Residents around Griya Siwal 5 protested against construction workers.

 Written by: Aurelya Salsa M

Sukorharjo - Residents around Griya Siwal 5 protested against construction workers on Sunday, December 19, 2021, because the main road had been damaged by large vehicles.

 

The main road that became the place for the residents of Siwal 5 to pass was previously fine, although the structure of the street is bad. However, in the last few months, the main road that is often traversed has become very, uneven, especially when it rains. The road will become very slippery and uneven because the base of the road used is soil. This is due to the construction of housing near the Griya Siwal 5, which forces large vehicles to pass every day on the main road.

 

The local residents, felt very uncomfortable about this and protested against the workers. The residents said that “ Why are the roads only covered with soil, not using gravel or materials that don't make the roads slippery when it rains?” And the workers in the new housing did not answer and just smiled.

 

Until in the end of the year, the local residents built a bridge on the left side of their housing to pass and go outside, because the main road was very bad and often made some people almost fall because it was slippery and bumpy.

Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, a Place Full of Creativities and Inspirations

 Written by: Alfina Novi S P

Solo, which is known for its slogan ‘The Spirit of Java’, is a culturally rich city. When many individuals first step their foot in Solo, they will fall in love with its stunning and magnificent things. Batik is a culture that has been anchored and well-known for a long time and has even become a trademark of Solo. Batik is also more than just a one-of-a-kind piece of cloth with a motif; it represents a philosophy of perseverance, persistence, and pride. Because of its uniqueness, batik has its own attraction for both local and foreign tourists. The Laweyan area, known as Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, is one of the areas that developed the batik heritage.

Laweyan has become a tourism attraction known as Kampoeng Batik Laweyan since 2004, as well as a batik industry cluster. Kampoeng Batik Laweyan is the oldest and most famous batik center in Solo, located at Jl. Doctor Radjiman No. 521, Laweyan, Solo, Central Java. Kampoeng Batik Laweyan has a population of nearly 2,500 people, with the majority working as merchants or batik manufacturers. Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, with its batik icon, is one of the tourist attractions in Solo, specifically urban tourism (city tourism or village tourism with unique themes), which has existed since the 19th century.

Kampoeng Batik Laweyan Solo is an old village with an oriental vibe, has been a silent witness to the development of the batik industry. Despite its ups and downs, it has survived to become a tourist attraction that must be seen in Solo. Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, which is rich in historical value, has been classified as a cultural heritage site.

   

Langgar Merdeka, located on Jl. Dr. Radjiman, Laweyan, Solo, is one of several Laweyan cultural heritage buildings. This building also stands as a landmark for Kampoeng Batik Laweyan. As a cultural heritage area, it also has a batik monument at one of the village intersections as a symbol of Laweyan's revival. This monument stands 2 meters tall and is black in the shape of four tiers of cities with varying sizes and has a triangular roof.

Kampoeng Batik Laweyan Solo, originally known as Laweyan Village, existed before the establishment of the Pajang Kingdom. When the descendants of Brawijaya V, specifically Ki Ageng Henis, moved to Laweyan Village, the village became known as Kampoeng Batik Laweyan. He taught his students how to make batik. That’s why it’s not surprising that the tourists can find Ki Ageng Henis’ grave complex, nearby the Masjid Laweyan, both of which are located on Jl. Liris No. 01, Pajang, Laweyan, Solo.

  

The Ki Ageng Henis grave complex is also a major tourist attraction in Laweyan. The gate is located on the right side of the Masjid Laweyan. Visitors will find a teak resting spot in a typical antique structure. There are also pilgrim restrictions, and a pedigree of the lineage of Mataram's monarchs and courtiers is displayed on one corner of the wall. Inside the open building, there are portraits of PB II, Kanjeng Sunan Kalijaga, Kanjeng Pangeran Panembahan Senopati, and Ki Ageng Pamanahan, all of whom maintain close relations with Ki Ageng Henis and the Kingdom of Pajang.

After passing through the Langgar, there is a gate made of thick blue teak wood with Javanese carving motifs which is next to the Masjid Laweyan. For your information, the grave complex of Ki Ageng Henis is quite large. Tourists must pass through three gates to reach Ki Ageng Henis' main grave, which is not accessible to the public. The door is always locked, and there is always a caretaker there. When tourists reach the Ki Ageng Henis burial complex, tourists may see the Pajang kingdom's family graves lined with rows of mossy gravestones.

