Historical Notes
| The history of Ratu Boko is unclear, and much of what is understood about the site comes from inscriptions and even folklore. | |
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The oldest inscription found on the site is believed to date back to 792AD, naming the site Abhayagiri Wihara. Archaeologists to believe that the ruler of the Saliendra Dynasty between 760-780, Rakai Panangkaran, built Ratu Boko after he resigned from his leadership. It is said that he resigned because he wanted to find spiritual peace and concentrate on religious matters. Abhayagiri Wihara means ‘peaceful Buddhist monastery’ . The site chosen has fairly spectacular views. Of Buddhist faith, Rakai Panangkaran was responsible for the building of Borobudur temple as well as Sewu and Kalasan temples during his reign.The name of the site changed to Walaing Kraton, Kraton being palace in the local language, in an inscription known as the Mandyasih inscription. This change of name was made by Rakai |
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Walaing pu Kumbhayoni who is recognised as a king, and ruled from 856-863AD.
During
the 17th Century, a Dutch man H.J.DeGraff noted that Europeans coming
to Indonesia had reported a heritage site, and referred to it being the
palace of Prabu Boko, a king who came originally from Bali. This is the
Prabu Boko of the Loro Djonggrang folklore. A mix of Buddhist and Hindu structures are found on the complex, including the Buddhist Dyani Budha, Stupika, Terakota Tablet, and a gold and silver plaque with a Buddhist inscription. Three small Hindu temples, as well as Yoni, a Durga statue, a Ganesha statue and a plaque with an inscription to Rudra, the other name for the god Siwa (Shiva). |
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Four Zones
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The site splits neatly into four areas. 1 Western Approximately 2 hectares, this area is known by locals as Mount Tlatar - hill of arranged stones. The hill sides are quite steep and only parts of it are used for farming. The archaeological finds here have been interesting, a sedimentary rock pathway, ponds small and large as well as local and foreign earthenware. |
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2 Central The large stone gates are impressive, the first has three entrances, and the second has five, the shape of these entrances is known as Paduraksa and is traditional Javanese in construction. Not far from the gates is a limestone Batu Putih temple, the name means ‘white stone’. There is also a structure of two levels which measures 26 metres square. The centre is a deep square hole. It is speculated that this would have been a crematorium. This zone also has a large pond, and a series of base stones which would have held building pillars. Using the traditional building techniques of the time, the pillars walls and roof would have been made from organic materials, so they are no longer remaining. |
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3 Southeast Evidence exists of an audience hall or pavilion, surrounded by a stone wall with another Paduraksa entrance way, again the position of where the pillars would have been located is evident. A rectangular pool is nearby, as well as three small temples. Another series of round and rectangular pools is in this area.  |
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4 East The Eastern area has more ponds, and also a series of caves. The caves are carved into the rock. The Lanang Cave houses three white stone statues. Stairs down to some of the caves have been carved in to the hillside rock. A statue of Buddha is also found in this area. |
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Royal View
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On
a hillside plateau, overlooking Prambanan temple complex and with a
view to Mount Merapi behind Prambanan Temple complex, lie the remains of
a once grand palace. The palace (kraton) is named Ratu Boko after a
King Boko of local folklore, but the real owner of the palace is more
likely to have been a king of a local dynasty. The position gives a view worthy of royalty, but in addition, it is possible that the location was chosen for strategic reasons, as the structures also show signs of being fortified, and a dry moat was used for additional security. Grand stone gates, built on two levels, are the largest and most often photographed structures of the site, it is clear that these lead to what was once a settlement, which sets Ratu Boko apart from the other archeological sites in Central Java which are entirely religious in nature. |
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The
hilltop plateau is divided into terraces that are separated by stone
walls and stone faced fortifications. The main residence is thought to
have been built on a set of stone foundations with a timber structure
for pillars and roof. The timber elements are no longer in place, but
the stone base shows the scale of the residence. Throughout the area you can find small Hindu and Buddhist temples and structures, a fountain adorned bathing area, bath house, a crematorium, multiple caves, an area used as a public hall. In 1790 the Dutchman Van Boeckholtz found ruins, and over time research was done, and by 1838 the Dutch commenced restoration work. In 1952 the Indonesian government took the reigns, and has continued work since then. Ratu Boko is atop a hill, and a system of drainage trenches and water storage ponds was developed to maintain water supply.  |
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The folklore of Loro Djonggrang
| This story connects the Ratu Boko Palace with the Prambanan and Sewu temple complex. The name of King Boko comes from Javanese Folklore, in which King Boko was the father of Loro Djonggrang. A prince named Bandung desperately wanted Loro Djonggang to marry him and she refused, as she he had killed her father. He insisted, and she finally agreed on one condition. He must build |
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1000
temples in one night. Prince Bandung summoned up spirits to help him,
and close to dawn, much to the dismay of Loro Djonggrang they had
completed the 999th temple. Loro Djonggrang ordered all of the servants
to light a large fire, and begin pounding rice. The roosters were fooled
into thinking it was dawn and began to crow, the spirits fled, and the
final temple was left unbuilt. Prince Bandung was furious and turned
Loro Djonggrang into stone, representing the final temple. According to the traditions, she is the image of Durga in the north cell of the Shiva temple at Prambanan, which is also known as Loro Jonggrang or the Slender Virgin. |
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Getting there and getting in
::Ratu Boko is located 3km south of the Prambanan complex and east of Yogyakarta, off the road to Solo.We recommend you organise a car and driver through either our Visitor Assistance Centre or your hotel. This way you can also have transport ready to take you back when you are ready to head back. The other alternatives are a tour group mini-bus, or even a taxi.
Tickets are available at the official ticket booth at the entrance
The fees are as follows:
RATU BOKO, Entrance Ticket Pass
| Indonesian local or KITAS card holder | IDR 25.000 |
| Indonesian local Children | IDR 10.000 |
| Foreigner - Adult | USD 13 |
| Foreigner - Student [registered] | USD 7 |
RATU BOKO - PRAMBANAN Package
| Indonesian local or KITAS card holder | IDR 45.000 |
| Indonesian local children | IDR 20.000 |
| Foreigner - Adult | USD 25 |
| Foreigner - Student [registered] | USD 12.5 |
RATU BOKO - BOROBUDUR Package
| Indonesian local or KITAS card holder | IDR 50.000 |
| Indonesian local children | IDR 20.000 |
| Foreigner - Adult | IDR 324.000 |
| Foreigner - Student [registered] | IDR 162.000 |
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