# Gunung Kidul Regency

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Regency in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Regency in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Gunůngkidůl Regency ꦑꦧꦸꦥꦠꦺꦤ꧀ꦓꦸꦤꦸꦁꦏꦶꦢꦸꦭ꧀ Kabupatèn Gunůngkidůl Regency Gunůngkidůl Handayani Seal Nicknames: Thousands Mount Regency (Kabupatèn Pĕgunungan Sèwu), Gathot Regency (Kabupatèn Gathot), Thiwul Production Regency (Kabupatèn Pembuat Thiwul), River Caves Regency (Kabupatèn Sungai Bawah Tanah), Chalk Mount Regency (Kabupatèn Gunůng Kapur) Motto(s): Dhaksinarga Bhumikarta (Southern Mountain the Prosperous Land) Gunůngkidůl Regency in Special Province of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Coordinates: 7°57′54″S 110°36′0″E / 7.96500°S 110.60000°E / -7.96500; 110.60000 Country Indonesia Special Administrative Region Yogyakarta Capital Wonosari Government • Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih • Vice Regent Joko Parwoto [id] Area • Total 1,475.15 km2 (569.56 sq mi) Population (mid 2023 estimate)[1] • Total 751,011 • Density 509.108/km2 (1,318.58/sq mi) Time zone UTC+7 (WIB) Post Code 55800 Area code 0274 Vehicle registration AB Website gunungkidulkab.go.id

**Gunůngkidůl** ([Javanese](/source/Javanese_language): ꧋ ꦒꦸꦤꦸꦁꦏꦶꦢꦸꦭ꧀ ꧉) is a [regency](/source/Regency_(Indonesia)) located in the [Special Region of Yogyakarta](/source/Special_Region_of_Yogyakarta), Indonesia. The administrative centre is the town of [Wonosari](/source/Wonosari). The name "Gunungkidul" comes from the Javanese language *mountains in the south of Java Land*, whose area is located in the [Thousands Mountains](/source/Thousand_mountains_(Java)) range of the province.

The Regency covers an area of 1,475.15 km2, about 46.5% of the provincial area. It had a population of 675,382 at the 2010 Census[2] and 747,161 at the 2020 Census;[3] the official estimate as at mid 2023 was 751,011[4] - with 371,220 males and 379,800 females - and so the population density in this regency is relatively low compared to other regencies of the province.

This regency is bordered by [Klaten Regency](/source/Klaten_Regency) and [Sukoharjo Regency](/source/Sukoharjo_Regency) in the north and northeast, [Wonogiri Regency](/source/Wonogiri_Regency) in the east, the Indian Ocean in the south, and [Bantul Regency](/source/Bantul_Regency) and [Sleman Regency](/source/Sleman_Regency) in the west and northwest. Gunungkidul Regency has 18 Districts (Kapanewon). Most of the regency is hills and limestone mountains, which are part of the Thousand Mountains. Gunungkidul is known as a relatively barren area and often experiences drought in the dry season, but it has a unique historical feature, in addition to its tourism, cultural and culinary potential.

The traditional dishes from Gunůngkidůl include "Gathot" and "Thiwul", made from fermented cassava and dry cassava.

Its southern coast has several beaches: Baron, Kukup, Krakal, Drini, Sepanjang, Sundak, [Siung](/source/Siung_Beach), [Wediombo](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wediombo&action=edit&redlink=1), Jungwok, Greweng, Sedahan and Sadeng. Some of these provide fish and other sea products supplied by local fisherman. The most notable is Baron Beach, which has an adjacent park surrounded by seafood restaurants and hostels. There is a fresh fish market on the east side of the beach. On the west side, a river flows from an almost sea-level cave on the side of the western ridge. The beach itself is khaki-colored and is used to land traditional fishing boats. There is also a kilometer of white sandy beach beyond its eastern ridge, reachable by a small hike.

## Geography

As the name implies, Gunungkidul Regency is dominated by mountains which are the western part of the Sewu Mountains or the South Limestone Mountains (from this nickname, the name "Gunungkidul" is derived), which stretches across the southern part of Java Island starting from the area eastward to [Tulungagung Regency](/source/Tulungagung_Regency).

The Mountains are formed from [limestone](/source/Limestone), indicating that in the past it was a seabed. The findings of ancient marine animal fossils support this assumption. This area began to become land as a result of tectonic and volcanic uplifts since the [Miocene](/source/Miocene).

