Cultural Trip
City Tour 1 in Semarang
Museum Ranggawarsita
Museum Ranggawarsita is a state-owned museum located in Semarang, Central Java. Named after Raden Ngabehi Ranggawarsita, a renowned 19th-century Javanese poet and philosopher, the museum aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Central Java. Established in 1983, it serves as an educational and historical center featuring a vast collection spread across several exhibition halls. The museum is divided into four main buildings, each with its thematic focus: geology, archaeology, ethnography, history, and arts. Notable displays include fossils, traditional weapons, wayang puppets, batik textiles, ancient inscriptions, and relics from the Hindu-Buddhist era to the Dutch colonial period. The museum plays a vital role in introducing both locals and tourists to the diverse cultural and historical legacy of the region.
Lawang Sewu
Lawang Sewu, meaning “Thousand Doors” in Javanese, is a historic building in the heart of Semarang, Central Java. The name comes from its numerous doors and arched windows, which give the illusion of having a thousand entrances. Built in 1904 by the Dutch colonial railway company, Nederlands-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS), it served as the company’s headquarters. The building is an outstanding example of Dutch colonial architecture, incorporating both European and Javanese elements. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, Lawang Sewu was repurposed as a military headquarters and prison. It is said to be haunted, contributing to its mystique and popularity as a tourist attraction. Today, Lawang Sewu is preserved as a cultural heritage site and museum, showcasing exhibits related to Indonesia’s railway history and colonial past.
Pawai Ogoh-Ogoh
Pawai Ogoh-Ogoh is a vibrant and deeply symbolic cultural parade held annually in Bali on the eve of Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence and Hindu New Year. The term “Ogoh-Ogoh” refers to large, demonic statues made primarily from bamboo and paper-mâché, often depicting fearsome creatures or mythological beings representing evil and spiritual impurities. These effigies are created by local communities, especially youth groups, in the weeks leading up to the parade. On the night before Nyepi, the statues are carried through the streets in a festive procession, accompanied by traditional music, dance, and ritual performances. At the end of the parade, the Ogoh-Ogoh are usually burned in a cleansing ritual, symbolizing the purification of the environment and the self from negative elements. The event reflects Bali’s rich artistic culture and spiritual traditions, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists alike.
City Tour 2
Candi Gedong Songo
Candi Gedong Songo is a group of ancient Hindu temples located on the slopes of Mount Ungaran, near Ambarawa in Central Java. The name “Gedong Songo” means “Nine Buildings” in Javanese, referring to the nine temples scattered across the hills. These temples were built in the 8th and 9th centuries during the reign of the Sanjaya Dynasty of the Old Mataram Kingdom. The temples are dedicated to Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma and reflect early Central Javanese Hindu architecture with strong Indian influences. Situated at an altitude of around 1,200 meters, the site offers panoramic views, cool mountain air, and natural hot springs, making it a popular destination for both spiritual and recreational visits. Archaeologically significant, Gedong Songo provides insights into the religious life and architectural achievements of early Javanese civilizations.
City Tour 3 in Solo City
Pura Mangkunegaran
Pura Mangkunegaran is a royal palace located in the city of Surakarta (Solo), Central Java. It serves as the residence of the Mangkunegaran royal family and was established in 1757 by Raden Mas Said, also known as Mangkunegara I. This was after a political settlement between the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the Yogyakarta Sultanate, and the Surakarta Sunanate, leading to the creation of the independent Mangkunegaran principality. The palace, or “pura,” blends traditional Javanese palace architecture with European influences, reflecting the hybrid cultural identity of the court. It features a grand pendopo (open pavilion), audience halls, art galleries, and a museum that houses royal heirlooms, gamelan instruments, antique furniture, and classical Javanese manuscripts. The Mangkunegaran Palace remains an important cultural center, preserving the traditions of classical Javanese dance, music, and philosophy.
Keris Nusantara
The Keris Nusantara refers to the traditional dagger (keris) that is found throughout the Indonesian archipelago, particularly in Java, Bali, Madura, and Sumatra. A keris is characterized by its distinctive wavy blade, often made from a combination of iron and nickel, and is regarded as both a weapon and a spiritual object. The creation of a keris involves intricate craftsmanship, and each piece is considered unique, often imbued with symbolic or mystical significance. Historically, keris were worn by warriors, nobility, and spiritual leaders, and they served as status symbols, talismans, and heirlooms. The keris also plays a role in various traditional ceremonies and dances. The artistry of keris-making was recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The keris is not just a weapon, but a symbol of identity, culture, and spiritual depth across the diverse ethnic groups of Indonesia.
Other Activities
Batik Making
We had the opportunity to participate in a batik-making activity at UNISSULA, together with European students. It was a meaningful cultural exchange, as we learned not only about the technique but also about the deep cultural values behind this Indonesian art form. Working side by side with students from different backgrounds made the experience more enriching and memorable.
Batik making is a traditional Indonesian art of dyeing cloth using wax-resist techniques. It involves applying molten wax to fabric in intricate patterns, then dyeing the cloth so that the wax-covered areas resist the dye. After dyeing, the wax is removed, revealing the final design. This process can be repeated with different colors to create complex patterns. Batik has deep cultural significance and is often used in ceremonies, traditional attire, and daily clothing. Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009, batik reflects Indonesia's artistic richness, especially in regions like Yogyakarta, Solo, and Pekalongan.
Museum Kota Lama
Museum Kota Lama is located in the Kota Lama (Old Town) area of Semarang, Central Java, which is known for its rich colonial heritage. The museum showcases the history and transformation of the Kota Lama district, which was once a Dutch trading hub during the colonial era. The building itself reflects classic European architecture. Inside, visitors can explore historical photographs, maps, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that highlight Semarang’s urban and cultural development over time. It aims to educate the public about the legacy of the city and preserve its historical identity.