Catur Gatra Tunggal means four elements that become one unit or four spacecraft in a single togetherness. Catur Gatra Tunggal is a layout concept applied by some Javanese kingdoms long time ago which brings the idea that government cannot be separated from economic, religious and social aspects. The four elements in this concept are the government itself, economy, religion, and society. It is stated in regional regulation of Special District of Yogyakarta that the philosophy of Catur Gatra Tunggal includes four elements forming the identity of the city, which consists of Karaton (palace) as the center of government, the square (plaza) as the center of social cultural activities, Gede Mosque as a center of spiritual activities and Bringharjo market as a center of economic activity.
There was another kingdom in Yogyakarta ruled in 16th century named Mataram Islam Kingdom which became the first kingdom that used Catur Gatra Tunggal System. It was located in Kotagede one of special district in Yogyakarta because it is known as a historic neighborhood. The historical relics of Mataram Islam Kingdom is still preserved and it is open for public as a heritage tourism. This kingdom also used Catur Gatra Tunggal Concept, and it can be traced through the remaining building and culture in Kotagede.
The first element of Catur Gatra Tunggal is the government. Mataram Islam Kingdom or Mataram Sultanage ruled in 16th century in Kotagede, Special District of Yogyakarta by the descent of Ki Ageng Sela and Ki Ageng Pemanahan. This kingdom in the beginning was a forest called Alas Mentaok which was actually a gift from Sultan Hadiwijaya, The King of Pajang Kingdom for loyal services of Ki Ageng Pemanahan to the kingdom. Before it transformed into a kingdom which was led first by Panembahan Senopati, it was a duchy of Pajang Kingdom. There is no palace building relic, all that lefts are only Cepuri Beteng and andesite called Watu Gilang. It is believed that the palace was in Kampung Ndalem region.
The second element is economy represented by Pasar Legi Kotagede or Kotagede Market, the oldest traditional market in Yogyakarta. This market is categorized as a heritage tourist destination and still operating from 16th century until today. It is located on Mondorakan No.172 B Yogyakarta. Goods sold are the same as in most traditional markets which are jajanan pasar or traditional market snacks, and other daily basic needs.
The third element is religion depicted by the oldest mosque in Yogyakarta built in 1640s, Kotagedhe Mosque or Gedhe Mataram Mosque. It is located near of Mataram Kings’ cemetery complex. Some of building design uses Hinduism and Buddhism style which makes the shape building looks unique. Based on the inscription, this mosque was built in two stages. The first stage was built in Sultan Agung reign and the second stage was by Paku Buwono X.
The fourth element is society. There is no plaza or alun-alun like in Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, because the plaza now is used as a settlement called Kampung Alun-alun. There are contiguous houses built with a very unique design. Joglo or traditional house style is everywhere. The citizens take care it so well so it is clean, unique, and full of Javanese philosophy. Some of Joglos put a Bahu Danyang or spiritual creature’s shoulder, a house accessory that is believed as a symbol of traditional houses which are full of spiritual value.
The last, it is always fun that we can do a ‘walk-in heritage’ and learn the history directly from its original place. So, I do thank you for Lawang Pethuk Community for the amazing and insightful Kotagede Tour. Keep up the amazing work!
Other sources:
https://gudeg.net/direktori/7458/pasar-kotagede-yogyakarta.html
http://www.travelklik.com/2017/02/yuk-jalan-jalan-ke-kampung-alun-alun.html
https://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/pilgrimage-sites/masjid-kotagede/
https://travel.tempo.co/read/1199430/wisata-sejarah-teka-teki-letak-kerajaan-mataram-di-kotagede