Gunungkidul Regency is one of the regencies in the Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Special Province, with Wonosari as the capital city. The total area of Gunungkidul Regency is 1,475.15 km2 or about 46.5% of the total area of the Special Province of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. The city of Wonosari is located southeast of the Yogyakarta City (the capital of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Special Province), with a distance of ± 39 km. The Gunungkidul Regency area is divided into 18 Districts (Kapanewon) and 144 villages.

## Administrative districts

A view taken from a hill in Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta

Indrayanti Beach, a scenic beach in Gunungkidul, known for its waves and similar island with Tanah Lot in Bali

An abandoned lighthouse (now operated as a tourist photo spots) in Baron Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta

Gunungkidul Regency is divided into eighteen administrative [districts](/source/Districts_of_Indonesia) ([Indonesian](/source/Indonesian_language): *[kapanewon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kapanewon&action=edit&redlink=1)*), tabulated below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 Census[2] and the 2020 Census,[3] together with the official estimates as at mid 2023.[4] The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of [administrative villages](/source/Administrative_village) within each district (all classed as *kalurahan*), and its post codes.

Kode Wilayah Name of District (kapanewon) Area in km2 Pop'n Census 2010 Pop'n Census 2020 Pop'n Estimate mid 2023 Admin centre No. of villages Post code 34.03.06 Panggang ꦥꦁꦒꦁ 99.80 26,509 28,951 29,121 Giriharjo 8 55872 34.03.18 Purwosari ꦥꦸꦂꦮꦱꦫꦶ 71.76 19,361 20,655 20,793 Giritirto 5 55873 34.03.05 Paliyan ꦥꦭꦶꦪꦤ꧀ 58.07 29,083 32,017 32,181 Karangduwet 7 55871 34.03.15 Saptosari ꦱꦥ꧀ꦠꦱꦫꦶ 87.83 34,270 38,323 38,500 Kepek 7 55870 34.03.07 Tepus ꦠꦼꦥꦸꦱ꧀ 104.91 31,889 35,251 35,296 Sidoharjo 5 55882 34.03.17 Tanjungsari ꦠꦚ꧀ꦗꦸꦁꦱꦫꦶ 71.63 25,698 28,178 28,323 Kemiri 5 55881 34.03.11 Rongkop ꦫꦺꦴꦁꦏꦺꦴꦥ꧀ 83.46 26,901 28,610 28,724 Semugih 8 55884 34.03.16 Girisubo ꦒꦶꦫꦶꦱꦸꦧ 94.57 22,188 24,490 24,589 Jerukwudel 8 55883 34.03.08 Semanu ꦱꦼꦩꦤꦸ 108.39 51,737 58,155 58,697 Semanu 5 55893 34.03.10 Ponjong ꦥꦺꦴꦚ꧀ꦗꦺꦴꦁ 104.49 49,803 54,487 54,769 Ponjong 11 55892 34.03.09 Karangmojo ꦏꦫꦁꦩꦗ 80.12 48,768 55,419 55,935 Gedangrejo 9 55891 34.03.01 Wonosari ꦮꦤꦱꦫꦶ 75.51 78,747 87,454 87,684 Kepek 14 55851 (a) 34.03.03 Playen ꦥ꧀ꦭꦪꦺꦤ꧀ 105.26 54,492 60,622 60,811 Ngawu 13 55861 34.03.04 Patuk ꦥꦛꦸꦏ꧀ 72.04 30,336 34,156 34,382 Patuk 11 55862 34.03.14 Gedangsari ꦒꦼꦣꦁꦱꦫꦶ 68.14 35,265 38,389 38,567 Hargomulyo 7 55863 34.03.02 Nglipar ꦔ꧀ꦭꦶꦥꦂ 73.87 29,687 32,764 32,790 Nglipar 7 55852 34.03.13 Ngawen ꦔꦮꦺꦤ꧀ 46.59 31,622 33,908 34,111 Kampung 6 55853 34.03.12 Semin ꦱꦼꦩꦶꦤ꧀ 78.92 49,026 55,332 55,737 Semin 10 55854 Totals 1,475.15 675,382 747,161 751,011 Wonosari 144

Note: (a) except the villages of Baleharjo (which has a post code of 55811) and Kepek (which has a post code of 55813).

