Blitar is a landlocked city in East Java, Indonesia, about 73 km from Malang and 167 km from Surabaya. The area lies within longitude 111° 40' – 112° 09' East and its latitude is 8° 06' South. The city of Blitar lies at an altitude on average 167 metres above sea level,[2] and is an enclave within Blitar Regency which surrounds the city on all sides. It covers an area of 32.57 km2, and had a population of 131,968 at the 2010 Census[3] and 149,149 at the 2020 Census;[4] the official estimate as at mid 2022 was 151,960 (comprising 75,587 males and 76,373 females).[1]
The city is noted as the location of the grave of Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, five kilometers from the city plaza. The Istana Gebang (Gebang palace) where Sukarno lived as a child is nearby and has been converted into a museum. containing numerous items commemorating Sukarno's place in Indonesian history.[5] In addition, the very active Kelud volcano is located just over 20 kilometers north of Blitar.
Administrative districts
Blitar city is divided into three districts (kecamatan), tabulated below with their areas and their population totals from the 2010 census[3] and the 2020 census,[4] together with the official estimates as at mid 2022.[1] The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of villages (urban kelurahan) in each district, and its postal codes.
Sawanwetan District: Bendogerit, Gedog, Karangtengah, Klampok, Plosokerep, Rembang, Sananwetan
Local economic governance
Based on the survey conducted between August 2010 and January 2011, Blitar was rated number one in Indonesia for local economic governance, being considered particularly good in infrastructure, the interaction between local administrations and businesses, business licensing, and regional head capacity and integrity.[6]
It is located at Bendogerit village, in Sunanwetan district, about 2 kilometres from Blitar city.
The tomb is built in East Javanese "Joglo" architectural pattern, and combined with Gateway of Bentar.
The mausoleum is 51 feet high, with a copper roof of a three-tier building. Underneath, Sukarno's plot is flanked by that of his mother and father. A stone of black andesite bears the inscription, "Here lies Bung Karno, proclaimer of independence, first president of Indonesia."
Beside the main building of the tomb, the graveyard complex has Gapura Agung (The Great Gate), Mosque, halls, parks, a rest-area, and a parking place.
The tomb is opened to the public, attracts a large number of visitors, both domestic and international. About 1.5 million people visit the tomb annually.[7]
Indonesia
East Java
