Since the 7th century, there was a lot of Kingdoms that emerged in Central Java. Kalingga Buddha Kingdom of Jepara, ruled by Queen Shima emerged in 674.

Indonesia was colonialized by the dutch in its early stages of existance. The colonization was done by the Dutch , which lasted for about 350 years (ended on March 9, 1942). After the colonialization of the Dutch, The Japanese  alternated in occupying  Indonesia for 3,5 years.  On the 17th of August, 1945 the Indonesian people proclaimed their independence to the world. Central Java territory is administratively a province, which was established under the law No. 10/1950.

History oozes from every corner of Central Java, an area rich in a culture and tradition cumulated from a powerful Hindu and Buddhist past and more recent Islamic influences. Under the Sailendra and old Mataram kings, the Hindu Javanese culture flourished between the 8th and 10th centuries. It was during this pinnacle of power that Java’s most remarkable religious monuments were built; Borobudur, the biggest and most magnificent monument to Mahayana Buddhism in the world; the enormous Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, dedicated to Shiva and built by the rulers of the Sanjaya Dynasty, and the ancient site of the oldest Hindu temples in Java on the magnificent, heights of the Dieng Plateau. All of these and more are testimonies of the ancient power and influence of the region. The first Islamic kingdom in Java, Demak, saw its beginnings in 1511, not far from the capital of Central Java, Semarang. Here one can find one of the province’s greatest Islamic structures, the Grand Mosque of Demak, which has said to be built in a single night by one of the nine early leaders of Islam in Java. Symbolic of the way the new faith was introduced, the mosque displays a curious combination of Islamic and Hindu architectural influences and is still revered and worshipped in by Javanese pilgrims who regularly visit the area.

Surakarta, better known as Solo, is the cradle of Javanese culture in the province. The courts of Solo illustrate the noble value that the Javanese attach to grace and refinement, with majestic ceremonies and royal festivals still held with great pomp and circumstance. Although no longer the seats of power they once were, the courts of Solo are still regarded as the bearers of values, which the Javanese have treasured for generations. Descendants of the royal houses are regarded as leaders of Javanese culture and traditions, which uphold standards of sophistication and bearing.

Two major seaports are also to be noted, providing national and international outlets for the province’s agricultural and industrial products; Tanjung Emas on the northern coast on the Java Sea, and Cilacap, a natural ocean port in the Indian Ocean, in the southern part of the province.

CENTRAL JAVA : PLACES OF INTEREST

Borobudur Temple
The name “Borobudur” is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words “Vihara Buddha Uhr” The Buddhist Monastery on the hill. The Borobudur Temp,le was build in the height century by the Cailendra dynasty and is located at Magelang 90 km southeast of Semarang 0r 42 km northwest of Yogyakarta. Visitor have the option of going by taxi or public bus to reach this temple. One of the world’s most famous temples, it stand majestically on a hillock overlooking lush green field and distant hills.
Borobudur is built of grey andesite stone. It rises to seven terrace, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. It is said that the stones of Borubudur are joint together using only human strength and is pasted by the fluid of eggwhites.

Mendut Temple
Located only three kilometer’s from Borobudur, Mendut is said to face toward Benares, India, where Buddha Gautama taught his five disclipes the very first time. The smaller temples of Mendut , which houses the great statue of Buddha and the Pawon temple, from an integral part of the Borobudur complex. The three meter tall Buddha together with the two Bodhisatva figures of Lokesvara and Vajrapani are in the view of some expert, among the greatest manifestations of Buddhist through and art. Throughout these smaller temple complexes the pilgrim must pass before ascending the great Borobudur monument.

Semarang
In size and inhabitants, semarang falls under the five major cities in the nation. it is situated on Java’s normally flat northern coast and appropriately called the capital of the Central Java as it lies just about halfway between the two extreme coast of the island. Indeed, few cities in the country have got hills and mountains so clearly visible from their seaports. In fact, mostly residential, Candi is a hills within Semarang’s perimeter from where breathtaking panoramas on all directions can be witnessed: the port, the lowlands and green paddy fields, the city itself and the numerous mountains. The proximately of the this beauty promises adventurous car trips out of Semarang offering your memorable experiences and to be back in the city before dark.

Solo
A medium size city with a lively character, Solo is also called the city that never sleeps. From the evening throughout the whole night one can always find something to eat to buy, as vendors of all kinds as well as small footstools remain active and open 24 hours. Home of two royal houses with centuries of power and influence over the city, Solo today remains distinctly Central Javanese with an elegance of its own. It is one of the major centres of the batik cloths and other Javanese fabrics, whereas souvenir hunters may find exquisite objects and very ornate trinkets and other decorative items. Those interested in old Javanese culture and art should not miss Solo on their itinerary, as the royal palaces including relics of all sorts will be all yours to witness.

Kudus
Kudus, about halfway between Jepara and Semarang, could by taken in on the same trip, as well as Demak. So, Kudus and Demak are two towns having the same directions as to Jepara, and both have historical significance. Kudus has the Minaret Mosque which was build in the 15th century, whereas Demak has the oldest mosque in Central Java, both of them very interesting structures from the architecture point of view.

Jepara
Jepara, northeast of Semarang, is a town with white sandy beaches around it, and is also famous for its wood carving Industry. Most artist of this sophisticated art came from around this area. It is also the birthplaces of Indonesia’s heroine of the national women’s liberation movement.
An ancient Portuguese fort can be found to the east of Jepara town. Jepara offers many sights and curiosities worthy of seeing.

Dieng Plateau

Approximately 100 km from Borobudur temple is the marshy Dieng Plateau. The word Dieng itself means “abode of the gods”. Here are found some of oldest Hindu temples of Java. These small monuments which are not more than 50 feet high stand on a crater floor maids sulphurous fumes and shrugged majesty, underlined by the presence of a few of the starkest Shivaite temples at an elevation of more than 6.000 feet, is impressive. The road to the Dieng Plateau passes through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.

Tawangmangu
Located 40 km east of Solo, Tawangmangu lies on the slope of Mount Lawu  at an elevation of 1300 m above sea level. The recreational resort offers fiesh weather, scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels and restaurant. Enjoy the beautiful mounty scenary and fresh green environment while relaxing in this fine place of nature.

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