stone turtle.
Ceto templeOn the top of the temple, small shrines house a dewa/ god statue and a lingga. The villagers live in surrounding are Hindus, there is a Hindu Pura in the Village. it is worth to notice that Lawu Temples still have many questions that remain unreplied. Who were really the builders, what are the meaning of the reliefs and the statues?
TawangmanguA cool splendid hill resort also on the slope of Gunung Lawu, at a height of about 1400 M above sea level. The road from Solo via Karangpandan is a fine trip thru magnificent green terraced hills.
Tawangmangu Park
Tawangmangu has all kind of facilities, hotel, camping ground, forest tourism, etc. The climate is fresh and one can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Grojogan Sewu
It is a 100 M high waterfall, the pool at the bottom has a very chilly water. In front of the gate to Grojogan Sewu, horses for rent are available to ride around Tawangmangu.
Grojogan Sewu/Sewu Fall
Astana MangadegLocated in Karangpandan, the main road from Solo to Tawangmangu, turn southward, it is about 5 Km - here stands the burial hill of Mangkunagaran court families, in their former territory.
Astana Giri BangunNearby the Mangadeg, there is another solemn and beautiful graveyard by the name of Giri Bangun meant for final resting-place for second President Bapak Suharto's family. The late Madame Tien Suharto is resting here.
Astana Giri Bangun
Economic DevelopmentKaranganyar is economically potential, some companies are export-oriented, dealing in various products. The tourism industry in the slope of Lawu is still promising.
Karanganyar Development CorporationTo further develop the economy, the Regional Administration of Karanganyar cooperating with a private company has established a Karanganyar Development Corporation.Click here to get the complete information of Karanganyar Development Corporation!
SRAGEN
The capital city of Sragen Regency is Sragen, located around 30 Km northeast of Solo. The eastern border of Sragen is East Java Province. The famous river, Bengawan Solo also flows through the fertile rice fields of this region.
SangiranIt is a village located 17 Km north of Solo, on the road to Purwodadi. It is an important place for Pithecanthropus Erectus, the pre-historic Java Man. The Pleistocene Museum keeps some skills of the erectus, fossils of plants and animals.Homo Soloensis (Pithecanthropus Erectus)
Sangiran and other places such as Wajak (near Tulungangung) and Trinil (near Ngawi) are significant places for human evolution/theory.It is interesting place for scientific tourism in the field of geology, anthropology and archeology. Many experts came to this site to do some research and study among other; Van Es (1939), Duyfyes (1936), Van Bemmelen (1937), Van Koeningswald (1938), Sartono (1960), Suradi (1962) and Otto Sudarmaji (1976).Van Koeningswald said that more than five different types of hominoid fossils have been found in Sangiran, it was incredible. There is no other place in the world like Sangiran. The Sangiran fossils are very various, they were earth as well as sea fossils. There was a possibility that island of Java was erected from the bottom of sea million years ago.Nowadays, the villagers of Sangiran are making souvenirs from stones such as statues, axes, eggs, rings, etc to promote tourism.
Gunung KemukusIt is a hill 25 Km north of Solo, on the top of the hill is said to be the grave of Pangeran (prince) Samodra and Dewi Ontrowulan. This site draws a lot of pilgrims wishing to get a fast fortune.
Village of ButuhThe graveyard of Ki Ageng Butuh located nearby Begawan Solo, northeast of Solo. Joko Tingkir or Sultan Hadiwijaya the King of Pajang was also buried here. This sacred site draws also a lot of pilgrims on certain days.
NgawutIn this vicinity there are Hot Springs in Ngawut.
EconomyThe town of Sragen is located on the road connecting Solo and East Java. The road is very potential for the smooth transportation of goods between the two areas. It is one of economic advantages for Sragen development. A modern plant producing chemical stuffs for textile industry has been erected on the main Solo – East Java Road.
KLATEN
The capital of Klaten Regency is located strategically between Yogyakarta and Solo. The vast majority of land in this region is fertile land for cultivation with a good irrigation system. This advantage give a great opportunity for Klaten to develop also economically.
Merak TempleThese four shrines have been discovered in 1924. Those remnant date back to Hindu Javanese period. In the site were found hundreds of stones under the shady trees. It is located 15 Km from Klaten, north of Gondang Baru sugar mill.
The Grave of Sunan TembayatThis site is around 10 km southwest of Klaten. For those who come from Yogya, turn right before the city of Klaten, it is about 4 Km from the main road. Sunan Tembayat was the one of the famous Wali (Islamic Saint) in Java, who had a close relation with Sunan Kalijaga.
The Grave of RonggowarsitoHe was a great poet of Karaton Surakarta, considered as the last poet of the Karaton.
Sugar MuseumThe Regency is famous with its products of sugar made from sugar cane. A sugar museum can be seen in east of Klaten, on the main road to Solo.
DelesIt is a holiday resort on the slope of Mount Merapi, 1.250 M above the sea level, 25 Km west of Klaten. There are bungalows cater to visitors.
Jimbong A holiday resort with parks and pools, with a children playground nearby the city.
Rowo JombarIt is another holiday resort with parks and pools, with a children playground, nearby the city.
JatinomLocated North of Klaten, where the Yoqowiyu traditional ceremony held yearly in the Javanese month of Sapar.
EconomyDespite its sugar industry and tobacco crops Klaten is also well known for its traditional textile manufacturing - the Lurik. The center of lurik is the village of Pedan. There are also some crafts centers of traditional products, making wayang, wooden furniture, etc.Recently a casting iron industry is also developing in this region.

