Cemetery Artists and Cultural Giri Sapto

A. Overview

Perhaps no one ever imagined before, Elephant Hill, one of the hills in the hills Wukirsari, Imogiri, eventually became the cemetery of the artists. But, is not the case with Dr. (HC) RM. Sapto Hoedojo FRSA (Felloe Royal School of Art). Prominent artists born in Solo, February 6, 1925 has been dreaming of a tomb complex of artists since the 1980s, some twenty years before his death.

Besides regarded as a versatile artist (to cultivate the art of painting, batik, craft, to ceramic), Sapto also known by his ideas are controversial. Before the issue of grave mewacanakan artists, Sapto has encouraged the artists to set up cooperatives. Through cooperatives, Sapto hope the artists can be more prosperous. However, when inaugurated in 1985, the artist cooperative went bankrupt because of borrowing more than they save money.

The idea of the artist's tomb was not devoid of criticism. His colleagues and even fellow artists thought the idea crazy. Because, for the artists, the most important is how to sell his works. Problem tomb, of course a matter of days. But Sapto not budge. For Piek, greeting familiar Hoedojo Sapto, the reason is simple. If the hero memorabilia of his services, then the artist to be respected because of his work.

In addition there is a reject, there is also an artist who supports this idea. Affandi, the famous painter who was also a former in-laws at the time Piek, even had to register as prospective residents of the tomb. But unfortunately, when the maestro Indonesian painter died, he could not be buried in the tomb of the artist. Affandi, at the request of his wife Maryati (deceased), was buried in the Museum Affandi, 167 Jalan Laksda Adisutjipto, Sleman, Yogyakarta.

The idea of building a tomb complex of these artists into reality after Suryapamo KRT Hadiningrat, Regent of Bantul time, giving a plot of land in the hills Wukirsari to be grave. Areas adjacent to the Tomb of Kings of Mataram Imogiri later formalized as the "Tomb of Artists fragrances Nation" by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. However, not long ago Sapto Hoedojo then rename it to "Tomb of Artists and Cultural Giri Sapto", or commonly known as the Giri Sapto.

B. Privileges

Pilgrimage to the tomb of Artists and Cultural Sapto Giri is one way to remember the artists. In this place, where visitors can build a nostalgic, like the tourists who long for the figure of Shakespeare and then visit his tomb complex in the UK. In this grave site, visitors can witness the final resting homeland artists, especially those living in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas. These artists, some who pursue painting, the art of dance, music, too.

As a "work of art", the tomb complex of the program is quite unique. Tomb complex design follows the contour of the hill, tiered, and completed the composition of concrete steps. Entering the court of the tomb, the visitors will be greeted by a row of stairs with a semicircular gates. This was a monumental gate for fairly large size with a diameter of more than 10 meters. At the right end of the barrel looks great gate (for potted flowers) that serves as a decorative gate. In the northern part of the court of the tomb, there are grave Sapto Hoedojo cupola, the founder and initiator of this tomb. He died on September 3, 2003.

After a few dozen steps, the pilgrims will find a row of graves of the artists. One of them is a painting maestro Indonesia, H. Widayat. Artists who founded the museum in the region H Widayat Mungkid, Magelang died on June 22, 2002. In addition to painters, there are also grave leading dance artists from Yogyakarta, the KRT Sasmintadipura, who died on February 26, 1996. Romo Sas, so familiar calls, known as the Yogyakarta style dance masters. In addition to dancing and dance choreographer, she also founded the Foundation Pamulangan Beksa Yogyakarta Sasminta Mardawa engaged in the arts, especially dance style of Yogyakarta.

Not only artists painting and dance, Surat Giri Sapto also became the final resting place of two prominent Indonesian composer. They are Kusbini and Liberty Manik. Kusbini is a composer who created the song For you country, patriotism nuanced songs that often echoed each month in August as well as on each race event on behalf of the state. While Dr. Liberty Manik is the creator of a song entitled One Nusa One Nation. Kusbini died on March 30, 1991, while Liberty Manik died two years later, ie 16 September 1993. Because of his accomplishments, the two composers obtained a degree as a National Hero.

In addition to pilgrimages and remembering the names of several artists, in this place we can enjoy the panorama from a height of Imogiri region. The design of the tomb area of this park resembles allow the pilgrims to relax. At the top of the stairs, exactly at the top of the hill, visitors can sit unwind while enjoying the panorama of nature. Not far from this tomb area, about 250 meters to the east, tourists can complete the pilgrimage to the Tomb of Kings of Mataram Imogiri.

C. Location

Cemetery Artists and Cultural Sapto Giri located in Mount Elephant, Girirejo Village, District Imogiri, Bantul, DI Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

D. Access

Tomb complex of artists and cultural experts are located about 20 km south of Yogyakarta city. The location adjacent to the Mount Girirejo, complex Tomb of Mataram Kings Imogiri. Tourists or pilgrims can use taxi or public transportation (bus) Department of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta-Bake or Petoyan from Terminal Giwangan, Yogyakarta to get to this tomb. After taking about 30 minutes and pay about USD 5000, tourists will arrive at Terminal Imogiri. From this terminal, visitors simply walk about 250 meters toward the Tomb of Artists. However, if you want to use the motorcycle taxi service, travelers simply pay between USD 3000-USD 5000 (November 2008).
E. Ticket Prices

The pilgrims who visited the cemetery of Artists and Cultural Giri Sapto no entry fees.
F. Accommodation and Other Facilities

Unlike Tomb Kings Imogiri Mataram, the tomb complex of these artists do not have a caretaker and guide who can explain the intricacies of the establishment of the tomb and the history of the artists who were buried in it. The visitor can only read a brief description of who is buried in each grave. Each headstone is usually contains the name, date of birth and death, work, and the information profession of the artist (painter, composer, etc.).

This tomb complex is also equipped with a mosque. Only, in the dry season water sources from wells mosque is usually reduced or even dry. Therefore, the pilgrims who need water to perform ablutions, or need the toilet, can be obtained at the Terminal Imogiri located approximately 250 meters from the tomb complex. In this terminal is also available food stalls that provide food and drink typical Imogiri, namely wedang uwoh. Uwoh Wedang is known to have efficacy to restore stamina, warm the body, and cast out into the wind-suited to be drunk after just tired up and down the stairs tomb. Each one package, wedang uwoh sold for Rp 1,000 (November 2008).

(Calculated from field reportage / Lukman Solihin/wm/33/11-08)

source: http://wisatamelayu.com/id/object/781/429/taman-makam-seniman-dan-budayawan-giri-sapto/&nav=geo