Indonesia Travel Guide: Surakarta

Surakarta, or Solo, is a city in Central Java, Indonesia. Founded in 1745 by Pakubuwono II, it was once the capital of the Mataram Sultanate before it split into two royal courts, the Surakarta Sunanate and the Yogyakarta Sultanate. Located along the Bengawan Solo River, the city is well known for its strong Javanese roots, especially in batik, wayang (shadow puppetry), traditional music, and dance. Surakarta also played a role in Indonesia’s journey to independence, once becoming a base for early nationalist activities.