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

Every corner, every wall, is full of graffitti

Even the ruins are not spared

Even the ruins are not spared

Every corner, every wall, is full of graffitti

Every corner, every wall, is full of graffitti

Comic characters make their presence felt too

Comic characters make their presence felt too

Political statements are also not far behind

Political statements are also not far behind

Naughty ones as well

Naughty ones as well

28.jpg
Some are just too pretty

Some are just too pretty

Abstract versions for modern art lovers

Abstract versions for modern art lovers

Probably the most artistic landfill ever

Probably the most artistic landfill ever

31.jpg
40.jpg
A unique initiative

A unique initiative

45.jpg
47.JPG
49.JPG
Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist temple near Yogyakarta dating back to the 9th century, a UNESCO world heritage site

Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist temple near Yogyakarta dating back to the 9th century, a UNESCO world heritage site

59.jpg
60.jpg
64.jpg
A local guide explaining Buddha's eighth-fold path to Nirvana signified by the temple complex

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 th…

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.

80.jpg
Prambanan Hindu temple complex near Yogyakarta; a 9th century UNESCO world heritage site

Prambanan Hindu temple complex near Yogyakarta; a 9th century UNESCO world heritage site

100.jpg
Restoration works at Prambanan

Restoration works at Prambanan

The Hindu epic Ramayana being performed at the open-air stage inside the Prambanan temple complex

The Hindu epic Ramayana being performed at the open-air stage inside the Prambanan temple complex

116.jpg