Javanese Royal Palaces: Surakarta

by Bama
February 11, 2018
48 comments
Asia, Indonesia, Southeast

Gapura Gladag, the Northern Gate to the Vast Palace Complex of Surakarta

Considering the total population of Java today, one might be startled to realize just how many people live on this Indonesian island. Java’s land area is slightly smaller than Florida, and just a little bit bigger than the whole of Greece. However, while the Sunshine State is populated by more than 20 million people, and around 11 million call Greece home, roughly 150 million souls dwell on Java. It’s not hard to understand the reason behind this overpopulation; one only needs to look into the history and geography of the island.

Located near the equator with the Java Sea to its north and the Indian Ocean to the island’s south, rainfall is consistently high over most parts of Java, particularly during rainy season. Moreover, being among the islands located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Java’s volcanoes are plentiful and alive, ensuring the soil is repeatedly replenished with minerals essential for keeping the tapestry of forests, plantations, and farmlands on the island lush and prolific. Such abundance is critical for supporting a multitude of societies to thrive, which helps nurture a conducive environment where people’s basic needs are fulfilled and artistic endeavors encouraged. In the past, these conditions had allowed artisans and masons to create monumental structures unlike anything the island had ever seen before.

However, more than a thousand years since the great temples of the Medang kingdom were completed and eventually abandoned – or centuries in the case of those ornately carved temples in East Java – whenever the question “where is the cultural center of Java?” is asked today, the answers likely evoke a bitter schism that tore the royal court of Java apart, an event instigated by the avarice of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). While Java itself was not the main reason why the Dutch ventured far from Europe risking their money and lives – it was the Spice Islands (where nutmeg originated) that had lured the Spanish and the Portuguese decades before the arrival of the Dutch – the island was already home to some of the most important trading ports in the vast archipelago that makes up modern-day Indonesia. The port of Batavia in the western part of Java, where the colonial administration in the Dutch East Indies was based for most of the time, eventually grew into the teeming megalopolis we now know as Jakarta.

So, back to the question: where is the cultural center of Java?

Two cities usually pop up in people’s minds: Solo (Surakarta) and Jogja (Yogyakarta). Not only are both located near the ruins of the colossal Hindu-Buddhist ancient temples this part of Java is famous for, but they also host what are arguably the most influential royal courts on the island. The Sunanate of Surakarta and the Sultanate of Yogyakarta are often seen as the custodians of Javanese culture, bulwarks against rampant modernism and also creeping conservatism that has worryingly been gaining ground in recent years. Both monarchies trace back their history to the same root: the Mataram Sultanate, a powerful Islamic kingdom that rose to prominence in the late 16th century and reached its apogee in the 17th century.

Although nominally a sultanate – an Islamic realm led by a sultan – Mataram was established in a period of time when Java – for centuries a stronghold of Hinduism and Buddhism – was gradually converting to Islam. Some Hindu traditions remained, not only in architecture (although depictions of humans were conspicuously absent), but also in rituals. Mataram Sultanate, along with other smaller sultanates on the island, spread a version of Islam that was starkly different from the one practiced in the Arabian desert.

Entering the Northern Plaza of the Keraton of Surakarta

The Main Gate of the Great Mosque of Surakarta

The 18th-Century Official Mosque of the Keraton

Sasana Sumewa Audience Hall

An Eagle above the Emblem of the Sunanate of Surakarta

Sasana Sewayana, Another Audience Hall at the Palace Complex

Bangsal Witana, A Javanese-Style Pavilion Housing A Sacred Cannon

In the early 18th century, when the VOC grew more powerful, the sultan sought help from the Dutch company to put down rebellions in his kingdom. This marked an era when the Dutch began meddling with the internal affairs of the Mataram Sultanate, supporting whichever ruler who brought the most benefits to the European power. One by one, coastal cities once held by Mataram were ceded to the VOC, leaving only the heartland of Central Java in the sultan’s full control. In the mid-18th century, the Dutch further involved themselves in the power struggles of the royal court of Mataram. Pakubuwono II, the sultan at that time who had just built a new palace in Surakarta and moved his court there, was a close ally of the Dutch. Prince Mangkubumi – Pakubuwono II’s brother who had been promised a reward of land for successfully suppressing a rebellion – grew dissatisfied with the sultan for changing his mind and giving concessions to the Dutch instead.

