Kedu

Kedu is a geographic and cultural region located in Central Java, Indonesia, centered on the Kedu Plain (Lembah Kedu). The plain extends across parts of Magelang, Purworejo, and Temanggung Regencies and lies between several volcanic uplands, forming a fertile lowland that has supported settlements for centuries. The landscape is characterized by rolling fields, small towns, and a backdrop of volcanic mountains such as Sundoro-Sumbing to the west and Merapi to the south, with the Dieng Plateau nearby to the north-west.

Geography and environment in the Kedu region emphasize fertile soils and a temperate tropical climate with a pronounced wet season. The area hosts a mix of rice paddies, cornfields, vegetables, and coffee plantations, reflecting its role as an agricultural belt in Central Java. The scenic and volcanic terrain also contributes to regional tourism, especially related to nearby attractions like the Dieng Plateau and the Borobudur temple complex in nearby areas.

History and administration in the region reflect its long-standing role in Central Java. The name Kedu appears in Javanese and colonial-era sources to describe this central Java lowland. During the Dutch colonial period, the area was part of Central Java’s administrative divisions, and later became part of modern Indonesian regencies. The region has historically functioned as a corridor for trade, agriculture, and settlement, shaping a distinctive local culture within the broader Javanese tradition.

Etymology and nomenclature regarding Kedu are subject to scholarly discussion, with various explanations offered for the origin of the name.