Surakarta (Solo)

Pasar Gede Hardjonagoro, Surakarta


Solo, known in full as Surakarta, is a major city in Central Java, Indonesia. The city of over 600,000 people is located 65 km (40 miles) to the northeast of Yogyakarta, and 100 km (60 miles) to the southeast of Semarang. The city, or rather the river that flows through it, is the inspiration for the famous Indonesian song Bengawan Solo, which was written in 1940 by Gesang Martohartono in the kroncong style. This is like an Indonesian version to Moon River, the famous 1960 song that appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany's. At 600 km in length, Bengawan Solo, or Solo River, is the longest river in Java.

Solo Grand Mall, Surakarta


In May 1998, Solo was the site of large scale rioting triggered by escalating oil prices. Angry mobs torched many buildings, particularly targetting banks and government offices. It spiralled into a racial riot aimed at businesses owned by Indonesian Chinese.

The city gained notoriety again on 17 September, 2009, when one of the most prominent terrorist suspects in Southeast Asia, Noordin M. Top, a Malaysian national, was shot dead there in a shootout.

Travel to Solo

The main gateway to Solo is the Adisumarmo International Airport (SOC), located 10 km to the north of the city. Among the international flights serving this airport are Silk Air from Singapore and AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur.

From the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi to downtown. Pay for your taxi at the taxi counter, where you are asked your destination, and you will be assigned the taxi.

Travel within Solo

The most practical form of transport are the taxis. For exploring at a more leisurely pace, take the becak (trishaw).

The Keraton (palace) of Surakarta

Places of Interest in Solo

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