## General condition

### Geography

Gunungkidul Regency is in a [karst](/source/Karst) region. This leads to difficult geography for farmers and contributes to considerable poverty in the area because of water shortages.[5] Much of the Regency is included in the Mount Sewu (literally "thousand mountains") collection of limestone hills which stretches across parts of southern Java from parts of [Kebumen Regency](/source/Kebumen_Regency) in the west near the border with [West Java](/source/West_Java_Province) across to close to the city of [Malang](/source/Malang) in [East Java](/source/East_Java_Province). The Menoreh Hills in the area south of Yogyakarta in Kulonprogo Regency, for example, are part of this series of limestone hills.[6]

### Caves

The limestone hills are reported to contain hundreds of caves. These are classified locally as vertical luweng (known as "*luweng"* in Javanese) and horizontal caves. Jomblang Cave (*Luweng Jomblang*) and Kalisuci Cave (*Luweng Kalisuci)* located in the Semanu District in Gunungkidul Regency, as well as other caves in the area, are well-known to local caving (speleological) groups. Some of the caves are quite long; Cerme cave, for example, has an entrance in Bantul Regency and stretches for quite a distance eastward into Panggang subdistrict in Gunungkidul Regency.[6]

### Prehistory

[Statue menhirs](/source/Statue_menhir) from Gunungkidul

From archaeological findings, the area of Gunungkidul Regency is thought to have been inhabited by humans (Homo Sapiens) from 700,000 years ago.[7] Many find the instructions of human existence found in caves and niches in karst of Gunungkidul, especially in [Ponjong](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ponjong&action=edit&redlink=1) District. The human propensity Gunung occupy the time it caused most of the lowland in [Yogyakarta](/source/Yogyakarta) is still flooded.[8] The arrival of the first humans in Gunungkidul occurred at the end of the [Pleistocene epoch](/source/Pleistocene_epoch). At that time, the human race [Australoid](/source/Australoid) migrated from the [Pegunungan Sewu](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pegunungan_Sewu&action=edit&redlink=1) in [Pacitan](/source/Pacitan), [East Java](/source/East_Java) passing [Wonogiri karst](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wonogiri_karst&action=edit&redlink=1) valleys, [Central Java](/source/Central_Java) until it reaches the southern coast of Gunungkidul through ancient, [Bengawan Solo](/source/Solo_River).

### Borderline

- North: [Klaten](/source/Klaten), [Sukoharjo](/source/Sukoharjo), [Sleman](/source/Sleman)

- West: [Imogiri](/source/Imogiri), [Pundong](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pundong&action=edit&redlink=1), [Dlingo](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dlingo&action=edit&redlink=1), [Piyungan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Piyungan&action=edit&redlink=1)

- South: Indian Ocean

- East: [Wonogiri](/source/Wonogiri)

### Culture

*Walang goreng* (fried grasshoppers)

Gunungkidul Regency is located in the limestone uplands of Java, thus soils are not very good for growing rice. Cassava replaced rice in this area. Some famous Gunungkidul cuisine includes *thiwul*, *gathot* (both are cassava-based food)[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] and a delicacy called *walang goreng* (fried [grasshoppers](/source/Grasshopper)).[9]

## Topography

### North Zone

The northern zone is called Agung Batur region, with an altitude of 200–700 m above sea level. The situation is hilly, there are sources of groundwater depth of 6m - 12m from the ground. *Latosol soil* types dominated by volcanic and sedimentary parent hurricane stones. This area includes the districts of Patuk, Gedangsari, Nglipar, Ngawen, Semin, and the northern part of the district of Ponjong.

### Central Zone

The Central Zone is called Ledok Wonosari development, with an altitude of 150–200 m above sea level. The soil type is dominated by Mediterranean association with the red and *black grumusol* limestone. So despite its long dry season, the water particles are still able to survive. There is a river on the land. Groundwater depth ranges between 60–120 m below the ground surface. This area includes the districts of Playen, Wonosari, Karangmojo and Ponjong, and the central and northern parts of Semanu.

