In Pictures: Scenic, Historic Jogja's Tugu

The Yogyakarta Tugu at night. | Photo credit: Alivikry Aerial.

IN YOGYAKARTA, the word "Tugu", literally monument or obelisk, may lead us to two different meanings. 

First, it is name of Yogyakarta's biggest railway station situated right on the north west of the famous Jalan Malioboro.

The second "Tugu" refers to an iconic landmark, a boundary marker between the city of Yogyakarta and its northern neighbor Sleman regency.

Both Tugus are considered historic (al) for Yogyakarta. 

Tugu train station was first operated in May 12, 1887, making it one of the oldest rail terminals in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the other Tugu, is a 266-year-old obelisk situated roughly 100 meters in the north of the railroad station. 

To be specific, the white-painted monument is located at the crossroad of Jalan Pangeran Mangkubumi, Jalan Pangeran Diponegoro, Jalan AM Sangaji and Jalan Jenderal Soedirman.

The position is in the heart of Jogja, shortened form of Yogyakarta.

Along with the popularity of social media, the monument has soon become one of the most popular places to take a selfie.

For photographers (and videographers), it is a fun spot to play with different compositon and angles.

Built in 1755 by Yogyakarta's first king, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, the monument is believed to have a symbolic meaning within.

It was put up on an imaginary straight line connecting Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace, and Parangtritis beach (situated at the Indonesian Indian Ocean Territories).

Back in the day, Yogyakarta's first Sultan built the obelisk as benchmark or guide, so he could meditate facing towards Mount Merapi in the north.

The monument was once named 'Tugu Golong Gilig", and was 25 meters tall. 

June 10, 1867, the monument collapsed when a major earthquake hit Yogyakarta.

After 22 years being abandoned, the Dutch government restored the Tugu, in 1889.

Instead of returning the obelisk to its original form, it turned out that the Dutch made significant changes in it.

The tip of the Tugu, which was previously rounded and ball-like, was then converted into sharply pointed end.

The Dutch also reduced the monument in size by 10 meters lower, to only 15 meters tall.[sahrudin]