In 1755, following years of rebellion by Prince Mangkubumi, a treaty was signed by the VOC, Pakubuwono III (Pakubuwono II’s son), and the rebel prince – omitting Prince Sambernyawa, another claimant of Mataram Sultanate’s core realm. The treaty divided Mataram in two: Surakarta and the land east of the Opak river belonged to Pakubuwono III, and Yogyakarta to the west of the river fell under the control of Mangkubumi who then took the title Hamengkubuwono I. Apart from the split of Mataram, the treaty also allowed the VOC to determine the ruler of the two new kingdoms whenever necessary – officially bringing Mataram’s independence to an end.

After gaining independence from the Dutch in 1945, the Indonesian government gradually stripped local kings across the archipelago of political power, demoting them to mere cultural leaders of their respective communities. The Sunanate of Surakarta was no exception; the kingdom became part of the province of Central Java although the sunan (how the sultan is called in Surakarta) retained his title and continued residing in the royal palace. Neighboring Yogyakarta, however, was granted a special status, allowing its sultan to keep his political power in the nascent republic. This was made possible thanks to Hamengkubuwono IX’s pivotal role in providing a temporary capital for Indonesia when Jakarta fell to the Dutch following the European nation’s military intervention (known in Indonesia as the First Dutch Military Aggression) to retake parts of its former colony.

Today, the royal palace (keraton) of Surakarta is a testament to the kingdom’s significance in the past and a silent witness to the intrigues that took place within its walls. Situated right at the heart of the city of Solo, the whitewashed Gladag gate welcomes people to the northern square of the expansive palace compound. Fronting the square is the 18th-century palace mosque, commissioned by Pakubuwono III, and a large audience hall used by the house’s lords. A short walk deeper into the complex brings visitors to a trapezoid-roofed gate, the entrance to the main palace. A shaded veranda painted and decorated with accents of blue and adorned with kala and makara, ubiquitous in Hindu temples, lies immediately behind the gate with a round tower looming from the back of the structure. Beyond this display of different architecture styles is a leafy courtyard surrounded by the palace’s main audience hall as well as rooms and chambers which now house some of the palace’s collections, including royal chariots and centuries-old Hindu-Buddhist artifacts.

The current sunan, Pakubuwono XIII, resides in the tranquil palace complex following another power struggle in recent years as the previous sunan, Pakubowono XII, never announced any of his sons as the heir to the throne. In April 2017 a dispute between two claimants was finally settled when the younger prince acknowledged his half-brother as the new sunan. Surakarta’s long rival Yogyakarta, meanwhile, has been more successful in avoiding this kind of internal commotion, though perhaps not for much longer as greater uncertainties are looming on the horizon.

Kori Brajanala Lor, the Main Entrance to the Inner Sections of the Keraton

Kori Kamandungan Lor and the Iconic Panggung Sangga Buwana Tower Behind It

Dwarapala, A Vestige of Hinduism in Java

The Eclectic Style of Kori Kamandungan Lor

Bangsal Maligi at the Inner Courtyard

She Has Seen Better Days in the Past

A Corridor with Covered Up Paintings

Images of Surakarta’s Past Rulers

Ancient Hindu-Buddhist Relics, Collections of the Keraton

Some of the Former Royal Chariots of the Keraton

A Taste of Europe in the Javanese Heartland

Exiting the Palace Compound

Posted by

Based in Jakarta, always curious about the world, always fascinated by ancient temples, easily pleased by food.

48 thoughts on “Javanese Royal Palaces: Surakarta”

  2. umashankar says:

    You have captured the historical footprints of Java with an exquisite bouquet of images in the well-researched article. I have a feeling that the later day overreach over Java’s Hindu-Buddhist past was a dampener.

    Like

    • Bama says:

      Much appreciated, Umashankar! Java’s Hindu-Buddhist past, animist roots, and syncretic Islamic traditions are inextricably woven into a tapestry of colorful identity many Javanese still adhere. This palace (and the ones in my future posts) are some of the results of this amalgamation of the seemingly contradictory cultures, making Java among the most fascinating islands in Indonesia. I might be biased, though, but you should come and see for yourself to understand what I mean.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Zac says:

    I honestly had no idea there were still vestiges of former monarchies across Indonesia. Am I correct in understanding that tourists are allowed into the very same palace Pakubuwono XIII is living in currently? If so, that makes the experience so much cooler!

    I also love that I feel what the weather’s like just by looking at the architecture. The floors made of tiles or concrete, the awnings, and the strategic placement of walls and pillars makes me feel like I’m being shaded from the Indonesian heat.

    Like

    • Bama says:

      According to an article published by the BBC Indonesia last year, apparently there are still more than 40 active monarchies across the country. Only one, though, is still run like a real kingdom in the past, with hereditary sultans holding true political power. More on that in my next post. As for Pakubuwono’s palace, tourists are allowed to wander around most sections of the palace, except those where members of the royal family live.

