Grobogan Regency, Central Java
Most people are recognize Purwodadi, which is the capital city of Grobogan regency, one of regencies in Central Java province. Grobogan regency is the largest regency after Cilacap and bounded with Blora regency in east, Ngawi regency East Java, Sragen regency and Boyolali regency in south, Semarang in west, Demak regency, Kudus regency and Pati regency in north.
Grobogan is a valley which flanked by two limestone mountains, which Kendeng Mountains in the south and North Limestone Mountains in the north. The middle area is lowlands. Two major rivers that flow is Kali Lusi and Kali Serang.
In Purwodadi as the capital city of Grobogan has a strong influence of both the more direct Islam Culture from the Sultane of Demak and more subtle culture of Kingdom of Surakarta (Kasunanan Surakarta). This has been reflected in its traditional arts and performances, such as Shadow Puppet (Wayang Kulit), Javanese Theatre (Kethoprak). Although they almost disappear from the local society, those two forms of permormances can still be easily found in different parts of Central Java. Other forms of cultural performances are almost wiped out from the live of Groboganese, such as Angguk, Kentrung, Ledhek/Tayup, Barongan and Reyog.
Dated back to the early history, Grobogan area has been known since the Hindu Mataram kingdom. This area became the center of the Mataram kingdom with its capital in Medhang Kamulan or Sumedang Purwocarito or Purwodadi. The royal center was later moved around Prambanan town which was known as Medang i Bhumi Mataram or Medang Mat i Watu or Medang i Poh Pitu or Medang ri Mamratipura.
There are some interesting destinations in Grobogan related on historical or natural tourism. There is Bledug Kuwu, Widuri waterfall, Kedung Ombo reservoir, eternal flame on Mrapen, Stalaktit and Stalakmit cave, the grave of Ki Ageng Selo and so on.
