The Yogyakarta Presidential Palace is a vast 19th-century complex comprising 26 buildings and elaborate grounds, with ornate and majestic statues. The site often hosts exhibits chronicling the history of the building and the city. Take a guided tour of the palace and its surrounding structures for a comprehensive understanding of its place in Yogyakarta’s culture and history.
Admire the elegant architecture of the main building, which is known as the Gedung Induk. Enter it to see the principal room that functioned as a welcome area to state guests. Imagine the important meetings that took place here between heads of states.
The main house contains the impressive Sono Art Complex, which regularly puts on art exhibits. Watch cultural performances and inspect the artistic pieces on display.
Wander through the courtyard and marvel at the 6.6-foot (2-meter) statues of Dwarapala, a guardian warrior popular in Hindu, Buddhist and Java cultures. See other sculptures and consider their symbolic and religious significance. Thick and leafy trees cast shade over the pleasant grounds of the garden.
The complex also has a room dedicated to a former commander and his battle against the Dutch colonizers. It is the location where the commander asked permission from the president to launch a guerrilla war against the Netherlands. Explore the Diponegoro Room, which contains a painting of its namesake prince.
Reach the southern side of the main building to view the bedrooms of the president and his family. The vice president and his family sleep on the opposite side of the building.
There is a fee to enter the complex, which opens Monday through Saturday from morning until afternoon. It is closed on public holidays and Sundays.
The Yogyakarta Presidential Palace is in the Gondomanan District in the central part of the city. Ride the Trans Jogja or one of the other bus lines to arrive here. Taxis and horse carts are among the other modes of transport to reach the palace complex.
