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YOGYAKARTA - INDONESIA
Yogyakarta is a sultanate in Indonesia, South
East Asia, Yogyakarta is located to the south of Jawa Tengah on the island
of Java.
History
Yogyakarta has a long history. It began when the Sultanate of Mataram Islam
ruled almost all of Java. It became an independent Sultanate when Mataram
Islam was split into two kingdoms.
The first Sultan of Yogyakarta was Prince
Mangkubumi who then changed his name to Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. When
Indonesia declared its independence, the Sultanate of Yogyakarta then under
the ruler Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, declared itself to be part of Indonesia.
Due to this declaration, Yogyakarta is granted the status of Daerah Istimewa
(Special Region), equal to a province. Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX became the
governor for life. The current ruler of Yogyakarta is Sultan Hamengkubuwono
X. Sultan Hamengkubuwono X was elected governor by the people of Yogyakarta
directly, defying the will of the central government to install somebody
else as governor.
Administration
Yogyakarta is subdivided into five districts (kabupaten). The districts are
(with the capital city in brackets):
Sleman (Sleman)
Yogyakarta City (Yogyakarta)
Bantul (Bantul)
Gunung Kidul (Wonosari)
Kulon Progo (Wates)
Arts
Yogyakarta is known for its silver work, leather puppets used for shadow
plays, and a dyeing technique known as Batik. It is also known for its vivid
contemporary art scene.
Tourism
Borobudur, a large Buddhist temple, is located 40 km north-west of
Yogyakarta.
Prambanan, a large Hindu temple, is located 18 km east of Yogyakarta.
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