Exploring Arjuna, the Most Stunning Temple in Dieng Plateau
- VIVA/Agus Setiawan
Central Java – Dieng, Wonosobo, Central Java, has historical tourist attractions that you need to know about. One of these tourist attractions is the Arjuna Temple Complex.
The Dieng Plateau holds a large collection of temples. It's estimated that these temples cover an area of 90 hectares, but only a few have been renovated. Among the many temples on the Dieng Plateau, the Arjuna Temple Complex is the largest.
Located in Dieng Kulon Village, Batur District, Banjarnegara Regency, the Arjuna Temple Complex occupies an area of about one hectare. There, five temples stand majestically: Arjuna Temple, Semar Temple, Srikandi Temple, Puntadewa Temple, and Sembadra Temple, with the exception of Semar Temple, while the other four temples are the main shrines.
Kompleks Candi Arjuna, Dieng
- VIVA/Agus Setiawan
Each temple is characterized by its shape and decoration, indicating different eras of construction. Arjuna temple is indicated as the oldest temple, while Sembadra temple is the most recent temple, with strong local cultural influences.
The temple complex was first discovered in the 18th century by a Dutch soldier named Theodorf Van Elf.
At first, the temple was submerged in water and was first restored by H. C. Corneulius, an Englishman, about 40 years after its discovery, followed by J. Van Kirnbergens.
While at the Arjuna Temple Complex, visitors may not find the statues that usually adorn the temple. The original statues are kept in the Kailasa Museum, near the temple complex, while some other statues have been lost.
Of the four main temples, only Arjuna Temple is equipped with a companion temple, Semar Temple. Arjuna Temple is also considered the oldest temple, built in the 8th century AD by the Sanjaya Dynasty of Ancient Mataram.
Kompleks Candi Arjuna, Dieng
- VIVA/Agus Setiawan
In addition to the five main temples, there is Setyaki Temple which is about 200 meters to the west. This temple has two buildings, but only one is still standing, and the other is just a ruin.
Setyaki Temple was erected to worship Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built during the same era as Arjuna Temple. The complex is often used as a place for religious rituals.
Entrance Ticket and Parking Price
The entrance ticket is IDR 20,000. You can enter the nearby Sikidang Crater area. Once you have purchased the ticket, do not lose it. Because the ticket is for proof, if you want to visit Sikidang Crater.
If you are already in front of Sikidang Crater, then you just need to show the ticket to the officer in the Arjuna Temple Complex.
In this temple, there are also photo services that can help visitors. These photographers only ask for a fee of IDR 10,000 to IDR 15,000.
Parking fees for motorcycles are IDR 3,000, cars are IDR 5,000, and buses are IDR 10,000. Make sure to exit and enter at the same door entrances. Because, in the Arjuna Temple Complex there are two entrances.