      You know how oppressive the heat can be in this part of the world, hence the use of those tiles which feel cooler than the temperature outside. This and other palaces around Solo and Jogja are good examples of how tropical architecture accommodates the needs and lifestyle of a king.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Mallee Stanley says:

    So it was not only the British who used the divide and rule strategy.
    Why not do a post of mosques in Indonesia? Much of the world thinks mosques are buildings with domes and minarets. The one in Keraton proves otherwise.

    Like

    • Bama says:

      Good observation! Thanks for pointing that out — next time I see a dwarapala I’ll take a closer look whether or not he has a mustache.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Sonny Hendrawan Saputra says:

    Thank you for writing this beautiful post about my hometown. I personally really appreciate it 🙂

    Like

  8. aggy87 says:

    I am always amazed of how overpopulated we are! It is rather startling isn’t it? I am also unsure of the future of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. It used to be that people greatly respect the sultanate and now it seems that it does not apply anymore.

    Like

    • Bama says:

      Yet there are still some places on this island where we can find solitude — Baluran is one of them. Actually I’m curious about the general sentiment of the people in Jogja toward their sultan, especially in recent years following internal conflicts within the royal court and the increasing intolerance in the province.

      Like

  9. lexklein says:

    I had to laugh when you said abundant rain and active volcanoes were a reason FOR the large population – those two things might scare me off! (But by now you know how I feel about rain …) Anyway, very interesting history and I love all the blue and blue-green paint!

    Like

    • Bama says:

      Ahh yes, especially after that recent trip to Ecuador. When you come to Indonesia one day, make sure it’s not in the rainy season!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Indah Susanti says:

    I have never been to Solo, from the images and its history, it must be an interesting city to visit! I would love to visit Solo in the future 🙂

    Like

    • Bama says:

      A trip to Solo would worth doing when you come back to Indonesia one day. Don’t miss all those delectable dishes the city is famous for!

      Like

    • Bama says:

      Despite Surakarta’s rich cultural scene, this part of Java is still relatively unknown to foreigners, unlike its neighboring Yogyakarta. Hope you’ll make it there one day! Thanks for reading, Jean-Michel!

      Like

  13. Pingback: Javanese Royal Palaces: Yogyakarta | What an Amazing World!

  14. La Potosina says:

    Hello Bama, thank you for sharing your pictures and history about Java. I can see the Dutch influence in many of the Javanese architectures, it’s interesting to see the influences of the different cultures reflected in man-made structures.

    Like

    • Bama says:

      Thanks for reading, Liz. Architecture is indeed a showcase of different cultural influences that have shaped a place’s identity. The more I travel, the more I see past connections among places not only in one region but also those thousands of kilometers apart.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Pingback: Javanese Royal Palaces: Mangkunegaran | What an Amazing World!

  16. James says:

    One of the things I really enjoyed about the keraton in Solo was the fact that ordinary visitors like us could walk around and explore quite a number of rooms and courtyards. It was fascinating to see European statues, Hindu-Buddhist relics, and also antique royal chariots on display. Bama, do you know if pastel blue is the color of Solo’s royalty? That seems to be the preferred shade for doors, columns, ceilings, and balustrades in the palace.

    Like

    • Bama says:

      To me it seems like Javanese kings have always been very accommodating to cultural influences from lands faraway from Java; Hindu-Buddhist elements from India, Islamic characters from South Asia and the Middle East, and European flair are all palpable at the keraton in Jogja, Solo and even Cirebon. As for the color, I believe blue is one of the official colors of the Sunanate of Surakarta as it is prominently depicted on its official emblem, symbolizing the skies.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Vira says:

    I find this Surakarta keraton more beautiful than the Mangkunegaran (although there really is no need to compare.. LoL).
    Something I don’t quite understand, if the sunanate is not in power anymore, what makes it still exist and maintain such a beautiful palace? Not to mention all the juicy rumors about certain members of the royal family’s behaviors..

    Like

    • Bama says:

      That means if we were to build our houses next to another, they wouldn’t look similar! 😀
      I like the airiness of Pura Mangkunegaran’s Pendopo Ageng, but I loved the fact that Keraton Surakarta was more accessible. Even though most royal families in Indonesia hold no real power today, but I think to some degree they are still treated like royalty by the locals, hence the upkeep of their expansive residence.