### South Zone

The Southern Zone is called Pegunungan Sewu development area (*Duizon gebergton or Zuider gebergton*), with an altitude of 0–300 m above sea level. Constituent bedrock is limestone with characteristic conical hills (*Conical limestone*) and the karst area. Underground rivers are often found in this region. The southern zone includes the districts of Saptosari, Paliyan, Girisubo, Tanjungsari, [Tepus](/source/Kecamatan_Tepus), Rongkop, Purwosari and Panggang, and the southern parts of Ponjong and Semanu.

## Climatology

Gunungkidul regency including tropical area, the topography of a region dominated by karst region area. The southern region is dominated by karst region, that are numerous natural caves and underground rivers flowing. Under these conditions cause the condition of the land in the southern area which resulted in less fertile agricultural cultivation in this region is less than optimal. Gunungkidul climatological conditions generally exhibit the following conditions:

- The average rainfall in 2010 amounted to 1954.43 mm/year with the number of rainy days an average of 103 days/year. Wet months 7 months, while the dry months range from 5 months. Gunungkidul north region has the highest rainfall over central and southern regions. Gunungkidul southern region has the most rain beginning late

- Temperatures daily average of 27.7 °C, minimum temperature of 23.2 °C and a maximum temperature of 35 °C.

- Relative humidity ranging between 80% - 85%, not too influenced by the high places, but more influenced by the seasons.

## Heirloom

### Tombak Kyai Marga Salurung

*Tombak Kyai Marga Salurung* is one of heirloom gift from the King of [Yogyakarta](/source/Yogyakarta), [Hamengkubuwono X](/source/Hamengkubuwono_X) on Sunday, May 27, 2001, when the Celebration of 170th Anniversary of Gunungkidul Regency. Spear heirloom that has a new *dhapur cekel*, *warangka kajeng sanakeling* symbolize that the district government of Gunungkidul still has a major commitment to achieve lofty ideals are deeply rooted and always siding with the people. The leaders and the people have the attitude or the direction *salurung* approval, accord, *saiyeg - saeka- kapti* in the corridors of democracy, which means heavy hands make light work, conscious of their rights, but also respect the rights of others and known for certain obligations.

### Tombak Kyai Panjolo Panjul

### Songsong (Payung) Kyai Robyong

## UNESCO Geopark

See also: [Gunung Sewu Geopark](/source/Gunung_Sewu_Geopark)

Gunungkidul Regency and the nearby Imogiri area (in [Bantul Regency](/source/Bantul_Regency)) and [Pacitan Regency](/source/Pacitan_Regency) (East Java Province) is being promoted by the Indonesia government to be a [UNESCO](/source/UNESCO) Geopark, due to their unique and scenic karst landscape. An accessor from UNESCO has visited 4 areas in July 2014. These include:[10]

- [Pindul Cave](/source/Pindul_Cave), in [tectonic](/source/Tectonic) active area, the cave and the Gunungkidul [Karst](/source/Karst) Region give more variation of karst stone/land, if it is compared with Gunung Sewu area in [Pacitan](/source/Pacitan) and [Wonogiri](/source/Wonogiri)

- [Nglanggeran Primeval Volcano](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nglanggeran_Primeval_Volcano&action=edit&redlink=1)

- Gunung Batur Primeval Volcano

- Bobung Tourism Village

- [Siung Beach](/source/Siung_Beach)

A [halo](/source/Halo_(optical_phenomenon)) at Ngobaran beach, one of many scenic beaches in Gunungkidul Regency

As a karst region, Gunungkidul Regency has many caves, some of which have underground rivers. At least two of them ([Pindul Cave](/source/Pindul_Cave) in the Bejiharjo area and Kalisuci Cave in the Semanu area) are regarded as tourist sites[11] where tubing activities can be carried on.[12]

Nglanggeran primeval volcano in the Patuk area is only 600 meters high but there are excellent views from the peak to the north towards [Mount Merapi](/source/Mount_Merapi) and to the south across to the coast of Java.[13] Scattered giant granite and andesite rock formations called "watu wayang" (puppet rocks) are found at the Mt Nglanggeran area as well as a nearby man-made lake. It takes around 3 hours to hike from the Pendopo Kali Song entrance point to the peak.[14]

[Siung Beach](/source/Siung_Beach) Bay is about 300 meters in length, but swimming is prohibited because of dangerous rocks and severe waves. The cliff surrounding the beach, with over 200 tracks, is suitable for rock climbing.[15]

