Alun-Alun Blitar: History, Egrets, and Es Pleret
Every major city in Indonesia, particularly across Java, seems incomplete without its designated alun-alun or city square. Just like Alun-Alun Blitar, this spot is generally the strategic heart of the community, the focal point of local life, history, and activity. Blitar City is certainly no exception, Moms & Dads.
If you find yourself visiting this city, famously known as the birthplace of founding father Bung Karno, missing out on its central square would be a travel oversight. The Alun-Alun Blitar has long served as the city’s primary landmark.
It is here that you will find bustling crowds, street vendors selling local delicacies, and a palpable sense of the city’s long history woven into the very fabric of the landscape. It’s more than just a large field; it’s a living museum of Javanese urban planning and local culture.
Aloon-Aloon Blitar: A Historical Center of Javanese Cosmos
Covering approximately two hectares, the Blitar City Square is traditionally the nexus of government and culture. It is bordered by significant historical structures that underscore its political and spiritual importance, including the aforementioned grand mosque and the Pendopo Agung Blitar (the official residence/hall of the regent).
This spatial arrangement reflects the deep-rooted Javanese principles of cosmic order. Historically, the area was not just for official ceremonies. It was also a central venue for public entertainment as far back as the 19th century.
Anecdotes, whether factual or merely folklore, even speak of fierce human-versus-tiger duels taking place on this very field during the colonial era, highlighting its role as a dramatic centerpiece for the community.
The Blitar alun-alun was constructed concurrently with the Pendopo Ronggo Hadi Negoro, which sits to the square's north. This Pendopo is named after the city’s first regent, R.M. Aryo Ronggo Hadinegoro, imbuing the northern boundary of the square with an air of historical majesty and local pride.
The layout adheres to a common architectural rule practiced across Java for centuries: the pattern dictates that the government residence (Pendopo) must be situated to the north of the square, the prison to the east, government offices to the south, and the main mosque to the west.
This strategic arrangement ensured that the primary elements of life, which are spiritual guidance, governance, security, and administration. They were harmoniously centered around the public space, demonstrating a thoughtful and highly strategic approach to planning settlements and social life during that era.
The Unique Charms of Alun-Alun Blitar Square
The first feature that immediately captures our eyes when approaching Alun-Alun Blitar is the expansive green space framed by colossal banyan trees (pohon beringin) standing proudly at the four corners.
These trees not only provide abundant shade, offering respite from the tropical sun, but also serve a delightful secondary function: providing a perfect habitat for flocks of white egrets (burung kuntul). These beautiful white birds can be seen flying gracefully from one tree to another, adding a lively energy to the atmosphere.
So, if you are visiting alone, you certainly won't feel lonely. The constant activity of the egrets, combined with the steady stream of local traffic, ensures the square is always vibrant.
However, a word of friendly warning is necessary, Moms & Dads. While the sight of the egrets is charming, travelers must remain vigilant against potential aerial attacks.
These birds are known to drop what we call "white bombs" everywhere, as evidenced by the white stains visible across the pavement and park areas beneath the banyan canopy, a common sight we have also observed in places like Sumber Udel Waterpark.
Moving towards the center of the field, you will spot a prominent flagpole, which becomes the focal point for official state ceremonies and flag-raising events on national holidays.
Another attractive feature is a large, ornate "aviary" structure filled with various plants, serving as an excellent and colorful spot for photographs.
While the square does offer some playground equipment, it is rather sparse and, unfortunately, not well-maintained.
If you visit Alun-Alun Blitar in the evening, be sure to check out the dancing fountain display near one of the park benches, illuminated by colorful lights, though it is admittedly smaller than the Taman Pecut fountain situated across the street.
Additional Facilities and Places Around Blitar Square
Just like any major public space, Alun-Alun Blitar is equipped with basic facilities for visitors, including benches, parking areas, restrooms, and trash bins. However, managing your expectations regarding maintenance is key.
Kira experienced a minor setback when she sat down on a bench only to find used chewing gum stuck to her trousers. This incident serves as a good reminder: always check the park benches before sitting, as not all visitors are mindful of maintaining public cleanliness.
The square is strategically flanked by important amenities. To the west stands the majestic Blitar Grand Mosque. During our recent visit, which coincided with in Friday, Yayah attended the Jumat Prayer (Salat Jumat) while the rest of us waited in the square.
That was a perfect opportunity to sample the culinary offerings from the numerous food stalls located along the eastern side. The menus are delightfully diverse, featuring typical Indonesian street food staples such as siomay (steamed fish dumplings), batagor (fried fish dumplings), nasi pecel (rice with peanut sauce), bakso (meatballs), mi ayam (chicken noodles), etc.
The drink selection is equally standard and satisfying. But the absolute highlight you must try is Pleret Ice es pleret, a specialty drink unique to Blitar. This refreshing concoction features small, chewy balls made from rice flour, served with coconut milk, brown sugar syrup, and crushed ice.
And one more thing. The Blitar Square is officially recognized as the city's Zero Point. Right next to the KM 0 Monument, you'll find a public skateboard park.
How to Get to Alun-Alun Blitar
Accessing Alun-alun Blitar is remarkably easy due to its central location, Moms & Dads. Its strategic position makes it easily reachable whether you arrive via train or bus. From Blitar Railway Station, the square is only about 1 kilometer away, requiring a pleasant 15-minute walk.
Alternatively, you can easily hire a car from one of the nearby daily rental services. If you are arriving at Patria Bus Terminal, you can take local public transport or an online taxi, with the journey typically taking around 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Despite its simple presentation and some maintenance issues, Alun-Alun Blitar remains an essential and engaging destination in Blitar City. It encapsulates the heart and soul of the community, serving as both a historical relic and a modern gathering place.
It is undeniably a source of local pride for the residents. If the opportunity arises, we highly recommend that you stop by and experience this lively piece of Blitar’s heritage for yourself. Just avoid the “white bombs”.
Alun-Alun Kota Blitar (The Blitar Square)
- Address: 1st Merdeka Street, Kepanjen Lor Sub-district, Kepanjenkidul District, Blitar City, East Java Province, Indonesia (Google Maps)
- Area: 28,394.32 m² (± 2 hectares)
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Ticket: Free