Last but not least, Klaten since the old days is famous with its Ayam Panggang (baked-chicken), cooked in a special way with coconut meat - it is very delicious. It should be developed nation wide as the Yogya, ayam goreng.
SUKOHARJO
This regency is located south of Solo, in the south borders with Wonogiri and Yogya in the west with Boyolali and Klaten and in the east with Karanganyar.
The river Bengawan Solo passes through this fertile region with its proper irrigation system.
Some handicraft centers and various industry prosperously developing in this regency.
Pasanggrahan LangenharjoIt is located south of Solo as an cultural heritage of Surakarta palace dates back 1870. This site is used for recreation and meditation purposes.
Batu SeribuA tourist resort located at Gentan 14 km south of Sukoharjo, there are camping and playing ground with swimming pool. Its nice place for relaxing.
Waduk MulurIt's a dam 4 km south east of the town built in 1926.
The Grave of Kyai BalakLocated 6 km north east of Sukoharjo. This site draws a lot of pilgrims in certain days.
Karaton KartasuraIn the sub-district of Kartasura west of Solo. The ruins of this palace are still well preserved which attract a number of researches.
Real EstateAlong with the development of Surakarta a modern housing complex with adequate facilities has been built just south of the City Solo. There are sport ground, amusement center, schools and shopping complex.
Handicraft centers Some places a famous with its handicrafts such as the village Madegondo 6 km from Sukoharjo.The craftsman skillfully make fascinating partition combining the art of wooden carving and wayang (leather puppets) making.
GamelanProduced in the village of Wirun sub-district of Mojolaban, 5 km east of Solo. Gamelan is Javanese Traditional music instrument.
Both Sites are visited by travelers domestic as well as foreign, the product have been successfully exported to another countries such as Japan, USA, Europe, Australia, etc.
IndustryThis regency is also called "Textile City" due to existence of some big textile factories.Other well known products are food stuff, candies, medicine (traditional jamu and modern), wooden and ratan furniture glass art, agate, batik and garments, skin handicraft, printing industry, car body manufacturing, plastic wears, chemical products etc.
Economy This regency has a potential economic advantage which could be develop further. In this regard Sukoharjo with its good accommodation and communication is prepared to invite investors to take part in the economic development (click the business section for further information).

