Blitar, Indonesia
Region: East Java
Geographic Coordinates: -8.100000, 112.150000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 32.0°C (68°F to 90°F)
Population: 132018
Language: Javanese
Blitar is a city situated in East Java province, Indonesia. It is famous for its cultural richness, Historical significance, And natural charm. The city’s picturesque surroundings of verdant hills and valleys make it a preferred location for nature enthusiasts. One of the prime tourist attractions in Blitar is the tomb of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. This impressive structure at the city center draws visitors from across the country who come to pay homage to this national hero. The tomb boasts intricate carvings and beautiful gardens that enhance its grandeur.
Candi Penataran is another popular destination in Blitar that tourists shouldn’t miss out on. It’s one of Indonesia’s largest Hindu temples dating back to the 12th century and features stunning architectural details such as intricate carvings on walls and ceilings. For those interested in learning about Blitar’s history, Several museums are worth exploring. Museum Soekarno-Hatta displays artifacts related to Indonesia’s independence struggle from Dutch colonial rule while Museum Bung Karno provides insights into Soekarno’s life and legacy.
Blitar also offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, Camping, Birdwatching, Etc., With Gunung Kelud National Park being a favorite spot among nature lovers offering panoramic views of Mount Kelud volcano along with various flora & fauna species. Food enthusiasts will love exploring Blitar’s culinary scene featuring local specialties such as Soto Ayam (chicken soup), Nasi Pecel (rice with peanut sauce), Bakso (meatball soup) along with other traditional Indonesian dishes. Overall, Blitar presents an exceptional blend of culture, History & natural beauty making it an unmissable destination while traveling through East Java province or exploring Indonesia more broadly!
Important Landmarks
- Soekarno’s House Museum is the childhood home of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno.
- Penataran Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple complex with intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Bung Karno Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium named after Soekarno, used for football matches and events.
- Blitar Square is a public square with fountains, gardens, and statues of national heroes.
- Tomb of Ki Ageng Kutu is the tomb of an influential Islamic leader from the 16th century.
- Taman Makam Pahlawan Nasional (National Heroes Cemetery Park) is a park dedicated to Indonesia’s national heroes.
- Kebun Raya Purwodadi (Purwodadi Botanical Garden) is a large botanical garden with various plant species from around the world.
- Sumber Udel Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in Nglegok district near Blitar city center.
- Wlingi Waterpark & Resort features slides, pools, and other attractions for families to enjoy together.
- Palace Museum Kanjuruhan showcases relics from Kediri Kingdom that ruled East Java in ancient times.
Primary Industries
- Blitar is a city located in East Java, Indonesia.
- The city is known for its thriving industries and businesses, which include:
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Transportation
- The agricultural sector in Blitar is one of the major industries that contribute to the economy. The city produces various agricultural products such as:
- Coffee
- Tobacco
- Rice
- Corn
- Tourism is also a significant industry in Blitar as it boasts several popular tourist attractions like:
- The tomb of Indonesia’s first president Soekarno
- The Bung Karno Museum
- Penataran Temple
- Manufacturing industries are also prevalent in Blitar with companies producing:
- Textiles
- Furniture
- Ceramics
- Other products
- Education institutions are abundant in Blitar with numerous universities and schools present within the area.
- Healthcare services are also readily available to residents through several hospitals and clinics located throughout the city.
- Retail shops selling various goods including clothing and food items can be found throughout Blitar.
- Transportation services such as buses and taxis operate efficiently across the region.
- Finally, banking services along with insurance companies make up part of the service sector catering to people living within Blitar.
Noteable History
- Birthplace of Indonesia’s first president: Blitar is the birthplace of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. He was born in 1901 in a traditional Javanese house which has been turned into a museum.
- Indonesian Independence Day Proclamation: On August 17, 1945, Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed the independence of Indonesia from Dutch colonial rule at their residence in Blitar.
- Grave of Bung Karno: The grave site of Soekarno is located in Blitar where he passed away on June 21, 1970.
- Tomb of Raden Ajeng Kartini: Raden Ajeng Kartini was an Indonesian national hero who fought for women’s rights during the Dutch colonial era. Her tomb is located in the village near Blitar where she grew up.
- Museum Bung Karno: The museum showcases items related to Soekarno including his personal belongings, photographs and documents related to his life and work as a politician.
- Mount Kelud eruption: In February 2014, Mount Kelud erupted causing damage to buildings and crops in Blitar and surrounding areas.
- Agricultural Center: Known for its fertile soil, agriculture plays an important role in the economy of Blitar with rice being one of its main crops along with tobacco and sugar cane production.
