Yogyakarta, Indonesia — In the third day of the International Course on Multiculturalism and Humanity (ICOMUH) 2026 , delegates from Holy Cross of Davao College (#HCDC) immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta through an educational heritage walk across Kotagede and a cultural experience at Tembi Historical Home. More than a historical tour, the day became a meaningful exploration of how traditional knowledge, architecture, arts, and community values continue to contribute to sustainability and climate resilience.
The participants’ journey began in Kotagede, the former capital of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom established in 1532 by Panembahan Senapati. Once serving as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the kingdom, Kotagede remains one of Yogyakarta’s most treasured heritage districts. Every narrow alley, ancient stone wall, and traditional wooden house reflects centuries of history while preserving the philosophy of harmony between humanity, nature, and the Divine.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kotagede is its traditional urban design based on the catur gatra concept, where the royal palace, market, town square, and mosque formed the center of community life. Although only the Great Mosque (Masjid Ageng) and Kotagede Market (Pasar Gede Kotagede/Pasar Legi) remain as active landmarks today, they continue to embody the area’s vibrant social and economic life.
Walking through the narrow pedestrian alleys surrounded by high stone walls gave participants a unique perspective on how traditional settlements naturally encourage walkability and social interaction. The compact neighborhood allows residents to access markets, places of worship, and homes on foot, demonstrating how centuries-old urban planning aligns with modern principles of sustainable and people-centered communities.
A highlight of the heritage walk was visiting the iconic Joglo houses, masterpieces of traditional Javanese architecture. These houses are not only admired for their elegant wooden craftsmanship but also for their environmentally responsive design. Constructed primarily from durable wood, Joglo houses feature towering roofs that promote natural ventilation, keeping interiors cool without mechanical cooling systems. Their earthquake-resistant construction—using wooden interlocking joints, stone pedestals, and hardwood pegs instead of metal nails—demonstrates the ingenuity of traditional engineering long before modern disaster-resilient technologies emerged.
Beyond their physical structure, the Joglo houses embody profound philosophical values. Their north-south orientation symbolizes harmony between Mount Merapi and the Southern Ocean, representing the Javanese belief in balancing humanity, nature, and spirituality. Each section of the house—from the open Pendopo used for gatherings and ceremonies to the sacred Senthong—reflects the importance of family, community, and spiritual life.
The heritage walk also introduced participants to Pasar Legi, a traditional market that has long served as Kotagede’s economic center. The bustling marketplace offered a vivid glimpse into everyday community life, where vendors displayed fresh produce, local delicacies, household goods, and handcrafted products. Friendly conversations between sellers and customers created an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, reminding participants that traditional markets are more than commercial spaces—they are living centers of culture, relationships, and local identity.
Another unforgettable experience was our immersion in the sounds of Gamelan, the traditional musical ensemble deeply rooted in Javanese culture. Inside the wooden Pendopo, we not only learned about the history and cultural significance of Gamelan music but also had the opportunity to play the instruments ourselves. Guided by local instructors, participants experienced firsthand the coordination, rhythm, and harmony required to produce the distinctive melodies of the ensemble. As the resonant tones of the gong, metallophones, and other traditional instruments echoed beneath the high wooden roof, we gained a deeper appreciation of how music serves as a powerful expression of community, cooperation, and cultural identity. The experience transformed our understanding of Gamelan from something to be observed into something to be lived and shared.
The cultural journey continued at Tembi Historical Home (Rumah Budaya Tembi) in Bantul, a heritage museum, cultural center, and boutique resort established in 2000 to preserve Javanese arts, traditions, and philosophy. Surrounded by peaceful rice fields and traditional Limasan wooden buildings, Tembi provided an inspiring setting where history and culture remain alive through education and community engagement.
Participants explored the museum’s collections showcasing Javanese history, local traditions, and everyday life while gaining insight into the importance of preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly modern world. Beyond its exhibits, Tembi serves as a living cultural space that encourages visitors to experience traditional arts through activities such as batik-making, village tours, and Gamelan performances, fostering meaningful connections between culture and contemporary society.
Throughout the day, participants discovered that heritage preservation extends far beyond protecting historical buildings. Kotagede and Tembi illustrate how traditional architecture, sustainable urban planning, indigenous knowledge, local craftsmanship, and cultural practices collectively contribute to environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, and stronger community identity. These centuries-old traditions continue to offer practical lessons for addressing today’s global challenges, particularly in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization.
Day 3 of ICOMUH 2026 underscored culture as a living foundation for sustainability, advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) through intercultural learning, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) via heritage preservation, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through climate-responsive indigenous design, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cross-cultural collaboration supported by HCDC’s Center for Internationalization, and participated by its students from the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science and Bachelor of Science in Social Work.