Kaliurang's Japanese Cave has a dark history and unique myths you should know before visiting. Curious? Read on.
Beneath the cool air and lush greenery of Kaliurang lies a quiet yet resounding historical legacy: the remnants of the Japanese occupation in Indonesia. This site is known as the Goa Jepang Kaliurang.
Its charm lies in the combination of a peaceful mountain atmosphere with a dark and mysterious history. If you are a history enthusiast who enjoys a bit of intrigue, this place must be on your visiting list.
Its two main attractions are the somber history of Goa Jepang Kaliurang and the unique local myth that prohibits visitors from uttering a specific word. This article will be your complete guide. We’ll be covering:
Before we delve into the darkest corners of history, make sure you have sufficient internet coverage. Download the MyTelkomsel Basic app to track your internet usage and easily purchase internet packages.
In the following sections, we will thoroughly explore the original function of this cave complex. Let's begin this journey and uncover the dark veil surrounding the slopes of Mount Merapi.
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To answer the question, "What was the Japanese Cave used for?”, You must travel back to World War II, roughly from 1942 to 1945. During that time, the Goa Jepang Kaliurang was not just a hole in the hill.
It was a network of highly strategic military defense bunkers. The Japanese army built this cave complex to serve as a military headquarters and a place of refuge.
Its location on the slopes of Merapi was deliberately chosen to make it a final, impenetrable line of defense. It is estimated that there are between 15 and 25 cave entrances scattered around the Kaliurang area.
Tragically, behind this military purpose lies a heartbreaking human story. The construction of the Goa Jepang Kaliurang was carried out using forced labor from the Indonesian people, known as romusha.
They were compelled to work in brutal conditions, with no regard for their safety or health, which led to many casualties. Every tunnel and stone wall in these caves holds the remnants of the suffering and sacrifice of the romusha.
Visiting the sejarah Goa Jepang Kaliurang means we must honor the dark memory of our predecessors' struggle.
One of the most intriguing facts for visitors is: "Why is it forbidden to say 'lada' in the Japanese Cave?”. This is a unique myth or taboo prevalent among the local community and tourist guides.
This myth is not merely a baseless superstition. The prohibition of saying the word 'lada' (pepper) is a form of local respect for the spirits of the romusha who died during the cave's construction.
In this context, the word “lada” (or "spicy/hot") is associated with the pain, soreness, or suffering endured by the forced laborers. It is believed that uttering the word can "awaken" or "disturb" the spirits of the romusha trapped within the caves.
Those who believe the myth are convinced that breaking the taboo could result in possession or other strange occurrences.
While you may not believe it, maintaining a respectful attitude and honoring local wisdom is the primary etiquette when visiting historical sites like Goa Jepang Jogja.
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It is time to discuss practical information for your visit. One of the frequently asked questions is "Kenapa Goa Jepang Kaliurang ditutup?" (Why is the Goa Jepang Kaliurang closed?) or what is its current access status?
It is important for you to know that access to the cave can be closed at any time. Closures are usually carried out by the management for safety reasons, especially if the cave structure is deemed unstable.
This may also happen for structural maintenance or if there is an increase in volcanic activity on Merapi. Therefore, before you set off, you are highly advised to always check the latest status through social media or official contacts of the management.
This ensures your visit is smooth and safe. Here is a summary of practical information to plan your visit to Goa Jepang Kaliurang:
Aspect | Visit Details |
Location | Kaliurang Tourist Area, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta (on the slopes of Mount Merapi). |
Opening Hours | Generally 07.00 AM - 04.00 PM WIB (Highly advised to check the latest status). |
Entrance Ticket Price | Very affordable, under Rp 10,000 per person (not including the entrance fee to the Kaliurang area). |
Access Status | Access can be closed at any time due to safety concerns or structural maintenance of the caves. |
The price of "berapa tiket masuk Goa Jepang" (how much is the ticket to Goa Jepang) is indeed very affordable. However, make sure you also prepare additional funds for the overall entrance ticket to the Kaliurang tourist area.
Don't forget to bring a flashlight, as the atmosphere inside the cave is very dark, and ensure you wear comfortable footwear.
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The Goa Jepang Kaliurang is a silent monument that teaches us about the dark history of the Japanese occupation and the sacrifice of the romusha. You now know its original function as a military fortress, and all the practical information for visiting.
Curious about what other myths we'll discuss? First, make sure you have enough internet quota using the MyTelkomsel Basic app. Besides checking your quota, you can subscribe to a package that suits your daily activities. Download it now!
When you explore the tunnels of Goa Jepang Kaliurang, remember that you are stepping on ground filled with memories of suffering. Maintain respect, honor the local taboo, and let the silence of this place speak of a history we must never forget.
Prepare yourself, come, and be a witness to the valuable dark history at the foot of Mount Merapi!
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