Yogyakarta Has a Special Cemetery for Artists, the Only One in Indonesia

Dream - In addition to having the tombs of the Kings of Mataram, Yogyakarta is also attracting attention with the presence of a special cemetery for artists.

Yani Saptohudoyo, the founder of Giri Saptohudoyo Cemetery, said that the existence of this special cemetery for artists is the only one in Indonesia.

He mentioned this during a Press Conference titled 'From Jogja to Indonesia' at Amaranta Hotel Yogyakarta, on Friday, June 9, 2023.

Together with her late husband, Saptohudoyo, Yani initiated the establishment of a special cemetery for artists. The cemetery is named 'Giri Saptohudoyo Cemetery'.

Saptohudoyo himself is known as a renowned Indonesian painter who lived during the same time as Basuki Abdullah and Affandi.

The idea of building the cemetery arose after the two of them traveled around Indonesia to collect art and cultural artifacts.

Yani said that artists and cultural figures also contributed to the independence of Indonesia. According to her, the artists have made contributions by creating songs that ignite the spirit of struggle.

“Everywhere there are tombs of heroes, but why aren't there tombs for artists and cultural figures? Even though the artists of the past have also contributed to the independence of Indonesia by creating songs and so on,” said Yani Saptohudoyo.

Then Yani, along with her late husband, asked for permission from the Sultan of Yogyakarta to build a special cemetery for artists next to the tombs of the kings in Imogiri.

“We asked for permission from the Sultan to build a special cemetery for artists next to the tombs of the kings in Imogiri,” she added.

After building Giri Saptohudoyo Cemetery with their own efforts, Yani said that there are now 60 prominent Indonesian artists buried there. Such as WR. Soepratman, Kusbini, L. Manik, Gundala, and others.

“All Indonesian artists can be buried there, that's why there is a rainbow symbol in front of the tomb, which means that the artist comes from diverse backgrounds,” she said.

Also present at the event was the Chairman of the Mataram Cultural Heritage Foundation in Pleret, Nurdiantoro, who discussed the historical and cultural works in the Pleret area of Yogyakarta. The press conference went smoothly with many questions from journalists from various media outlets.