The Artists Cemetery complex in Yogyakarta

History

Dr. (HC) RM. Sapto Hoedojo FRSA (Felloe Royal School of Art), or often been greeted Piek, a prominent artist born in Solo, February 6, 1925, had a "crazy" idea  which was considered ridiculous by his colleagues. The idea was the desire to build a cemetery for the artists. He thought that artists deserve respect because of his works, therefore the construction of a cemetery complex for artists can be a way for people to commemorate the works of these artists.

About this idea, there were people who refused, but some approved it. One of the artists who approved this idea is Affandi, an outstanding painter and former Piek in-laws had enrolled to became resident of the cemetery complex that had been planned to be built. Although finally Affandi was not buried there. Affandi's wife, Maryati, asking her husband to be buried in Affandi Museum in Yogyakarta.

The idea to build the cemetery was finally approved by the Regent of Bantul, KRT Suryapamo Hadiningrat, by giving a piece of land on Wukirsari hill, to be a cemetery. The cemetery was inaugurated with the name "Makam Seniman Pengharum Bangsa”, which means “Graveyard of Artists fragrances Nation" by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, but Piek then changed the name became "Makam Seniman dan Budayawan Giri Sapto” which means “Graveyard of Artists and Humanist Giri Sapto"

Pilgrimage and Nature Tour

As well as the way to the Mataram Royal cemetery at Imogiri, route to the cemetery of artists on Giri Sapto begins with stepping dozens of stairscase. Beside doing pilgrimage and commemorate the artworks of the artists, visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of this hill. Tomb of Sapto Hoedojo (Piek), the initiator of the construction of this cemetery, located on the northern part of the cemetery yard. Many artists, particularly from Yogyakarta area and its surroundings, were buried here.

Location

Giri Sapto Cemetery location is not far from the Mataram Royal Cemetery, only about 250 meters. Precisely, Giri Sapto Cemetery is located on Bukit Gajah, Girirejo Village, Imogiri, Bantul, Yogyakarta.

Ticket

There is no entering fee to Giri Sapto Cemetery. Visitors will only be withdrawn of vehicle parking fee.