Gedog Temple and Natural Wonders in Blitar
The ancient Gedog temple and surrounding banyan trees in Blitar, East Java, hold deep historical mysteries and cultural significance. Duncan Graham reported for The Jakarta Post on February 26, 2020, about these fascinating local features.
Banyan Trees and Historical Context
A massive banyan tree sits just outside Blitar, covering nearly 100 square meters of land. This impressive tree likely began its growth during the Dutch ascendancy in the region.
The local water table sits only a few meters below the ground, which has helped the banyan tree thrive in the area. This water source is clearly visible inside a large hole located near a historic cemetery cluster.
Cemetery and Cultural Heritage
The excavation hole sits right behind a small group of graves protected by a brick wall, marking the final resting place of Yohanes Sunyoto. This site functions as a Christian cemetery that has been utilized since the era of Raffles in Java.
Tragically, five out of the eight graves at the location, including two belonging to children, have suffered from vandalism. The perpetrators removed the crucifixes, leaving behind jagged concrete stumps.