ENTERTAINMENT

(Solo)

CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENTThere are several groups engaged in cultural activities :
WAYANG ORANG (HUMAN WAYANG THEATER)
SriwedariThis is well-known, old group of wayang performs every evening from 08.00 am – 10.00 pm, Sunday is closed.
Wayang Orang "Sriwedari" performance
Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI)Located on Jl. Abdul Rahman Saleh (Markoni) 57, held the wayang orang theater at its auditorium every second Tuesday of the month from 08.00 pm to midnight. It is very popular and oftenly excellent.
WAYANG KULIT PERFORMANCE
Ki Anom Suroto's ResidenceLocated on Jl. Gambir Anom 100. Notodiningratan, a highly reputable dalang (puppet master). Played on every Tuesday Kliwon (the eve of Rebo Legi) of Javanese calendar.
Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI)Wayang performance is on air every third Saturday from 09.00 pm to 05.00 am.
Ki Manteb Soedharsono's HouseHe is another famous dalang in Solo, sometimes he performs in his house at Karang Pandan, 27 km south east of Solo.

Taman Budaya Surakarta (Cultural Center)Located on Jl. DR. Sutami 57, there is a wayang kulit performance every Tuesday Kliwon (once in 35 days). ). It is worth to be noted that Taman Budaya Surakarta organizes many cultural events in Solo and a place where many cultural pundits could be contacted, such as Sardono W. Kusumo (a famous dance teacher), Murtidjono (the head of Taman Budaya Surakarta), Pak Ngaliman and Ibu Djoko, etc. From the Karaton Solo the experts are among other Princess G.R.Ay. Koes Murtiyah (Gusti Mung), B.R.M. Bambang Irawan and from Mangkunagaran Palace are Pak Suripto, Ibu Sutarwo, etc.

