What's Inside Jogja?

Javanese people had three indicators to point someone: horse as the ride, 'keris' as the weapon, and bird. Yes, bird was one of the criteria of the middle-high community. More birds he had, more pride he get. Just like a luxury car that divided the super-billionaires to billionaires.

As a central of Javanese culture, Jogja has many bird markets and the biggest one named Ngasem. It's the oldest bird in Jogja, operated since 1809 or almost 200 years. Located 400 meters at the west side of Kraton (sultan palace) and just a step from the Water Castle 'Taman Sari', this traditional market actually is a pets market. But, since 1960 when bird pitches had moved from Beringharjo market to Ngasem, this market is dominated by birds. So, peoples calls it as 'bird market' even customer will also find cats, fishes, iguanas or snakes.

The popular bird here is 'perkutut'. This kind of bird was a favorite of marquises and gentries because of its nice 'voices'. Then 'kutilang', 'kepodang', 'emprit', 'prenjak', 'jalak', and 'parkit'. We can also find some owls that salable for Rp 35.000,-. The most expensive collection maybe the javanese eagle which sold at Rp. 350.000,- each. Want a bird? Just come to Ngasem, Jogja.

Text by Eko Sudjarwo