200 meters east of Siung Beach there is a 10-meter Jogan [Tide Fall](/source/Tiered_falls) in Tepus district which is 70 kilometers from [Yogyakarta](/source/Yogyakarta) in 2 hours drive. Rainy season is the best time to see the Jogan Tide Fall, because in the dry season, the water level is low.[16]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2024, *Kabupatèn Gunůngkidůl Dalam Angka 2024* (Katalog-BPS 1102001.3403)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Biro_Pusat_Statistik_2011_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Biro_Pusat_Statistik_2011_2-1) Biro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Badan_Pusat_Statistik_2021_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Badan_Pusat_Statistik_2021_3-1) Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Badan_Pusat_Statistik_2024_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Badan_Pusat_Statistik_2024_4-1) Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2024, *Kabupaten Gunungkidul Dalam Angka 2024* (Katalog-BPS 1102001.3403)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Slamet Susanto, '[Ponijo: Sunny disposition keeps water flowing'](https://m.thejakartapost.com/news/2007/08/16/ponijo-sunny-disposition-keeps-water-flowing.html) [Deprecated link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Archive.today_guidance) archived 20 December 2014 at [archive.today](/source/Archive.today), *The Jakarta Post*, 16 August 2007.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-JawaSewu_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-JawaSewu_6-1) '[Sewu mountain, a paradise for cave explorers](https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2001/06/30/sewu-mountain-a-paradise-cave-explorers.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204742/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2001/06/30/sewu-mountain-a-paradise-cave-explorers.html) 4 March 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)', *The Jakarta Post*, 30 June 2001.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-kompas_7-0)** Kusuma M. [Melacak Manusia Purba Gunungkidul](http://sains.kompas.com/read/2009/10/11/15555379/melacak.manusia.purba.gunung.kidul). Kompas daring. Edisi Minggu, 11 Oktober 2009. Diakses 15 Juni 2014

1. **[^](#cite_ref-A_8-0)** [Kompas - Melacak manusia purba Gunungkidul](http://sains.kompas.com/read/xml/2009/10/11/15555379/melacak.manusia.purba.gunung.kidul) diakses pada 6 November 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Walang Goreng Khas Gunungkidul"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160306121955/https://umkmjogja.com/product/walang-goreng-khas-gunung-kidul). *UMKM Jogja* (in Indonesian). Archived from [the original](http://umkmjogja.com/product/walang-goreng-khas-gunung-kidul) on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Hari Susmayanti (7 July 2014). ["Kristin Terkejut dengan Keindahan Gua Pindul"](http://jogja.tribunnews.com/2014/07/07/kristin-terkejut-dengan-keindahan-gua-pindul/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Cave Tubing Kalisuci"](http://www.kalisucicavetubing.blogspot.com/). Retrieved 11 November 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Selamat Datang di website resmi desa Wisata Bejiharjo"](http://www.desawisatabejiharjo.net/). Retrieved 24 March 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["GUNUNG NGLANGGERAN - Gunung Api Purba dengan 7 Keluarga"](http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/nature-and-outdoor/gunung-nglanggeran/) [NGLANGGERAN MOUNTAIN - Ancient Volcano with 7 Families]. *Yogyes*.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Diyah Hayu Rahmitasari, '[A piece of heaven on earth'](https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/05/13/a-piece-heaven-earth.html), *The Jakarta Post*, 13 May 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Siung, Pantai Indah Bertembok Karang"](http://www.mediaindonesia.com/mediatravelista/index.php/read/2012/05/15/3884/2/Siung-Pantai-Indah-Bertembok-Karang). 15 May 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Pantai Jogan, Panorama Air Terjun Di Bibir Pantai"](http://www.pasirpantai.com/jawa/pantai-jogan-panorama-air-terjun-di-bibir-pantai/). Retrieved 29 August 2014.

## External links

- Media related to [Gunungkidul Regency](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Gunungkidul_Regency) at Wikimedia Commons

- [Official website](http://www.gunungkidulkab.go.id/)

v t e Regencies and cities of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Capital: Yogyakarta Regencies Bantul Gunung Kidul Kulon Progo Sleman Cities Yogyakarta See also: List of regencies and cities of Indonesia

Authority control databases International VIAF WorldCat National United States Israel Geographic MusicBrainz area Other Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Gunung Kidul Regency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunung_Kidul_Regency) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunung_Kidul_Regency?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.