Karaton Surakarta - Course for Dalang (Puppet Master)Practicing every Friday and Sunday from 07.00 pm – 09.00 pm.
Puro MangkunagaranSunday, Wednesday, Friday, in the afternoon Jl. R.M. Said III.
KETOPRAKTraditional folk drama with stories from history and legend.
Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI)It performs ketoprak every forth Tuesday from 08.00 pm to midnight.
BalekambangEvery night performance from 08.30 pm – 11.30 pm.
Dancing Practice (Javanese Court Dance)
Karaton Surakarta Sunday, at 09.00 am – 03.00 pm.Puro MangkunegaranWednesday, at 10.00 am – 12.00 pm.STSI (Art Academy) in Jebres, North East of SoloDaily, 09.00 am to noon, except Sunday.SMKI (high school for performing art in Kepatihan)Daily, 09.00 am to noon, except Sunday.For private lessons, one may contact : Taman Budaya Surakarta or Karaton Surakarta.
Karawitan/Javanese Gamelan Orchestra
Karaton Surakarta - Bangsal (Hall) Marakata Every Sunday Kliwon/eve of Tuesday Legi transmitted by RRI.
Puro Mangkunagaran
Every wednesday - at 10.00 AM, Gamelan Kyai Monggang
Every saturday - at 10.00 AM, Gamelan Kyai Kanyut Mesem
Every Friday Paing/eve of Saturday pon at 10.00 PM - to midnight.
Lecture on Javanese CultureKaraton Surakarta, Bangsal (Hall)Marakata Every Tuesday Legi/eve of Wednesday Paing, after the reading of Al Qur'an.
Sacred court dance and theirlooms offeringKaraton Surakarta, every Tuesday Kliwon during the day. The dance is KETAWANG, which is considered as a sacred dance. some wayang (leather puppets) are taken out to be aired.
Padepokan Lemah PutihSolo is a 'warehouse' of cultural experts, men of letters, traditional dancers and dalangs (puppet masters). They are really valuable assets to the nation.One of the famous artists living in Solo is Suprapto Suryodarmo who heads the ± 2 ha Padepokan Lemah Putih (padepokan refers to a quite large place where someone lives with main purpose to do meditation; lemah – land; putih – white) in Mojosongo. Mas Prapto is an extraordinary movement teacher 'The Movement Autodidact' with his 1000 (a thousand) students from all parts of the world. There are some steps of training for someone who wishes to perfectly understand and master his teachings. Some self-conscious exercises are carried out in Padepokan, Candi or Sukuh Temple, Borobudur and the beach of Parangtritis.For direct information could be contacted :Padepokan Lemah PutihP.O. BOX 301Mojosongo, Solo, IndonesiaTel. 061 – 0271 – 635210
CULTURAL EVENTS
Sekaten or Garebeg CeremonyIn the Javanese month of Mulud, on the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, the Karaton celebrates it by making several gunungan (rice mountain) paraded from the palace to the grand mosque yard. The Karaton sacred gamelans brought to the mosque and played there for a week. The gunungan and gamelan processions are very interesting and usually a two weeks fair called Sekaten is held in the North Square.Click here for complete information about 'Garebeg Procession in Karatons'!
Karaton's Heirloom Procession (Kirab Pusaka)In the first date of Javanese month (1st of Suro), Karaton Surakarta and Mangkunagaran organize heirlooms procesions, encircling their own palaces.Click here for complete information about 'Commemoration of 1st Suro'!
Maleman SriwedariNight fair in Sriwedari park, held during the month of Ramadan, begins on the eve of 21th of the month with a parade from Karaton to Sriwedari.
Pesta SeniThe annual art fair held at Sriwedari Park at the end of the year during Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
YaqowiyuA religious traditional ceremony held in the district of Jatinom, nearby Klaten, 30 km west of Solo. It is in honor of Ki Ageng Gribig, a prominent religious leader of the 16th century. The spectacular ritual occurs when Apem (round rice cake) thrown from a high platform to the crowds. This apem considered as having magical power to keep a healthy live.The ceremony is held every month of Sapar, on the 15th, begins in the evening and followed by a night fair. This year is Thursday, June 11, 1998.
MODERN ENTERTAINMENT
The are many places for modern entertainment especially in the center of the city, such as cinemas, karaoke, discotheques, bars, pubs, etc.Click here for Entertainment – Modern !
GolfSolo Golf Course, located next to Adisumarmo Airport.
RestaurantsIn Javanese 'Mangan enak' means to eat something delicious is a requirement for Solonese. No wonder, in this town, there are a lot of restaurants offering different kind of cuisine; Javanese, Chinese, Western, Japanese, etc. Many local people are still enjoying the 'lesehan' sitting on the mat while dining, even some people prefer using fingers. It's not a big deal!.Pujasari in Sriwedari Park is a popular place for lesehan, also along the street of Keprabon. The speciality of this region is Nasi Liwet, rice cooked with coconut milk and chicken. For westerners, a plate of fried shrimps or fish might be ordered for a light meal with a price less than US$ 1.00. Plus the refreshment drink, one should spend not more than equivalent US$ 2.00. An unbelievable cheap price! Every Thursday night from 10.00 - midnight a kroncong music beat could be enjoyed while dining , and every Sunday night a Javanese Siteran music is entertaining passionatelyThe cheapest are the food sold by roaming street hawkers such as; bakso, mie, kue putu, pecel (mix vegetables), serabi (rice pudding, like pan cake).For budget travelers, restaurants on Jl. Ahmad Dahlan should be good enough. One could get something easily something to eat around the clock in 'this city that never sleeps'.Click here to see the 'List of Restaurants'!.
HotelsSolo has many hotels to accommodate visitors ranging from budget hotels to star rated ones, which are luxurious but maintain traditional values. Hotel classification in Indonesia :
Star rated hotels, the highest is the five stars.
Lower grade is the Melati (jasmine flower), grouping Melati III, II and I.
Despite above hotels, there are many homestays offering accommodation with modest facilities.Click here to see the List of Hotels!.
TRANSPORTATION
AirplaneSolo has an International Airport, the name is Adisumarmo, 10 km west of the downtown. The direct flight abroad is served by Silk Air, with route Singapore – Solo – Singapore. There are domestic connections to and from Jakarta, Balikpapan and Surabaya and via Surabaya there are connecting flight to Bali and other bigger cities of East Indonesia. The airlines engaged are Garuda Indonesia and Merpati .Click here for information about 'Airport and Airline Schedule' !.
TrainThe main railway station is Solo Balapan, a strategic station connecting Jakarta, Yogya, Solo and Surabaya. It has also connection to Bandung and Semarang. Click here for information about 'Train Schedule'!.
BusThe inter city bus terminal is Tirtonadi, in the north west part of the city. There are many buses upon your choice, serving the routes to almost all cities in Java, Bali and Sumatra. Direct information can be collected in the terminal.Click here to see the 'List of Bus Companies'!
Intercity MinivanThe terminal of these minivans is located in Gilingan, nearby the bus station. These cars serve connections with other cities.
LOCAL CITY TRANSPORTFor transportation within the city, there are various kinds such as becak (Trishows), minibuses (Angkota), buses and Taxis.Click here for information about Taxi and Car Rentals!
TRAVEL AGENTSFor the sake of conveniences, one could go to a Tour and Travel Agent to get a ticket or to go to any tourist spot nearby.Click here to see the list of Travel Agent!.
PUBLIC SERVICEListing the offices of immigration, Post-Office, Tourist Office, etc.Click here for the list of Public Service Offices!.
MONEY CHANGERS and BANKSThere are many banks and several money changers in this city. The popular credit card here are; Master, Visa and Amex.Click here for information about Banks and Money Changers!.
BUSINESS and INDUSTRYBusiness local as well as international is thriving. The national products such as batik and textile play an important role. There are big batik manufacturers and textile factories in Solo. The trading and production of pharmaceutical products, foodstuffs, herbal medicine, iron and brasswares, chemicals are prospering. The cultural related items such as gamelan, wayang (leather puppets), keris and craft are still in active production.
For further information, kindly click the list bellow :List of ExportersList of ImportersList of forwarding AgentsList of InsuranceList of Artshops and Craft Centers
For those who are interested in more detailed information for business, industry and investment, addresses of :1. Assistant governor's Office of Surakarta Regency,2. The Mayor of Surakarta,3. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Solo branch),4. BAPPEDA (Board of Planning and Development of Solo),5. BKPMD (Regional Board of Investment),Just click here for going to the article of 'Business, Investment and Industry'.
to SURROUNDINGS

