Sights of Jogja

Two things seems to be ubiquitous in South East Asia: rice fields and motorcycles.  In this Indonesia is no exception.  But the most famous site near Jogja has to be Borobudur.  Built in the 9th century, it is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.  I visited it the first time I was in Jogja, but not this time.  

The areas around Jogja are very intensively farmed.  The rice fields cover every inch of space. 

Out in the countryside, we passed by a monument in the shape of a pencil, said to be erected in a campaign for literacy.  

Motorcycles are, of course, everywhere.  They carry a lot of staff, just like everywhere else.  

The carrying baskets, however, are the best constructed.  

Indonesia is predominately Muslim.  Only roughly 10% of the population of Indonesia are Christians (7% Protestant and 3% Catholic).  But that amounts to 24 million, or the total population of Australia.  Hence churches are fairly common sights.  

Roughly 1.2% of the population are ethnic Chinese.  That is 2.8 million, the size of Jamaica or Lithuania.  Many of the Chinese are also Christians.  

At Pasar Beringharjo, a traditional market on Malioboro, there is all kind of stuff, clothing, food, herbs, …, medicine for diabetics, …

At Alun-Alun Lor, a park surrounded by Alun-Alun Utara, there is a statue of General Sudirman, a national hero who fought to end Japanese occupation during the Second World War, and the subsequent fight for independence.  

The horse drawn carriages along Malioboro are popular. 

This is a vibrant place, with a very diverse culture.