A Nagasari tree that is more than 500 years old may be found not far from the way tourists walked, at a third door facing the Ki Ageng Henis graveyard. The Nagasari tree, which stands near the pilgrimage site for Ki Ageng Henis' grave, is believed to represent a grave protector guarded by a dragon. According to the myth, the trunk of the Nagasari tree plant, which can be found in the yard of the Ki Ageng Henis' grave pilgrimage site, is often used to create tasbih seeds and a commando stick for those who wish to benefit from its powers.

The grave of Ki Ageng Henis, located slightly higher than the other graves in the cemetery complex. There is not only the grave of Ki Ageng Henis in the third tomb complex where the tomb of Ki Ageng Henis is located but also the graves of Nyai Ageng Pandan Aran on his left side and Nyai Ageng Pati on his right side. They are Ki Ageng Selo's children. Among the old tombs in the Ki Ageng Henis grave complex are the graves of Prince Widjil I Kadilangu, Pujangga Dalem Susuhunan, PB II - PB III who are said to have initiated the move of the Kartasura Palace to Surakarta after the Geger Pecinan led by Raden Mas Garendhi or Sunan Kuning and resulted in the destruction Kartasura Palace building.

Tourists can visit the grave of Ki Ageng Henis and pray for the ancestors, as well as gain historical insight into the origins of Laweyan and its founder, Ki Ageng Henis because the tourists will be accompanied by the caretaker of the grave complex. Besides, tourists are required to wash their feet first before entering Ki Ageng Henis' grave as a form of respect for the ancestors. It is also recommended that pilgrims wear batik cloth, which is worn like a sarong, which is provided by the kuncen. It is designed and provided by Kampoeng Batik Laweyan craftsmen, and it is renewed every four years in line with the clean-up celebration. Thus, in addition to being a source of pride, Javanese culture can be brought to life.  

Laweyan has evolved into a tourist attraction with historical, cultural, religious, and educational value, as well as a destination for travelers to learn about batik. The majority of individuals in Laweyan spend their time making batik on white Mori cloth using Canting and Malam to preserve batik culture. Until now, 250 batik motifs typical of Kampoeng Batik Laweyan have been granted patents. 

Lots of batik shops sell not only batik clothing, but also bags, sandals, shoes, handicrafts, batik-patterned paintings, and batik material at various prices. Laweyan batik colors tend to be light, as opposed to Kauman batik ones, which tend to be dark. Kampoeng Batik Laweyan also provides an educational experience for tourists interested in learning about the batik-making process. Tourists can take a two-hour batik course as part of a workshop tour package. Not even just that, but tourists' artworks can be taken home as a one-of-a-kind unique souvenir from Kampoeng Batik Laweyan. If tourists want to explore further and deeper into the art of crafting written and stamped batik, they can participate in intensive batik training. Those who want to start a batik business, are also taught how to do it during the training. This is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind event that can educate tourists both on how to manufacture batik and how to run a batik business.

Culinary tours are also provided at Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, where tourists can taste a variety of cakes, drinks, and traditional foods. Therefore, there are shops, booths, restaurants, and cafes in various parts of Laweyan. Other than that, tourists can also enjoy special culinary Solo delicacies such as Ledre and Apem. In one of Kampoeng Batik Laweyan's alleys, precisely in Gang Sono, there is an industrial house that sells culinary Ledre in a variety of tastes and prices.

Speaking of buildings, the buildings in Kampoeng Batik Laweyan are old and ancient. Kampoeng Batik Laweyan is also known for its many small and narrow alleys with high walls. Some buildings have been renovated into more modern structures with stunning color schemes. Each street is decorated with a variety of beautiful ornaments and decorations. Some of the murals on the alley walls even have historical significance. Each resident's house has a different impression of elegance. Most of the houses in Kampoeng Batik Laweyan have kept their original features, while others have been renovated. 

Various old door styles can still be spotted in local individuals' homes. The Kampoeng Batik Laweyan building's uniqueness, with a smooth blend of three architectural styles; Java, Europe, and Islam, has its own charm, especially for those who want to take photographs. It is highly interesting and attractive as a photo object because of the background of the building, which also has historical and artistic worth. The very attractive design of Kampoeng Batik Laweyan seeks to encourage people to travel in Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, as well as provide a sense of comfort to the tourists. Furthermore, it is an attempt to promote batik culture to both local and foreign tourists.

 

Tourists will find a house with many wonderful paintings as they travel down each alley. The paintings are the work of a painter from Kampoeng Batik Laweyan Solo.  A walk through Kampoeng Batik Laweyan is nothing without capturing the moment with a gorgeous architectural background.

