Solo
Surakarta ( its formal name; locally it is referred to as Solo ) is an Indonesian city of approximately 500.000 people located in Central Java. It is some 65 Km ( 40 miles ) northeast of Yogyakarta, and 100 Km (60 miles) southeast of Semarang. The city was a center of power during the 18th century Mataram Sultanate.
The local inhabitants are more familiar with and use the name of “Solo” or “Sala” for the city, rather than “Surakarta”. “Surakarta” is however used in formal and official contexsts. The city has similar name with neighboring district of “Kartasura”, which the preceded capital of Mataram located.
Geography
The eastern part of the town is bordered by Bengawan Solo River, the longest river on Java. The river is the inspiration for the song Bengawan Solo, which became famous throughout much of Asia. situated on a fertile plain amidst volcanic mountains, alongside the longest the longest river in Java Solo is generously endowed with varied geographical features and innumerable scenic spots.
The members of the city’s two royal courts, the oldest direct descendents of the Mataram Empire ( 1586 – 1755 ), have made it their duty to preserve and foster knowledge of the classical Javanese arts, language, and literature, making Solo the center of the old Javanese culture. The classical performing arts, for example, gamelan ( the instrument of the Javanese classical orchestra ) music , dance , and wayang ( leather puppet and “live” puppet ) plays, are still an in integral part of daily life.
Solo is also the center of production of Javanese batik, popular all over the world. The ancient process of making this exquisite cloth, once used exclusively by Javanese nobility, is one of the most highly prized arts, virtually a cultural heirloom.
Solo’s centuries-old traditions are also celebrated in several annual ceremonies which are cleaning the sacred kerises (daggers) in the palaces on the first day of the Javanese lunar year, and Sekaten, a festival held in the square outside of the royal court in celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
This information booklet is a brief introduction and guide to Solo’s timeless art and beauty. It is hoped that it will be helpful foe visitors who would like to celebrate tradition with Solonese.
