Understanding the Size and Geography of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta is a renowned city that thrives in Central Java, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks such as the Borobudur complex. However, beyond its cultural appeal, it is interesting to delve into the specific size and geography of this city.

Size and Population of Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, despite its cultural significance, is not a large territory in Indonesian terms. It is the second smallest province in Indonesia, just behind the capital city, Jakarta. The province covers an area of approximately 3,000 km2, making it about the same size as the country of Luxembourg. Despite its relatively small size, Yogyakarta is densely populated, with a total population of over 3,000,000 residents.

The largest city within the province is the capital, Yogyakarta City, which has an average population of around 400,000 to 500,000 people. The surrounding regencies ( administrative divisions) have populations ranging from half a million to two million each, with Sleman being the most populous and Gunung Kidul being the largest in terms of area.

Administrative Division of Yogyakarta

The province of Yogyakarta is divided into several administrative units known as regencies and districts. Currently, Yogyakarta Province consists of five regencies: Kulon Progo, Gunung Kidul, Bantul, Sleman, and Pacitan. The province is centrally administered by the Gubernur Yogyakarta (Governor of Yogyakarta) and the Setwan Yogyakarta (Provincial People's Representative Council).

Location of Yogyakarta in Indonesia

Yogyakarta is situated in Central Java, in the heart of Indonesia. It is geographically located in the southern part of the country, between the provinces of West Java and East Java. It is about 460 km east of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, and 64 km southwest of Solo (Semarang).

Geographically, Yogyakarta is distinguished by a diverse landscape that includes volcanic mountains, fertile plains, and numerous rivers. The province is home to the famous Mount Merapi, an active volcano that sits not far from the city. The city itself is located on a plain amidst these volcanic mountains, providing an ideal setting for various cultural and historical attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does the size of Yogyakarta compare to other Indonesian provinces?

Yogyakarta is the second smallest province in Indonesia. It is about the same size as Luxembourg, which is among the smallest countries in Europe.

Q: What are the largest and most populous areas in Yogyakarta?

The largest population-wise area is Sleman, which has a population of over 1 million. The largest area-wise is Gunung Kidul, encompassing about 1,376 km2.

Q: How is the geography of Yogyakarta characterized?

Yogyakarta has a varied geography featuring volcanic mountains, fertile plains, and numerous rivers. The most notable is Mount Merapi, which is an active volcano.

Conclusion

Understanding the size and geography of Yogyakarta is essential to appreciate its unique cultural and historical significance. Despite its relatively small size, it plays a crucial role in the cultural and economic landscape of Indonesia.