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Sukuh Temple


Sukuh temple is located in Berjo Village, Argoyoso district, in the slope of mount 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. Sukuh Temple is decorated with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin, the only erotic temple in Java. The stepped pyramid is like the ones in South America of the Maya culture. The temples are distinctive compared with other ancient temples in Central Java such as Borobudur and Prambanan, and its uniqueness lies in the landscaping, statuettes, and relief. The temples occupy an 11,000m2 area and consist of three terraces, each connected with an ascending alley. The most influential part is the last terrace, at the very back of the compound. At this very sacred area, once erected a homogenous phallic statue, which is now displayed at the National Museum, Jakarta. Another interesting and controversial factor of this historical site is the artistic relief on its floor, which depict male and female organs symbolizing the birth of life. This kind of construction is common in prehistoric time, especially in the megalithic 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. The temple has believed to be constructed in the 15th century during the declining years of Majapahit Empire. The relief 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 AD.

Source : Indonesia Tourism
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About Central Java


Central Java is located exactly in the center of Java Island. It borders with West Java Province in the western part, while in the eastern part borders with East Java Province. On the part of the southern side lies also the province of Yogyakarta Special Region.

The low land plains are found alongside the northern beaches. The high land plains are found in the Center of Central Java with mountains stretching lengthwise from the west to the east with a line of mountains, such as Slamet Mount (3,428 m), Perahu Mount (2,585 m), Sindoro Mount (3,135 m) Sumbing Mount (3,321 m), Merapi Mount (3,142 m), Ungaran Mount ( 2,050 m) and near the border with East Java Province is Mount Lawu (3,265 m) , while on the northern side there is Muria Mount (1,602 m).

At the feet of these mountains will find a pleasant and cool highland plains with beautiful panoramas such as Baturaden, the Dieng Plateau, Bandungan, Kopeng, Tawangmangu, Colo, etc. apart from these mountains there are some small mountains and lime mountains.

The Biggest Rivers found in the Central Java are Serayu River, with its source from the Dieng Plateau and the "Bengawan Solo" River.

Administration
Headed by a governor as a high rank, Central Java consist of 35 regencies and municipalities.
Regency headed by Bupati (Regent) and municipalities by Walikota (Mayor).
Regencies and municipalities divided into sub-district headed by Camat and sub-district divided into villages headed by Lurah or Kepala Desa.

Climate
Average temperature is 21o - 32o C with rainy season on October to April and dry season on April to October.

Religion
The Freedom of embrace religion is fully guaranteed by government. Islam is a greatest number among the five recognized religions (Moslem, Protestant, Catholic, Buddha and Hindu).

Language
Java language with various dialect is the daily language used by most of Central Java people but Bahasa Indonesia as mother tongue.

People
The people of Central Java will welcome all of you with hospitable and friendly.
The population is 30.7 million in 2002 or about 896 persons per square kilometer with living as farmer, trader, official government. Besides original tribe, some foreign tribe stay here such as Arabic, Chinese, Indian and Pakistani. "Kebaya" is representing traditional clothes wearied by woman.

SOURCE : www.central-java-tourism.com
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DIENG TEMPLE GROUPS


ARJUNA TEMPLE
This Temple Group is consisted of five temples which are built in two parallel lines.The eastern line consist of four,mostly facing westward respectively the temples of Arjuna,Srikandi,Puntadewa and Sembadra.While, the western line temple which stands face to face with Arjuna Temple.At these temple are depicted about the accon panying Dieties of Siwa.While at the Srikandi is depicted on the recess of the temple about all the main deities if Hinduism,they are Brahmana,Siwa and Wisnu.

GATOTKACA TEMPLE
Group of Gatotkaca Temple located in foothills Pangonan, on the westside of Balekambang Lake.
Initially, this group consisted of. 6 temples, there are Sentyaki Temple , Petruk Temple , Antareja Temple, Sadewa Temple and Gantutkaca Temple.
According to its architecture,gatotokaca Temple was built after Srikandi Temple. This matter look from way of doorstep location, foot/feet, number of alcove, building layout.

BIMA TEMPLE
Group Temple of located Bima about 750 metre toward the south Temple of Gatotkaca Bima temple built in 6 AD is unique in two respects. Apart from its resemblance to the temple architecture of India, Bima temple also has a gate that looks to the east, while other temples on the plateau looks toward the west. It is believed that this site was a holy site, or a point of contact with the immortals. That's why, propagators of Hinduism from India built a spiritual center at this location.

DWARAWATI TEMPLE
Kelompok Candi Dwarawati terletak paling diantara Candi-candi Dieng, didirikan di lereng bukit Perahu. Di lokasi ini dahulu terdapat dua candi Dwarawati dan Parikesit dan pernah di restorasi, Tahun 1955 dan Tahun 1980. Candi Dwarawati mempunyai denah berukuran 5,3 m X 5,3 m. Candi ini mirip dengan Candi Gatotkaca. Lokasinya berjarak 1 Km dari kawasan Candi Arjuna