Indonesia Central Java Boyolali Regency
Mount Merapi
An active stratovolcano known for frequent eruptions, a prominent peak on the island famous for its fertile slopes and ash deposits.
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Mount Merapi, the so-called mountain of fire, punctuates the north of Yogyakarta and marks the spiritual heart of Java. The volcano's reach is so profound that a juru kunci, or caretaker, oversees ritual activities and the reverence of mountain spirits.
Stories abound of a sacred kingdom, the land of makhluk halus, residing within the domain of the volcano. So too does a palace of the spiritual kingdom, that of Empu Rama and Empu Permadi, where, according to legend, the spirits of departed Javanese live on, appearing to their descendants only in dreams.
tomas.d 3 years ago
Mount Merapi Guides
Tradition and Lore: Eight Intriguing Sites in Indonesia
tomas.d (Tom D) Whilst Indonesia has plenty to entice visitors, it is the hidden depths that often offer the most compelling allure. The depth and breadth of folklore and history mirror the cultural diversity across the archipelago, from the northern tip of Sumatra to West Papua’s border with Papua New Guinea, and indicate the influence of long-held customs. Magnify this across innumerable religions, languages, cultures and islands to have some idea of the myriad stories that only begin to scratch the surface of Indonesia’s mythology and teach lessons to those willing to learn. Here are eight such examples.