Candi Jiwa Batujaya Karawang

Candi Jiwa Batujaya Karawang is a historical site from the Tarumanegara Kingdom era, located in Segaran Village, Batujaya District, Karawang Regency, West Java. It is part of Indonesia’s oldest temple complex, discovered along the northern coast of Java.

History and Origins

Archaeologists believe that Candi Jiwa in Batujaya was built between the 6th and 7th centuries AD. During that period, the area was a center for Buddhist religious activities in the Tarumanegara Kingdom. The structure of Candi Jiwa Batujaya Tarumanegara Segaran Karawang West Java was made from red bricks without cement, showcasing advanced ancient construction techniques.

The temple was named “Jiwa” because it was found on farmland called Unur Jiwa, which was later excavated and restored by the Cultural Heritage Preservation Center of Banten. Today, Candi Batujaya and Candi Jiwa have become popular historical tourism destinations in Karawang.

Architecture and Uniqueness

The Candi Jiwa Batujaya building has a square base measuring about 19x19 meters. Its upper structure features a lotus (padma) design, a sacred symbol in Buddhism. In the center lies a circular structure believed to be the base of a stupa or Buddha statue. The temple’s aesthetic and historical value attract many visitors to take photos of Candi Jiwa Batujaya.

Location and Access

Candi Jiwa Batujaya is located in Segaran Village, Batujaya District, Karawang Regency, West Java, around 40 kilometers from downtown Karawang. The best route is via the Jakarta–Cikampek Toll Road, exiting at Karawang Barat Gate, then heading toward Rengasdengklok and Batujaya. The roads are well-paved and easily accessible by private vehicles.

Facilities and Entrance Fee

The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entrance tickets cost around IDR 5,000 per person. Facilities include a spacious parking area, prayer room, toilets, rest gazebos, and small food stalls around the site.

Tourist Activities

Visitors can explore the surrounding rice fields, visit the small museum near the temple that displays pottery and ancient brick fragments, and take pictures with the temple as a scenic background. Many people come to Candi Jiwa Batujaya Karawang to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and educational value.

Educational and Cultural Value

As part of the Candi Jiwa Batujaya Tarumanegara Kingdom, this site plays an important role in archaeological research and historical education. Local authorities and the community actively help preserve it as a symbol of West Java’s cultural and historical identity.