Bengawan Solo River

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A. Overview

Bengawan Solo is the longest river in the island of Java. From its source in Pegunungan Kidul, Wonogiri, the river flows for 548,533 km through two administrative provinces, Central Java and East Java. The stream passes through the districts of Wonogiri, Pacitan, Sukoharjo, Klaten, Solo, Sragen, Ngawi, Blora, Bojonegoro, Tuban, and Lamongan before finally flowing into the sea in Gresik.

Scientific study has revealed that around four million years ago, Bengawan Solo River had its estuary in the Gunung Kidul District, at Sadeng Beach. However, there was a tectonic plate motion in Australia that caused it to collide with the bottom of Java, raising the southern side of the island and shifting the estuary to the north (Gresik). The ancient course of Bengawan Solo River can still be seen in Gunung Kidul, despite having long dried out and leaving only limestone and corals.

A long time ago, people inhabited the areas along the course of the River. Fossil evidence has been found in the village of Trinil, around 11 km from Ngawi Regency, East Java. A Dutch researcher, Eugene Dubois, named the fossils Pithecanthropus Erectus in 1891. Fossils discovered in the villages of Sangiran and Ngandong in Solo gave further evidence of the existence of other ancient peoples. These fossils are named Meganthropus Palaeojavanicus and Homo Soloensis by Van Koeningswald, who found them circa 1931-1934 and in 1941 in close proximity of the river. Based on these discoveries, it appears that Bengawan Solo River has been a source of life for creatures around it for thousands of years.

The river on which creatures of both upstream and downstream areas depend their life has been made famous through the song “Bengawan Solo” by Gesang. This song has made the river popular throughout Indonesia. Local and international tourists have been visiting this river in increasing numbers, attracted by its beauty and history.

The river is also popularized by the story of Joko Tingkir – the first ruler of the Pajang Sultanate, who as Sultan Hadiwijaya reigned from 1549 to 1582 – fighting crocodiles. According to popular belief, once upon a time Joko Tingkir was walking along Bengawan Solo River in a journey from Majasta (Sukoharjo Regency) to Gerompol Village on the slopes of Prawata Hill, in the eastern part of Demak Kingdom. Joko Tingkir made the journey in a bamboo boat. Onboard Joko Tingkir was attacked by some crocodiles which wanted to eat him. Joko Tingkir fought the crocodiles and eventually defeated them. Strangely later, the crocodiles helped Joko Tingkir by pushing his bamboo boat.

B. Features

Bengawan Solo River is a life source for people living along its stream. This river is also a tourist attraction due to the beautiful scenery. Big trees growing along the river banks, cliffs protruding into the centre of the river, and rice fields and green gardens around the river all contribute to the beautiful scenery of the river. Many visitors spend their vacation enjoying the beauty of the river on a rented boat. During the trip, visitors are able to see Elo trees growing in several areas along the river. According to popular belief, Elo tree has some uses and mystical values; if a person is lucky enough to see the flower of Elo tree, it could be a sign that they will one day be rich.

In addition to the beautiful scenery, visitors can also see an ancient shipwreck which sunk around three hundred years ago, in Trucuk, Bojonegoro District. This boat is 40 meters longand 8 meters wide, and used to belong to a Chinese merchant. It sunk when it was sailing towards Ngawi.

Bengawan Solo River is also known due to the annual tradition, Larung Getek Joko Tingkir. This tradition is practiced to re-enact Joko Tingkir’s journey down Bengawan Solo, and also to invite tourists. To attract visitors, Larung Getek Joko Tingkir re-enactment often uses actors to perform the Joko Tingkir story, including Dono (warkop), Wilidozen, Mamiek, Basuki and others. Unfortunately, some parts of the river have become too shallow to sail, and as the result the re-enactment can no longer be performed throughout the river stream. The journey starts from Langenharjo rest house in Sukoharjo, around nine kilometers from northern Majasta, covers about 30 kilometers and then ends in Butuh Village, Plupuh Sub-district, Sragen. This annual tradition is usually held in January, coinciding New Year celebration. This event is also held in Satwa Taru Jurug Solo Park, Surakarta in Shawal Month (Arabic calendar). Visitors can see this event for free.

C. Location

Bengawan Solo River passes through two administrative provinces, East Java and Central Java, Indonesia. If visitors want to enjoy the beauty of Bengawan Solo River and see the annual tradition ‘Larung Getek Joko Tingkir’, they can go to Satwa Taru Jurug Solo Park, Surakarta.

D. Access

Satwa Taru Jurug Solo Park is quite easy to reach by public transportation. There are many public transport facilities available to visitors travelling to the park: a bus station, a train station and even an airport. To get to Satwa Taru Jurug Solo Park, visitors can start the trip from Tirtonadi bus station, Balapan train station or Adi Sumarmo airport. If visitors start the trip from Balapan train station or Adi Sumarmo airport, Solo, visitors can get taxies or rent cars to get to Satwa Taru Jurug Solo Park.

E. Tickets

There is no particular charge for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Bengawan Solo River .

F. Accommodations and Facilities

Boatsare available for rentat Bengawan Solo River tourism office, at Rp 50,000 -100,000 per boat (December 2008). The tariff depends on the distance of the boat trip.

In this tourism area, there are several facilities such as mosque, gazebos, fishing kit rental, mat rental, a play ground and an entertainment stage during holiday. There are some food and drink stalls with affordable prices. For visitors who want to stay and enjoy the beauty of Bengawan Solo River at night, there are some hotels around the area.

Text: Junardi
Translation: Queenty Wulandari
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
(Primary data and various sources)

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If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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