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The Beauty of Sojiwan Temple Tourism and Its History

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Sojiwan Temple Tourism: Perhaps not many people have heard of it, especially when asked where it is located. Indeed, Sojiwan Temple is not as well-known as Prambanan Temple, let alone Borobudur Temple. It's actually not far from Prambanan Temple, taking perhaps half an hour on foot. Recently restored in 2011, this temple is relatively new compared to the other temples. What's most striking about this temple is its similar shape to Prambanan: tall with a pyramid-like structure on top, but the upper part of the temple consists of stupas similar to those at Borobudur. It could be said that this temple is like a "marriage" between Prambanan and Borobudur. This temple is situated within a fairly extensive complex with beautiful, well-maintained gardens. It turns out that this complex was only inaugurated after being restored in December 2011 by the Minister of Education and Culture, Mohammad Nuh. Initially, this temple was only a half-finished structure that looked like a ...
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Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

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Ponggok Village, located in Klaten Regency, Indonesia, has a long history dating back over 100 years. In the 1920s, the village was known for its industrial activity, thanks to the presence of the Ponggok Sugar Factory. This factory, along with other sugar factories in the area, brought many Dutch families to live in Ponggok as employees. The village was administratively part of the Ponggok Kawedanan at that time.

Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

However, the economic and socio-political crises of the 1930s, as well as Indonesia's struggle for independence, led to the closure of the sugar factories, including the Ponggok Sugar Factory. Today, one of the remnants of this former industrial glory is Umbul Ponggok.

Umbul Ponggok was originally a spring that was transformed into a water reservoir to supply the operational needs of the Ponggok Sugar Factory and the Karanganom Sugar Factory. It also served as irrigation for the nearby sugar cane plantations.

Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

Despite the closure of the factories, the Ponggok water reservoir continues to function as a source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations. The local community often refers to it as Umbul Ponggok, as the water source originates from a natural spring of good quality, providing drinking water to the residents.

For tourists visiting Klaten Regency, a visit to Umbul Ponggok is highly recommended. This picturesque spot was endorsed by Indonesian President Joko Widowo in 2018. Umbul Ponggok offers various activities for tourists, the most popular being taking pictures with the fish and unique props available on-site.

Umbul Ponggok, Klaten Artificial Snorkeling Feels Like the Beach

What sets Umbul Ponggok apart from other swimming pools is its direct access to the spring water. The pool's bottom is covered with sand, corals, and a variety of fish. Despite the presence of fish, the water in Umbul Ponggok remains fresh due to the continuous flow of the spring water. Visitors can explore several intriguing photo spots within the pond.

In addition to photography opportunities, visitors can also engage in snorkeling and diving activities at Umbul Ponggok. The attraction provides rental equipment for those who do not possess their own. Snorkelers can rent buoyancy aids, flippers, and special masks. For diving enthusiasts, oxygen cylinders, flippers, wet suits, and diving goggles are available for rent. Divers can encounter various fish species, including goldfish, pomfret, koi, and other ornamental fish, as they explore the underwater world of Umbul Ponggok.

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Lumbung Temple, an Ancient Mataram Heritage in Prambanan, Klaten

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Lumbung Temple is a temple located in the Prambanan area, precisely in Dukuh Bener, Bugisan Village, Prambanan District, Klaten Regency, Central Java. This temple is one of the temples included in the Prambanan World Heritage Area. Lumbung Temple is a Buddhist temple that is estimated to have been made around the 9th to 10th century, precisely when it was still ruled by the Ancient Mataram kingdom. Lumbung Temple is a temple that is not much different or related to Sewu Temple. This is known from the shape of the ancillary temples that are similar to the ancillary temples in Sewu, namely the stupa-shaped roof. This also shows that Lumbung Temple has a Buddhist temple background. The name Lumbung itself is still unclear. The name is a term used by the surrounding community because of its shape that resembles a lumbung (rice storage building). Near the Lumbung Temple, an inscription known as the Kelurak Inscription was found. According to Boechari, an epigrapher, this inscription is rela...
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Getting to Know Padusan, a Unique Tradition of Javanese People Welcoming Ramadan

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The tradition of Padusan before Ramadan is an ancestral heritage that is still carried out by the Javanese community. Padusan was practiced by the community before Islam entered Java. During the Majapahit Kingdom, knights, poets, brahmins and masters often performed padusan to purify themselves. The tradition has survived until now, thanks to the role of Wali Songo who preached with a cultural approach. In general, the meaning of padusan is a bathing tradition that is usually carried out before Ramadan by Javanese people. However, to understand further what is padusan and how to read the padusan intention and the procedure for doing it? What is Padusan? According to Retno Widyastutik's research in the publication of Surakarta State University (UNS), padusan comes from the word adus which means bathing. The padusan tradition is carried out the day before Ramadan, precisely from noon to evening. When carrying out the padusan tradition, Javanese people will generally bathe or soak in ...
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Umbul Nilo Klaten: Traces of Ancient Civilizations and the Story of Natural Dyeing Plants

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Umbul Nilo in Margosuko Hamlet, Daleman Village, Tulung Subdistrict is one of the oldest of the many spring water tourism destinations in Klaten Regency. Traces of ancient civilization are still found in the tourist area today, what is it? A Yoni stone with a width of about 80 centimeters was found once passing through the main entrance. The artifact of the Hindu-Buddhist period of the 8th-9th century AD made of andesite stone is still well preserved. On the east side, precisely under the taproot of an old Randu Alas tree, a smaller Yoni was also found. Chunks of ancient bricks 8-10 centimeters thick are still scattered around. Under the banyan, spreh, randu alas, mahogany and other old trees, the clear spring water will welcome you. Large andesite rocks can still be seen in the vicinity.  There are four pools in the tourist area but the main umbul is an adult pool with a natural look. In addition, there are two artificial children's pools and one pool with modern architecture on ...
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