Kampoeng Batik Laweyan is located in a very strategic area of Solo and not far from the center of Solo itself, making it very easy to find. There is also a 'Google Maps' facility that can assist tourists in quickly locating Kampoeng Batik Laweyan. Simply typing the keyword 'Kampoeng Batik Laweyan', tourists are immediately presented with several alternative road options to get to this tourist attraction. 

However, tourists do not need to be worried about maps, since if they are more interested in tracing the historical trails in this area, they can read the tourist map of Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, which is located at the intersection of Jl. Sidoluhur, Laweyan. In addition to historical locations, we can find information on batik manufacturing locations on the map. Kampoeng Batik Laweyan can be accessed by any means of transportation, but it is more recommended to use a motorbike; as stated previously, there are many narrow alleys in Kampoeng Batik Laweyan that can only be accessed by motorbike, bicycle, or by taking a walk because the narrow alley is where the 'hidden gems' are located.

There are many hotels, homestays, and inns available around Laweyan for local and foreign tourists who want to enjoy the experience of Kampoeng Batik Laweyan for a longer period of time, such as Solia Zigna Laweyan Hotel, Roemahkoe Heritage Hotel, Ommaya Hotel & Resort, Malioboro Inn Solo Hotel, and many more with affordable price.

Despite the fact that the tourists only visit one attraction, they will receive a comprehensive tour package. The tourists will get historical tours, educational tours, cultural tours, religious tours, culinary tours, and also shopping tours. These make Laweyan even more worth it to visit when in Solo.

Rapid Test at Kayen Tradisional Market, Two Traders are Reactive

Written by: Adha Tasya K.N.

Pati-The local government of Kayen district-Pati,  conducted a swab rapid test for traders at Kayen market on Monday, January 3 2022.

The rapid test was carried out due to the one of the traders who died from covid-19 in Friday, December 31 2021. Sunandar, an officer of the Covid 19 handling group stated; "We did a mass rapid test sampling. It aims to find out whether there is a potential for transmission in public places, such as in traditional markets and to avoid further spread due to the exposure of one of the traders" Furthermore, he appeals residents to stay aware and follow the health protocol because the COVID-19 pandemic is not completely over yet, added with the new variant of Omicron that has been found in Indonesia.

For the results of this mass test, 2 traders were declared reactive and will be subjected to further medical check up in RSUD Soewondo, Pati and are asked not to trade until the time for the secon rapid test. They were also instructed to do a self-isolation for 14 days. "The reactive ones, we ask them to do an independent isolation. Later on, we will carry out the second rapid to determine whether the person concerned has the potential to be infected or not. If the second is still reactive, then we will take the swab test" added another officer.

Even though the positive cases in Pati are decreasing with 0% daily case addition, local governments and the COVID-19 task force remain vigilant. Therefore, they moved quickly after getting know that one of the traders had tested positive and died. For further handling, the Kayen market will be temporarily closed for three days to be sterilized with disinfectant. 

Unfortunately, this rapid test activity did not run smoothly because many of the traders  already knew about it. Therefore, they became afraid and decided not to go to the market which is resulted to the number of the traders that is not as many as usual. In the future, the regional government plans to carry out routine rapid swap tests so that the results can be more optimal.

Jolong Garden Valley, a Dutch Heritage All in One Tourist Attraction

Written by: Adha Tasya K.N.

 

source of image: Instagram/@lukitaayun

Spend your best time in the best place!. Jolong Garden Valley offers various activities in one tourist attraction with the total area of 572 hectares. 

Pati is well known for its nature-based tourism and Jolong Garden Valley is one of them. This tourist attraction is located in Sitiluhur village, Gembong distric, the regency of Pati, Central Java. Only about ten kilometres from Pati Square or around 45 minutes of driving, making this tourist attraction quite easy to reach. However, you have to pass a winding and uphill road to get there due to its location in the highlands, precisely on the slopes of Mount Muria. You can only reach this place by private vehicles such as cars and motorbikes because there are no public transportation routes yet.

Historically, the district of Gembong was one of the largest coffee-producing areas in Indonesia during the colonial era. Previously, the whole area of Jolong Garden Valley was a coffee plantation which was built during the Dutch colonial period (1895). The former coffee processing factory that was once victorious at that time as well as several ancient buildings that were functioned as official guest rooms are still being maintained there. Now, Some of the land has been converted into a park with all the additional facilities and a dragon fruit garden in a higher area of it.