- Temple Candi Penataran: One famous temple that can be found around this area is Candi Penataran which dates back from Majapahit Kingdom era (1293 -1520 AD). It’s considered one among East Java’s biggest temples.
- Temple Candi Kedaton: Another temple that can be visited while exploring this area is Candi Kedaton Temple which was built during Singhasari Kingdom era (1222-1292 AD).
- The tomb of Ki Ageng Enis: This tomb is located in the village of Sumbergondo and is believed to be the resting place of one of the famous figures from Mataram Sultanate era.
Museums and Things To See
- Soekarno’s House Museum – This museum is the birthplace and childhood home of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno.
- Penataran Temple – A Hindu temple complex that dates back to the 12th century.
- Blitar Square Monument – A monument dedicated to Indonesia’s struggle for independence.
- Taman Makam Pahlawan Nasional (National Heroes Cemetery) – This cemetery honors Indonesian national heroes.
- Blitar City Park – A popular park with beautiful scenery and various recreational activities.
- Bung Karno Stadium – This sports stadium is named after Indonesia’s first president and is used for football matches and other events.
- Museum of Proclamation of Indonesian Independence 1945 – This museum commemorates Indonesia’s independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945.
- Gua Putri (Princess Cave) – An ancient cave believed to have been used as a meditation site by princesses in the past.
- Sumber Udel Waterfall – Located in the district of Bakung, this waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views.
Cultural Events
- Grebeg Pancasila is a cultural and religious festival that takes place annually in Indonesia to commemorate the birth of Pancasila, the official philosophy of the country.
- Blitar Expo is an annual trade fair that showcases local products and services.
- Blitar Carnival is a parade that features traditional costumes, music, and dance performances.
- Kedungrejo Festival is a celebration of the harvest season with various cultural activities such as art exhibitions, culinary events, and traditional games.
- Tumpak Sewu Festival is a nature-based festival that celebrates the beauty of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall located in Lumajang Regency near Blitar.
- Ponorogo Mask Dance Festival is a traditional dance festival featuring performances by dancers wearing unique masks from Ponorogo regency in East Java.
- Gathotkaca Festival is an annual event that commemorates the legendary figure Gathotkaca who is believed to have originated from Blitar.
- Nganjuk Cultural Festival celebrates Javanese culture with various activities such as traditional music performances, culinary events, and art exhibitions.
- Selametan Suro Month Event – A month-long series of events where people gather together to celebrate Suro month according to Javanese tradition.
- Larung Sesaji Ceremony – A ceremony where offerings are made at graveyards or ancestral temples for those who have passed away according to Javanese tradition.
Cuisine
- Nasi Pecel Blitar is a popular local dish that consists of rice, vegetables, and peanut sauce.
- Soto Blitar is a traditional soup that’s made with chicken or beef broth and served with noodles, vegetables, and spices.
- Warung Makan Bu Wiwik is a well-known restaurant in Blitar that serves traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and sate ayam (chicken skewers).
- Gudeg Mbok Joyo is another famous restaurant in Blitar that specializes in gudeg – a traditional Javanese dish made from young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk and spices.
- Bakso Pak Tarno is a street food stall where you can try bakso – meatball soup served with noodles or rice cakes.
- If you’re looking for grilled goat skewers served with peanut sauce and rice cakes, head over to Sate Kambing Pak Yanto – another popular street food stall in Blitar.
- Finally, if you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop where you can enjoy various kinds of coffee drinks as well as traditional Indonesian snacks like pisang goreng (banana fritters) and martabak manis (sweet pancake), check out Kedai Kopi Rindu Alam Coffee Shop & Resto!
- Penataran Temple Park: This park surrounds the ancient Hindu temple of Penataran and provides a peaceful atmosphere for walking and sightseeing.
- Taman Kota Blitar: A city park that offers playgrounds, jogging tracks, and a fountain area for relaxation.
- Tugu Pancasila Monument Park: A monument dedicated to Indonesia’s national ideology located in a spacious park with greenery and benches for relaxation.
- Kebun Raya Purwodadi Blitar: A botanical garden featuring diverse flora species from Indonesia and other countries.
- Rafting at Brantas River: An adventurous activity for those who enjoy rafting on the Brantas River surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
- Gunung Kelud Hiking Trail: An excellent hiking trail leading up to Mount Kelud, where visitors can witness stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Sumber Udel Waterfall Trekking Trail: A trekking trail that leads visitors to Sumber Udel waterfall through lush green forests and rice paddies.
- Paragliding at Mount Kelud: An exciting activity that offers an aerial view of Blitar’s breathtaking landscapes from above while paragliding off Mount Kelud’s peak.