SOLO
Surakarta or more famous as Solo is lying across in fertile plain terrain along the longest river in Java, Bengawan or River Solo. Flanked by mountain volcanoes Merapi and Merbabu in the north, and mount Lawu in the southeast border, is famous as a stronghold and center of Javanese culture and tradition.
The tranquil town of Solo with its charming and soft-spoken people has several amazing names as a sign of adoration, such as: the city that never sleeps, the center of culture and the city of pleasure. Some foreign travelers say that Solo is the least westernized town in Central Java.

MEMORY OF THE OLD TIME
The history of Solo is unseparable with ancient time, with the discovery of 'Java man' in the village of Sangiran in Sragen Regency, Hindu – Buddhist Temples and the existence of old Palaces of Javanese Sultans.
In the down town of the city, along the wide green Slamet Riyadi Avenue, at the cross road of Sudirman, turn south cross the Alun-alun Utara (North Square), That is the Karaton Surakarta Hadiningrat, with the present king Sri Susuhunan Paku Buwono XII. It is opened daily at 08.30 am – 02.00 pm, Friday is closed.
In the middle of the town in the North of Slamet Riyadi Avenue is another palace, Puro Mangkunagaran. The present king is Sri Mangkunagoro IX. It is opened daily at 09.00 am – 02.00 pm, Sunday 09.00 am – 01.00 pm.
Both palaces have their own excellent programs to be adored by tourists, among other; court dance, gamelan music performance, museums, etc.
Karaton KartosuroLocated 10 km west of Solo, the remnant of the palace is there. It was the center power of Mataram for 60 (sixty) years until 1745.
Karaton PajangAlso located in Kartosuro, in the village of Makam Haji, Pajang. Some believe that it was the site of Karaton Pajang under Sultan Hadiwijaya who reigned between 1540 – 1580.
Museum Radya PustakaIt was built in 1890, located at JL. Slamet Riyadi. The statue of Ronggowarsito, a Karaton poet of the past stands in the front yard. It has a good collection of antiquities, gamelan, keris, puppets, scroll of wayang beber, some Javanese and Dutch books. Open daily 08.00 AM - 01.00 PM, Friday 08.00 AM - 11.00 AM, Monday closed
Museum Radya Pustaka
Stasiun BalapanThe main railway station with colonial style building located around 2 km from the center of the town. Solo is in the main railway roads connecting Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. It has also connection with Bandung. There are frequent day and night trains of different classes.
The grave of Ki Ageng EnisHe was the great grand son of King Brawijaya V, the grand father of Panembahan Senopati (the First king of Mataram Kingdom II), many pilgrims visit his grave in Laweyan.
The Bengawan or River Solo This longest river in Java flows along the eastern edge of the town from its source in the lime stones hill of the south, near East Java border to its mouth nearby Surabaya, on the Java sea. Regretfully, the river is now shallow, it is not navigable anymore. But in the past It was an important link between Solo and the north cost of East Java. There is a well-known song 'Bengawan Solo' composed by Mr. Gesang.
THE NEW CITY
The main avenue is Jl. Slamet Riyadi, in the center of the city is the favorite thoroughfare of Solo. Many hotels, restaurants and offices are located along and around this avenue. This developing city has some places of interest among other :
Press MuseumThe only press museum in the country. It has collections of newspapers, bulletins and magazines from the colonial time to present date.
Dullah MuseumDullah is one of Indonesia's famous painter and artist. This museum is located on Jl. DR. Cipto, displaying his painting and his collection of antiques, ceramics and crafts. Open daily 08.00 am to noon, Monday is closed.

