How long have you been in your city? Twenty years? Thirty years? Do you know the whereabouts of the oldest post office in the city, the first market in the city, or what it was like in the city thirty years ago? I can't imagine much of this, and I think neither can many of the people in my city.
The most common 'heritage trail' in Yogyakarta would take you to the Kraton sultanate and the historical Prambanan temple. Photo courtesy MGallery.
In times of stress, when city life bores you to the bone, going to the mall is a routine that might no longer be refreshing. So as a treat, try a one day trip in your city and explore historical buildings and find out about their past. It will be a surprise, as you'll find new knowledge to be shared with your friends, a new kind experience you will not find in any mall.
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 The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta offers a heritage inspired stay (as this gamelan player sits near the atrium) and caters to inspiring tours to Prambanan and Borobudur. |
It is often thought that history is past, antiquated, and just for the old, unable to attract the masses of young people. But recently, history has gained popularity among the young. Movements to treasure national heritage sites have been generated by many city-dwellers in Indonesia. The antiquity and authenticity of our national heritage is a huge magnet that attracts young people into exploring. Communities of historical interest have sprung up in many forms. There are communities who care for old buildings, old Indonesian culinary heritage, friends of the museums, and so on.
As a result, heritage tourism as an activity is becoming increasingly popular. Efforts by many historical communities are what started to develop the concept of heritage tourism. At least, young people have been awakened and are beginning to appreciate national heritage treasure preservation. It is a sort of education combined with recreation. However, many things should be done that require cooperation from many stakeholders; the government, the business community, and the general public.
One instance of heritage tourism is a historical trail called the 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire) walking trail, which refers to the historical time of a fiery struggle against Dutch colonial occupation in Indonesia. This historic trail is being promoted by Bandung Trails, the city's leading heritage tour and event organizer, which also has many programs to commemorate the city of Bandung's anniversary. Other than just looking around or window-shopping in this city, it's a better idea to explore the many historical buildings and through the history of this city, which has many things of national and international significance, and get a better glimpse of what its all about. To name a few things, this city ranks ninth in the world for its number of buildings with the art deco architectural style. Indeed, an interesting city to visit for lovers of old buildings.
Efforts to sustain cultural heritage is also flourishing in Jogjakarta. The Jogja Heritage Society for instance has conducted an event called the Jogjakarta Heritage Exploration, which has called for young peoples participation. Not only conducting tours, the society also involves the local community, such as cooperating with the Njeron Beteng Heritage Trail, which produces a guide map and interactive CD with the involvement of the local community. This community is progressing and hopes to involve more thematic heritage areas, such as visitations to many of the obscure temples scattered around Jogjakarta. For communicative purposes, this community produces regular newsletters.
Another interesting program is a trip to ramble through Kota Gede, which was started in 1998. The heritage community here has conducted a village art and culinary heritage inventory that is funded by the World Bank. Kota Gede itself is famous as a remnant of the old Javenese kingdom Mataram, where Kota Gede was once its capital.
In Jakarta, heritage preservation has also grown rapidly. One active community is The Community Who Cares for Indonesian History and Culture (KPSBI), usually just named the Historia community. This community has thousands of members from all walks of life, from students to housewives, local historians to expatriates. This community has vigorously spread the care-virus for history and cultural heritage. One effort is the Jakarta Trail Program, whose aim is to explore historical sites in and around Jakarta. Although the main activity is a city tour, throughout the journey participants will gain heritage knowledge from historical references and guidance.
Other cities in Indonesia are now also starting to develop their own heritage societies. In Surakarta, the local government has enacted a Heritage Law that tries to preserve any historical buildings or other culturally important buildings whose age exceeds fifty years. Through this government initiative, it is hoped that there will be more historic buildings left for the young generation, in order for them to cherish the cultural significance far in the future.
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Through these heritage communities, community awareness to treasure national history in a fun way will be developed. Traveling to historical places is now considered to be just as cool as hanging out and shopping in the mall.
It is regrettable that Bali as a world-renowned tourist destination has little appreciation for this heritage preservation. Tourism development in Bali has been focused on panoramic views and cultural events, while historic and cultural heritage has been subjected to change due to renovation, even modernization. The old building of Puri Agung Karangasem for instance, is the only old palace left in Bali whose interior has been changed due to renovation. Many Dutch Colonial buildings in Singaraja have also been changed, and many have even been demolished and replaced with modern structures. The Badung market, the oldest market in Bali, has also been renovated to conform to modernization. Now we can only see that Bali tries to emphasize its beauty through modernization, and to a lesser extent through eco and cultural tourism, but is neglecting heritage preservation. Tourism communities should be aware that heritage tourism is also a potentially important aspect of tourism sustainability in Bali.
Several months ago, Accor added its new high end MGallery label to Indonesia, after the repositioning of the Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta (formerly Grand Mercure Yogyakarta). The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta thus became the second MGallery in Asia following the opening earlier this month of the Vie Hotel Bangkok. MGallery is a small collection of highly distinctive, upscale hotels that have an exceptional personality through one or more of four principal elements: Vision, Design, History or Location. Today there are 19 MGallery hotels on 5 continents.
And speaking of heritage, Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta has been selected to join MGallery thanks to its remarkable history aspects and refinement.
Elegantly set in the heart of Yogyakarta, close to the famous Jalan Malioboro and the palace of Yogyakarta Sultanate, the majestic building of The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta dates back to the early 1900s. The setting of the hotel captures the colonial essence enriched with the elegance of Javanese and Chinese decorative features. The ambience is representing a feeling of classical bygone era wrapped in contemporary comfort, an ideal setting for discerning travelers.
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta has launched the "Borobudur City Experience" package for a limited period through June 30. Priced at USD 180 (inclusive of service tax), this offer includes one night stay in a Deluxe room, airport transfers, breakfast, half day visit to the legendary Borobudur temple, car rental and set dinner for 2 persons at its Paprika restaurant.
So when in Yogyakarta, you might want to go for a more 'heritage feel' and add an interesting and memorable highlight to your stay.
Text by Inggit Angela - www.balianbeyond.co.id
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