      Like

  18. BaRTZap says:

    Yang aku tahu, sebenarnya pada masa awal Republik Indonesia berdiri paska kemerdekaan, Surakarta mendapatkan status daerah istimewa bersama dengan Yogyakarta, Aceh, dan Bulungan (di Kalimantan Utara). Namun dalam perjalanannya, Sunan Pakubowo XII dianggap tidak sanggup mempertahankan daerahnya ketika gerakan anti-swapraja muncul, bahkan sampai melahirkan tragedi penculikan dan pembunuhan para petinggi pemerintahan Daerah Istimewa Surakarta. Sehingga akhirnya pemerintah Indonesia mengambil alih dan memutuskan untuk melebur DIS dengan Propinsi Jawa Tengah.

    Sepanjang yang aku ingat, kondisi Istana Kasunanan Surakarta ini tidak sebaik dan seberuntung Istana Kasultanan Yogyakarta, atau bahkan tetangga dekatnya di Mangkunegaran. Kondisinya agak kurang terawat dan kurang ‘kinclong’. Mungkin karena dalam tahun-tahun terakhir ini istana tersebut mengalami banyak goncangan, akibat konflik internal mengenai tahta Sunan XIII. Pas aku ke sana (tahun 2015an), seingatku konflik itu masih ada. Dan kalau memang di tahun 2017 konflik itu sudah terselesaikan, harapannya sih Istana ini bisa jauh lebih terawat lagi. Karena memang memiliki nilai historis dan seni yang tinggi.

    Like

    • Bama says:

      Betulll… Makasih buat tambahan informasinya, Bart. Gak kebayang ya dulu pas masa-masa awal kemerdekaan, masih mencekam, tapi juga penuh harapan. Soal konflik internal memang seingetku baru di tahun-tahun belakangan ini baru bisa terselesaikan. Masih inget beberapa tahun yang lalu di TV ada berita salah satu kelompok yang mengklaim tahta Surakarta kemudian melakukan pemblokiran atau apa gitu terhadap salah satu bagian dari keraton. Kalau gak salah beritanya gitu. Ya semoga dengan kembali stabilnya kondisi internal Keraton Surakarta, istananya bisa kembali terawat.

      Liked by 1 person

      • BaRTZap says:

        Menyoal konflik internal itu, aku jadi ingat masalah yang sama di Cirebon. Di Keraton Kanoman kalau gak salah. Terjadi konflik yang serupa, termasuk pemblokiran akses istana juga.

        Aku gak tau, apakah konflik macam ini dapat diintervensi pemerintah atau nggak ya?

        Hmmm, iya Bam, sama harapannya juga gitu. Semoga dengan berakhirnya konflik internal tersebut, kondisi istana itu bisa terawat lebih baik.

        Btw, banyak yang bilang juga karena memang angka-angka penguasa yang baru ini sudah masuk ke dalam nubuatnya sebagai angka-angka ‘penutup’. Seperti X, IX, XIII dan sebagainya.

        Like

      • Bama says:

        Oh iya bener, di Cirebon juga pernah ada konflik yang serupa. Soal intervensi pemerintah, kayaknya gak relevan sih menurutku soalnya keraton-keraton itu (kecuali Yogyakarta) kan berada di luar struktur kepemerintahan.

        Wah yang nubuat aku malah baru denger. Tapi sepertinya dalam sejarah dunia memang jarang (atau malah gak ada) penguasa dengan gelar sampai lebih dari XX. Biasanya akan ada satu orang yang memakai gelar baru dan angkanya pun restart dari I lagi.

        Liked by 1 person

      • BaRTZap says:

        Iya juga sih ya. Btw, aku punya kisah ‘agak sedih’ dari Keraton Kanoman pas aku ke sana tahun lalu. Bukti nyata kalau konflik internal itu meninggalkan bekas.

        Iya, seperti kepercayaan IX sebagai penutup di Kerajaan Siam (meskipun ini sudah dinubuatkan Raja Rama I ya).

        Like

      • Bama says:

        Wah aku malah baru tau kalo Raja Rama I pernah bernubuat bahwa Rama IX merupakan raja penutup. Aku agak penasaran sih gimana rakyat Thailand memandang Rama X, mengingat segala kontroversi yang pernah meliputinya.

        Liked by 1 person

      • BaRTZap says:

        Nah soal itu jangan ditanya pas lagi di Thailand nya, gak bakal dijawab. Lesse majeste 🙂

        Like

  19. Pingback: Radya Pustaka: A Forlorn Museum | What an Amazing World!

  20. Pingback: Killing Time in Semarang | What an Amazing World!

  21. Pingback: A Short Escape to Ambarawa | What an Amazing World!

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.