Sriwedari ParkIt is a recreation park with gardens, theaters and restaurants, located in the center of the city. Locally known as 'Kebon Rojo', the king's garden.

Bale KambangIt is a shady tree park for entertainment.

Jurug ParkA recreation center on the bank of Bengawan Solo, with a zoo, children's playground, etc.

Pasar GedeIt is the biggest traditional market in downtown selling all manner of produce.
Pasar Gede

Pasar DepokIt is an interesting outdoor market with many collections of colorful tropical birds located at the north west end of Jl. R.M. Said.

Mesjid AgungLocated on the westward of Alun-alun Lor (North Square), it is the largest mosque in Solo. The dominant architecture is Javanese.

Gereja (Church) St. AntoniusThe biggest church in Purbayan, Solo.

Vihara RahayuIt is a Chinese Buddhist Temple on Jl. Karaton, southward of Jl. Slamet Riyadi.

Pura Mandira SetaA Hindu Shrine and a place of learning Yoga for local and foreign people at Jl. Sidikara 2, east of Karaton

Pasar KlewerOff the west gate of Karaton's North Square, this old market selling all kinds of fabrics, predominantly batik. Other traditional fabrics are lurik (hand-woven striped cotton cloth) and tenun ikat.There are hundreds of shops jammed along narrow passageways. Visitors must be prepared to bargain.
Pasar Klewer

Pasar TriwinduLocated nearby Mangkunagaran Palace, it is Solo antique market where devotee of bric–a-brac, curiosities, crafts, etc should see. There are lamps of varied ornaments and sizes, dinner and tea sets, goblets, vases and various kinds of souvenirs with beautiful motifs. The buyers should know the technique of bargaining.
Pasar Triwindu

Jamu (Herbal Medicine) and Traditional CosmeticsThe Solonese is expert of jamu since ancient period. In the old days, the herb leaves were boiled in water before being drunk that's why the name is jamu godog (boiled herbal medicine). Nowadays, it is more practical, there are powder, pills and capsules. There are also some lotion and ointment for outside application. For more detail information on jamu and traditional cosmetics manufacturers and sellers, click the related business section.

Art Shops and Craft CentersAs a fortress of culture and tradition, a traveler should see various traditional art and crafts such as wayang (leather puppets), gamelan, batik, keris, etc in every corner of the city. For more detail information of above subjects, kindly click the related articles, for seeing and purchasing click 'Art Shops and Craft Centers'.

Solo BaruA new modern city was born in Solo, it is Solo Baru, located southward of the city, in the regency of Sukoharjo, on the way to Wonogiri. It is a modern real estate compound complete with the necessary facilities, comfortable to live in.

BrowsingA leisure walk along Jl. Secoyudan, the 'Gold Smith Street' could be entertaining. The sound of Gamelan music from recorded cassette tapes could be enjoyed. A popular local music of Solo is the 'Kroncong' beat. Besides the specific beat, the words of the songs are important. The kroncong songs usually adore the natural beauty and the rare beauty of the Solo ladies like in the song of 'Putri Solo' - The Lady of Solo'.

