VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta - Voice of Indonesia. Yogyakarta’s oldest city Kota Gede was named as one of the most beautiful towns in Asia by CNN International.

Kota Gede, known for its silverworks, was where the Mataram Kingdom lies back in the 15^th century. Mataram Sultanate was the last kingdom before the Dutch came to Java.

CNN International applauded the palatial homes, which were built in Kalang style-mix of Dutch and Javanese structural elements.

In Kota Gede, travelers can visit the Prambanan Temple, which is a UNESCO’s listed landmark, and the timeless Borobudur Temple.

There are also natural spectacles to see, including the Parangkusumo sand dunes, Jomblang cave, and beaches.

Other tourism sites not to miss are the 17th-century Kotagede Mosque and Imogiri Graveyard.

Travelers can also walk and shop along Jalan Kemasan. The street is filled with boutiques, galleries, and antique stores.

Achmad Charris Zubair, one of Kota Gede’s local figure and Cultural Reserve Activist said that one of the reasons why Kota Gede was named as picturesque, was because of the tri-period architecture.

In the 16^th century, the city was filled with Sutawijaya’s palace, mosque, and other Hindu style buildings. Then the 17^th and the 18^th when Sultan Agung changed Kota Gede from capital city and kingdom, but as a regular city. This causes the penetration of Java-style buildings.

“So there are Java-style houses built in 17^th up to the 18^th century,” he said, as reported by Tempo on Dec. 4, 2019.

The third period is the early 20^th century, where Kota Gede experience an economic boom. People are started to sell and trade diamonds, fabrics, silver, and other materials.

“This period birthed big and luxurious Indische-style houses. I think these are the factors why architecture is the biggest reason why Kota Gede become the most beautiful city,” Zubair said.

“Of course we appreciate the title. Even though we as locals did not realize the beauty, the city is one of the most comfortable among others,” Zubair said.

Dian Lakshmi Pratiwi, head of the cultural heritage maintenance and development at the Cultural Affairs Department in Yogyakarta, expressed her appreciation for the founders and the people of Kotagede.

"Congratulations to the people of Kotagede. Its current existence is able to position itself as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, which is a testament to the ability and willingness of the people of Kotagede to preserve their heritage amid the dynamics of urban development and the times," Dian said.

CNN International’s list of 13 most beautiful cities in Asia also includes Hoi An, Vietnam; Yufuin, Japan; George Town, Malaysia; City of Vigan, Philippines; Luang Prabang, Laos; Kampot, Cambodia; Galle, Sri Lanka; Zhouzhang, China; Mawlynnong, India; Gandruk, Nepal; Sai Kung, Hong Kong; and Phuket Town, Thailand. (VOI)

The Head of the Maintenance and Development of the Cultural Heritage of the DIY Cultural Service, Dian Lakshmi Pratiwi, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the founders and the people of Kotagede, past and present. "Congratulations to the people of Kotagede. Its current existence is able to position itself as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, which is a testament to the ability and willingness of the people of Kotagede to preserve their heritage amid the dynamics of urban development and the times, "said Dian.