The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks have been designated World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This determination was announced at the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting on September 18, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This designation makes the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta the 6th World Cultural Heritage from Indonesia having been recognized by UNESCO, after the Borobudur Temple Complex (1991), the Prambanan Temple Complex (1991), the Sangiran Prehistoric Site (1996), the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy (2012), and Ombilin Coal Mine, Sawahlunto (2019).

UNESCO selected the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta as a World Cultural Heritage based on several criteria. These include exchanging important values and ideas between various belief systems, such as animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam Sufism, and Western influences.

History of the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta

As explained on the kemendikbud.go.id page, the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta is an imaginary axis that stretches 6 km from North to South. The imaginary axis forms a straight line drawn from Panggung Krapyak (south), Yogyakarta Palace (center), and Tugu Pal Putih (Tugu Golong Gilig) or Tugu Yogyakarta (north).

However, as Sobat Parekraf knows, the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta is not just an imaginary line. This line has a spiritual side taken from Javanese conception. The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta was the idea of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I (1755).

At that time, Sultan Hamengku Buwono I built the city of Yogyakarta based on Javanese principles, which referred to the surrounding natural landscape. The main principle used as the basis for its development is "Hamemayu Hayuning Bawono", which means making Bawono (nature) hayu (beautiful) and rahayu (safe).

This concept was realized by creating an imaginary axis symbolizing harmony and balance in the relationship between humans and God, humans and humans, and humans and nature based on five elements: fire (dahana) from Mount Merapi, land (bantala) from the earth of Ngayogyakarta, water (tirta) from the South Sea, wind (maruta), and akasa (ether).

Photo: Tugu Yogyakarta which is an icon of the city of Yogyakarta (Shutterstock/Creativa Images)

The Meaning of the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta

The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta imaginary line depicts the journey of the human life cycle based on the "Sangkan Paraning Dumadi" conception. For example, the journey from Panggung Krapyak to the Yogyakarta Palace represents the concept of "sangkan" (origin) and the process of human maturation.

This is based on Panggung Krapyak, which signifies the beginning of birth. The journey from Panggung Krapyak towards the Yogyakarta Palace symbolizes the concept of "sangkaning dumadi": the human journey from being in the womb, growing up, until marriage, and having children.

On the other hand, the white color of the Tugu Yogyakarta symbolizes purity of heart. This makes the journey from Tugu Yogyakarta to the Yogyakarta Palace symbolize the human journey towards the Creator through the concept of "paraning".

Tourism in the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta

Known as a tourist city, it is unsurprising that there are many tourist attractions around the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta. This destination offers cultural and historical tourism experiences that are very interesting to explore.

For example, in the Southern area of the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta, Sobat Parekraf can visit Panggung Krapyak, Walls, Gates, and Fortifications (Plengkung Nirbaya, Plengkung Jagabaya, Plengkung Jagasura, and Plengkung Tarunasura; as well as Jokteng Kulon, Jokteng Lor, and Jokteng Wetan), Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace Complex and Alun-alun (South and North), Tamansari Complex, and Masjid Gede (Grand Mosque) Complex.

Meanwhile, in the northern area of the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta, Sobat Parekraf can start exploring the Beringharjo traditional market, the Kepatihan Complex, and Tugu Yogyakarta. We can do many activities there, such as strolling around, hunting for unique culinary delights, and buying local creative economy products as souvenirs.

Are you ready to explore Yogyakarta from a different perspective, Sob?

Cover: Illustration of the Yogyakarta cosmological axis (Grid)