Semarang, Java, Indonesia Day 73

Long a center of Hindu-Buddhist empires and an important trade center of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th and 18th centuries, the island of laya is indonesia's repositery of history and culture. The bustling port of Semarang was founded by the Dutch and hints of the island's colenial past det the cityscape. Outside the city, Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the werd, strikes a dramatic pose against a backdrop of four volcanoes, A popular Dace of pilgrimage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the massive pyramidal temple towers to a great height. The devout walk up a clock wise path to the pinnade, passing 2,672 reliefs and 504 Buddha statues along the way. We had a 7:15 am call for the 8 buses scheduled to go to the Borobudur Temple. We left the port with truly VIP treatment. We had police escort front and back. The locals were attentive to the parade and taking pictures of the spectacle.
The Population of Indonesia is 270 million - they are 4th most populated country after India, China, America then Indonesia. Imam our knowledgeable local guide…. Java has the largest number of Muslims in the world. They became independent in 1945. There are 17,000 islands - all citizens must adhere to the 5 Principals. 1. A belief in god. 2. Commitment to Social justice 3. Equality for all people (no cast system) 4. Democracy 5. Unity of all people Jakarta is the Capital (north - soil is clay) They are moving the capital to Borneo. Tradition and Religion have mixed in Java, and have been incorporated into the daily life of the people. Sunni Muslims also do the ceremonies like the Bali Hindus. Their practice of Hinduism is different again from the Indian practices.
Colors - Green, gold, silver mosques in the community are a community choice. 20 % of the government’s budget goes to education in Indonesia including trades and other needed careers. 204 million people voted in their election last year.

Viking ‘s 8 busses with more than 200 passenger had a police escort front and back to get us through the traffic on Java to get to and from the temple. We were the first of 8 huge busses, so, the police sirens were blaring for the 1 1/2 hour trip each way. The concern was the short port stay in Semarang. Tge ship is scheduled for a 5:00 PM deadline to be on board. We could have stayed longer at the Sel Sar Borbudur for great shopping.Read more