The iconic cup monument

Once you arrived in Jolong, you will find an iconic cup monument right after entering the gate. As for the entrance ticket, you only need to dig your pocket for IDR 15.000, but to enter the dragon fruit garden, there is an additional cost of IDR 8000. And for the parking, you have to pay IDR 3000 per motorcycle and IDR 4000 per car. 

With a total area of 572 hectares, Jolong Garden Valley offers various tourist activities in one place which is divided into two sectors named Jolong I and Jolong II. Jolong I is the main area in which the coffee plantation, ancient coffee-processing factory, and some old Dutch buildings take place. There are also pamelo orange gardens, playgrounds for kids, pounds with small fish for therapy, outbound such as flying fox and net bridge, and some family activities such as fishing and cake decorating practice in this section. Meanwhile in Jolong II, we can find the expanse of dragon fruit garden with an area of ten hectares!. Besides, there are other attractions such as flower gardens, family parks, and some instagramable photo spots; a tree house made of wood and thatch, house on stilts, dragon fruit shaped tunnel and viewing post to see the surrounding scenery from a height. 

The expanse of dragon fruit garden

Located in an altitude, the dragon fruit garden is made of steps with a  step path in the middle. So, on the right and left, as far as the eye can see, you will be treated to the green dragon fruit trees and its fresh reddish fruits. Even more fun, when it is a harvest season, you are allowed to pick the dragon fruit and eat it on place or bring it home. The perfect time to visit the Garden is on Juni and July since the harvest season occurs around those months. Other that that, visitors can also learn dragon fruit cultivation and bring the plant seeds to be planted in their own garden.

While enjoying the fruit, you can also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature through the viewing post. From here, visitors will be spoiled with the wonderful views of the two reservoirs (Mountain Rowo reservoir and Seloromo reservoir) and the expanse of the city of Pati from above. Especially if the fog starts to fall, it will add to its beauty and charm.

If Jolong II is recommended for dragon fruits enthusiastic, Jolong I is perfect for coffee lovers!. You can enjoy Jolong coffee that is well known for its robusta with a unique heavy flavour; bitter and slightly sour. Still want to continue the journey after sipping a cup of coffee? sure! you can also tour the coffee and pamelo orange gardens. You may walk or rent a jeep to explore the plantation which is provided by the garden manager at a cost of IDR 300,000 for one car.

The facilities in Jolong Garden Valley is quite complete and can support tourist activities. There are basic needs such as bathrooms, mosques, and some food stalls with a reasonable price. There is even a camping site for those who would like to stay overnight, of course with applicable terms and conditions. For visitors from outside town who need a lodging, the nearest one from the area is Hotel Sartika and Convention Hall which located at Kol. Sunandar street, Winong, Pati.

Not too far from Jolong II, there is an exotic waterfall called Niagara Grenjengan. To get in this attraction, you have to through a quite  challenging journey of winding and steep dirt roads with many sharp turns and descents. However, you can still enjoy the view that is dominated by the pine forests and mountains. As you get closer to the attraction, you will see a meandering river with water and rocks on the left side of the road and towering cliffs filled with groves of coffee trees on the right side. Despite the arduous and tiring journey, it all paid off when you arrived at Grenjengan Waterfall. You will be amazed by the terraced waterfall with rock cliffs around it, and a river flow with clear and refreshing water under it. A very enchanting natural scenery is right in front of you!.

The exotic grenjengan waterfall

Regardless of the challenging and uneasy journey, Grenjengan Waterfall always crowded by tourists every day. Like in Jolong, there are also public facilities in this area, such as bathrooms, small stalls, and mosque. The distance is only one kilometer from Jolong Garden Valley, so most tourists will stop by to enjoy the beauty of Grenjengan Waterfall as well.

Suspected of being unable to swim, a nine-year-old boy drowns

 Written by: Alfina Novi S P

Sukoharjo – A nine-year-old boy was found dead after drowning in spring at Wirogunan, District Kartasura, Sukoharjo Regency on Saturday (1/1/2011). It is suspected that the victim could not swim and had difficulty balancing his body while swimming with his friends.

The tragic incident happened on Saturday afternoon at around 5 p.m. The victim is known as Zidan Rohmad Ramadhan, a resident of Kuncen, Wirogunan. The incident has been confirmed by the village chief of Wirogunan. "Yes, that’s correct. There was a drowning child in the spring. This is particularly unfortunate given that the victim is still very young. This is why it is very important to pay more attention to our children while they are playing with their friends because we never know what will happen. They can do things we don't expect.” Explained him.

