Kotagede: The Heart of Javanese Heritage

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana dengan Anda?
  [ba-ik. ba-gai-ma-na den-gan an-da]
• Do you speak English?Apakah Anda bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah an-da bi-sa ber-ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [ber-a-pa har-gan-ya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa diturunkan harganya?
  [bi-sa di-tu-run-kan har-gan-ya]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [pu-kul ber-a-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/ada...?
  [di-ma-na a-da/a-da]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bus)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-tu-nya (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke)]

Kotagede, established in the late 16th century, served as the first capital of the Mataram Kingdom. This kingdom played a pivotal role in shaping Javanese culture and politics. The area became a center for trade and diplomacy, bustling with merchants and scholars, and laid the foundation for the rich cultural tapestry of Yogyakarta.

Kotagede is renowned for its traditional Javanese architecture and intricate silver craftsmanship. The neighborhood's distinctive mosques and royal tombs, built during the Mataram period, showcase a blend of Islamic and Javanese architectural elements. The silver industry flourished here, with local artisans creating exquisite pieces that continue to attract visitors and collectors.

During the Dutch colonial period, Kotagede faced significant changes. The Dutch sought to exert control over the region, which led to the decline of the Mataram Kingdom's influence. Nevertheless, the cultural practices and traditions established during this time persisted, contributing to the rich heritage that is evident in the neighborhood today.

In the early 20th century, Kotagede became an important site for the Indonesian National Movement. Local intellectuals and activists gathered to discuss ideas of independence and nationalism. This period saw the emergence of a sense of identity among the Javanese people, contributing to the broader struggle for independence from colonial rule.

Today, Kotagede is recognized for its efforts in preserving its cultural heritage. The local government and communities actively promote traditional crafts, architecture, and cultural festivals, making it a vibrant neighborhood that reflects the historical and cultural legacy of Yogyakarta. It has become a focal point for cultural tourism, attracting visitors interested in the rich history of the area.

Kotagede is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Yogyakarta. From the city center, you can take a taxi or an online ride-hailing service, which takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, public buses (Trans Jogja) offer a more economical option, with routes connecting to Kotagede. Look for route 1A or 1B, which stops near the main attractions in Kotagede.

Kotagede is best explored on foot, as many of its historical sites and attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, you can rent a bicycle from local shops or use a local ojek (motorcycle taxi) for a quicker option. Be aware that public transportation options like buses may be limited within the neighborhood.

Kotagede is generally safe for tourists; however, it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly near busy markets like Pasar Kotagede. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, and keep your belongings secure at all times.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 118 for ambulance services. Local hospitals, such as RSUD Kota Yogyakarta, are equipped to handle medical emergencies. It is recommended to carry travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout Kotagede.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or local homes. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; remove your shoes before entering homes or places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Selamat Pagi' (Good Morning). Don't initiate physical contact unless you are familiar with the person. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like bakmi Jawa and soto. Don’t refuse food or drink offered to you, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Kotagede like a local, visit the traditional markets early in the morning for fresh produce and local snacks. Engage with local artisans and learn about the silver crafting that Kotagede is famous for. Attend a Javanese gamelan performance if possible, and explore the quiet streets to discover hidden historical sites that are often overlooked by tourists.