Imogiri Royal Cemetery Yogyakarta

The Imogiri is the royal graveyard in Yogyakarta that acts as the burial ground of the royal people in Java and Indonesia. The graveyard was built under the instructions of Sultan Agung of Mataram during 1640.

Structure of the Imogiri Royal Cemetery, Yogyakarta:

The huge cemetery complex can be separated into three parts, namely: Giriloyo, Banyosumurup and Imogiri. Among these three parts, the Giriloyo was the first to be built. Also each of these sections is a walled compound that again can be divided into three internal sections. The top section is called the Prabayasa, the middle section is named Kemangdhungan and the entrance yard is called the Srimanganti. The entire complex has been subjected to various refurbishments for many years. However, the construction is yet to recover from the massive damage that it suffered during the 2006 earthquake.

Significance of the Imogiri Royal Cemetery, Yogyakarta:

The graveyard is also a pilgrimage site on significant dates like on the New Year or the Satu Suro. The noteworthy graves in the complex are those of Sultan Agung of Mataram, Sultan of Yogyakarta Hamengkubuwono IX and Pakubuwana XII of Surakarta. The last grave is the most recent of all.

Other details: The tourists are supposed to wear traditional Javanese clothes when they enter the Imogiri Royal Cemetery and also pay a certain admission charge. The graveyard is almost saturated at present and has to be extended in order to continue the tradition in the future. The entire graveyard complex is situated on a beautiful hill and a peaceful and tranquil ambience pervades the atmosphere. The place is almost 12 kilometers away from the city of Yogyakarta.

The Imogiri Royal Cemetery is of great cultural and historical value. Many historians and research workers frequent the cemetery to know and explore the past. The surrounding areas are picturesque and a visit to the graveyard will really take you back to the ancient days.