According to the information acquired, the victim and his two friends, Fahri and Akbar, went to spring on that day to simply do fishing with a net around them. Fahri, on the other hand, persuaded them to swim a few moments later. There was additional information reported; Fahri and Akbar were unaware that the victim could not swim, and they did not expect that the spring was too deep for a child of their size.

Fahri and Akbar were said to be so concentrated on their swimming that they did not see the victim who was left behind. They had no idea the victim had drowned when they approached them for help. Fate was not on the victim's side. He was out of the air and his body floated upside down in the water, only to be spotted by his two friends. Local residents ran out of the house when Fahri and Akbar yelled for help, and immediately rescued the victim. His life, however, was not saved.

Following that, the victim was rushed to the hospital for a post-mortem investigation. The medical team discovered that the victim's condition was not violent, but rather a result of a pure water accident. After that, the victim was taken to a funeral home to be buried.

"There is no one to blame because everything happened by coincidence. Parents, on the other side, should be extremely careful because children, even while they are playing, require assistance. This incident should be used as a lesson to all residents, particularly parents with children under the age of 18." Said the village chief.

Sarno, one of the Wirogunan residents, said that the next day, a banner warning "no swimming here is allowed" would be displayed to prevent the same unfortunate tragedy. Additionally, a security fence will also be built around the spring, which will be strictly guarded by residents against children and visitors that come to the area for a brief moment.

Having abundant cash savings, the residents of Delanggu Indah residence agree to give paving blocks in the vacant land

 Written by Danies Alya N.

Vacant land that will be worked on and given paving blocks.

 

Klaten – The head of the neighborhood of Delanggu Indah residence, Timan, agreed to the suggestion of one of the residents to put paving blocks on vacant land in the Delanggu Indah residence. The paving block installation has started on Sunday, December 19, 2021, by clearing the land first and is expected to be completed in approximately a month.

The idea for this pacing block installation arose because of the good old paving blocks from the neighboring settlement and abundant cash savings. The suggestion was approved by all residents after going through a small discussion led by the head of the neighborhood. Residents felt that having cash savings of approximately 12 million rupiahs will be enough to support the installation of the paving blocks.

“We can tidy up the vacant land and later it will be more useful, we can do morning exercises or other sports there,” said Lelly, one of the residents of Delanggu Indah residence.

The installation of the paving blocks in Delanggu Indah residence needed 3 workers to achieve the installation target which is estimated to be completed in a month.

“First of all, the vacant land must be tidied up and leveled in order to make the installation of paving blocks easier. Then the paving blocks can be arranged,” said the worker.

Some residents took the initiative to provide snacks and food for workers. They gave them food and drink consecutively. It greatly supports the continuity installation of paving blocks. Some residents also often check the conditions in the field and then report it to others in the Whatsapp group.

The installation of the paving blocks has actually been planned since about 5 months ago, but the realization was only carried out in December 2021 due to various considerations and discussions that has been mature. Besides the installation of paving blocks, residents are also planning to buy a gazebo which will later be made into a mini library and a swing for children. Residents hope that having good facilities for children will make their free time valuable, useful, and enjoyable.

“Furthermore, if the vacant land becomes neater and pleasing to the eye, later on, we can provide a swing there for the children to play around,” said one of the housewives in this residence. Residents hope that this idle vacant land will be more useful if it is managed properly.

“I hope that this vacant land will be cleaner so that it will add to the comfort of the residents,” said Timan.

Triwindu Market - Discover Hidden Treasures in Solo

Discover Hidden Treasures in Solo

Written by: Aurelya Salsa M (B0319012)

 

Triwindu market is one of the famous markets in the city of Surakarta. This market is known as a center for rare antiques, located in NGARSOPURO, Jl.Diponegoro, Keprabon.

How to get to triwindu market

This market is easy to reach because it is in the middle of the city of Surakarta or Solo. You can reach the place by using public transportation or private vehicles. If you go using public transportation such as buses, tourists only need to walk about 3-5 minutes from the bus stop to arrive at the Triwindu market, but it will be easier and more fun if you use a private vehicle.

What You Can Do while visiting Triwindu market.

If you go to this market, for sure you will discover fabulous items, but not only that you can also spoilling your eyes because Triwindu market provide you with a stunning decoration that can spolling the visitors’s eyes by looking at the alleys of this market.

In this market you can taking marvelous selfies if you really love vintage and classic atmosphere chill, Triwindu market has that atmosphere given by the antiques and also give a distinct impression. Triwindu market, is perfect place for you who love to taking picture in vintage and classic atmosphere.