Batik CourseFor those who are interested in deeper knowledge of batik manufacturing, short batik courses are available, among other in a alley near Warung Baru and in Kauman, off Jl. Yos Sudarso.Kindly note that Solo is also The City of Batik, with leading Batik Exporters in the country.For further information about Batik, click here.
GamelanThe workshop of gamelan is in Bekonang Village, Sukoharjo/Karanganyar or Hajar Satoto's Place in Kartosuro.For further information about Gamelan, click here.
KerisSolo is also famous with its Keris collection, old and new makes. There are some experts of Keris for consultation among other Herri Sutrisno and Hajar Satoto, and the foundation of keris devotees of Solo (Bowo Roso), Fauzan and Harjonagoro.For further information about keris, click here.
Wayang Kulit (Leather Puppets)
It is possible for someone to choose or to order directly a specific wayang at the workshop (Please see the directory of Artshops and Crafts, which make wayang).For further information about Wayang, click here.
The MYSTICThere are some mystical groups in Surakarta locally known as Kebatinan. Some well-known Piyayi Sepuh (high Language) or Wong Tuwo (common Javanese language) means wise persons live in this city. Usually they are ready to give spiritual consultation, to name few are :
Princess G.R.Ay. Brotodiningrat (about 80 years old), a daughter of Sri PAkubuwono X.
Pak A. Suyono, Jl. Ranggawarsito 60
Pak Suwondo, Jl. Karatonan, Gang I.
Some meditators which could be contacted at Joyokusuman guesthouse and others.
K.R.H.T. Kusumotanoyo (spiritual advisor to Surakarta Palace)
R.M. Adiarso and his wife, Jl. Kebangkitan Nasional 60
(Suryo S. Negoro)
to ENTERTANMENT

Masjid Agung Surakarta
IN THE FORMER TIME, this building was the Masjid Agung Negara (the great mosque of the kingdom). People who were in charge of this mosque were the royal officers and had official royal titles, such as kanjeng raden tumenggung, penghulu tafsiranom, or lurah muadzin.
The other buildings located at the same site are PGA (Education School for Religion) building which was built by Paku Buwana X in 1914. Now, this building still belongs to the royal family, the adzan tower that has a similar architecture to that of Kutab Minar tower in India and was built in 1928, the tower for Istiwak time (the time based on the angles of the sunlight to decide the prayer time), and the building called gedang selirang which is used by the royal officers in charge of the mosque.This Masjid Agung was built by Paku Buwana III in 1763 and was finished in 1768.


This mosque is categorized as MASJID JAMI', the mosque where muslims use it for the five-time prayer and Friday prayer. It is called the royal mosque because everything the mosque needs is provided by the kingdom and it is used for the royal religious rituals.


Masjid Agung is located on the site of 19.180 square metres and is separated from its neighbourhood by the 3.25 metre-high surrounding wall. The architecture of this mosque is a pointed centre building with three level roof with the peak called mustaka.
This mosque has,
Serambi, a front veranda and a kind of pathway with its front part called kuncung.
Ruang Shollat Utama, the main place of prayer with four main pillars and 12 smaller ones, the place for the praying leader with small stage for religious speech on Friday prayer.
Pawestren, (place of prayer for women), a meeting place.
Tempat berwudhu a place for wudlu (partial body washing before prayer).

Pagar Keliling, The surrounding fence was built in the reign of Paku Buwana VIII in 1858.
Pagongan, Pagongan, the place for gamelan instruments used to commemorate Mohammad’s birthday, is located on both sides of the gate. Both have the same pendapa architecture. Those places and Masjid Agung were built in about the same time.dibangun pada masa PB VIII tahun 1858.
Istal dan garasi kereta Place called istal and the garage for the royal carriage when the king did Friday prayer and gerebeg (rituals to commemorate Muhammad’s birthday).
Gedung PGA Negeri, The other buildings located at the same site are PGA (Education School for Religion) building which was built by Paku Buwana X in 1914. Now, this building still belongs to the royal family.

Menara Adzan, the adzan tower that has a similar architecture to that of Kutab Minar tower in India and was built in 1928.
Tugu Jam Istiwak, the tower for Istiwak time (the time based on the angles of the sunlight to decide the prayer time).
Gedang Selirang, the building called gedang selirang which is used by the royal officers in charge of the mosque.