Photo essay: Yogyakarta - the city of graffiti
Yogyakarta is the hub of Javanese culture in Indonesia, which has seamlessly integrated cultural traits of Hinduism and Buddhism, with Islam
Even though, the people of Java are mainly Muslims, they are very proud of their links with other cultures and religions. On top of it, the most striking feature of the city is the omnipresence of graffiti on almost every wall around the city, presenting a very liberal face of Indonesia. To quote the Lonely Planet, "Yogyakarta is where the Javanese language is at its purest, arts at their brightest and its traditions at their most visible."
Every corner, every wall, is full of graffitti
Even the ruins are not spared
Every corner, every wall, is full of graffitti
Comic characters make their presence felt too
Political statements are also not far behind
Naughty ones as well
Some are just too pretty
Abstract versions for modern art lovers
Probably the most artistic landfill ever
A unique initiative
Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist temple near Yogyakarta dating back to the 9th century, a UNESCO world heritage site
A local guide explaining Buddha's eighth-fold path to Nirvana signified by the temple complex
As the temple had gone through a series of earthquakes, lootings, and abandoment over centuries, massive restoration works were undertaken by the Indonesian government with help from UN agencies. If the original positions of the Buddha statues in the temple were not found, the statues were not put back, maintaining the sacredness of the original design.
Prambanan Hindu temple complex near Yogyakarta; a 9th century UNESCO world heritage site
Restoration works at Prambanan
The Hindu epic Ramayana being performed at the open-air stage inside the Prambanan temple complex