Pakubuwono XII

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Early life

Born as Raden Mas Soerjo Goeritno (Javanese script: ꦫꦢꦺꦤ꧀ꦩꦱ꧀ꦯꦸꦂꦪꦓꦫꦶꦠ꧀ꦤ), he was the son of Pakubuwono XI and his queen consort, Kanjeng Raden Ayu Koesparijah (styled Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Pakubuwono). RM. Soerjo Goeritno also had a half-sister namely Gusti Raden Ayu Koes Saparijam (styled GKR. Kedaton).

In his childhood, RM. Soerjo Goeritno was educated in an Europeesche Lagere School (Dutch primary school) near Pasar Legi, Surakarta. He was nicknamed Bobby by his friends. Some of his uncles, who were the same age as him, were also educated in this school. RM. Soerjo Goeritno was a friendly pupil and had a close friendship with his classmates without considering his social status. Since his childhood, he was fond of studying Javanese classical dances, especially Handaga and Garuda dances. He often recited Quran with Mr. Tjondrowijoto, a teacher in Mambaul Ulum. He also liked archery. In 1938, RM. Soerjo Goeritno was forced to quit his education for 5 months, as he must follow his father who was mandated by Pakubuwono X, his grandfather, to leave for the Netherlands with other local monarchs in Dutch East Indies to attend 40th jubilee of Queen Wilhelmina's coronation.

After that, RM. Soerjo Goeritno continued his education in Hogereburgerschool te Bandoeng (now SMA Negeri 3 Bandung and SMA Negeri 5 Bandung) with some uncles. After being schooled for 2 years, Pacific War broke out, in which Armed Forces of the Empire of Japan won against Allies of World War II, then Dutch East Indies fell to Empire of Japan.

Pakubuwono XI asked him to leave Bandung for Surakarta. On 1 June 1945, his father died. According to Javanese tradition, the heir must be the Pakubuwono XI's eldest son, Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Haryo Mangkoeboemi. However, the opportunity was closed as his mother, GKR. Kentjana (the first wife of Pakubuwono XI), had died in 1910, so she could not be appointed as queen consort when her husband was crowned. RM. Soerjo Goeritno subsequently became the heir despite being the youngest son, proven with the fact that he did not attend his father's funeral in Imogiri, in accordance with the tradition that an heir was prohibited to attend his predecessor's funeral.

Before ascending to the throne, RM. Soerjo Goeritno was appointed as heir apparent, styled KGPH. Poerbojo. Another version relates that his appointment was closely related to the role played by Sukarno, future President of Indonesia. RM. Soerjo Goeritno was chosen as Pakubuwono XII because of his young age and ability to adapt to a new situation. Although a new king had been agreed on, a new problem emerged. His coronation plan was once opposed by the Japanese colonial government, who stated that they didn't dare to guarantee the safety of future king.

War of Independence

RM. Soerjo Goeritno was crowned as Pakubuwono XII on 11 June 1945, approximately 2-months before Independence of Indonesia. Due to his young age, he was often accompanied by his mother, GKR. Pakubuwono (popularly known as Ibu Ageng or Great Mother), in carrying out his daily duties. Pakubuwono XII was often nicknamed as Sinuhun Hamardika, because he became the first Susuhunan of Surakarta who reigned in independence era.

After Proclamation of Independence, on 1 September 1945, he and Mangkunegara VIII separately issue royal decrees which congratulated to the newly founded Republic of Indonesia, 4 days before Hamengkubuwono IX and Paku Alam VIII's decree. On 6 September 1945, Surakarta Sunanate and Duchy of Mangkunegaran were granted Special Region's Charter from President Sukarno.

During Indonesian War of Independence, Pakubuwono XII was awarded titular military rank of lieutenant-general from President Sukarno, which meant he often accompanied the president to observe battlefields. Between 12–13 October 1945, Pakubuwono XII even led an assault on the headquarters of Kenpeitai in Kemlayan (now in Serengan subdistrict) and Timuran (now in Banjarsari subdistrict). He also led an assault on the headquarters of Kido Butai in Mangkubumen (now in Banjarsari subdistrict).

The Netherlands who didn't consent to Indonesian independence attempted to violently seize their former colony. In January 1946, the capital of Indonesia was moved to Yogyakarta because Jakarta had been occupied by the Dutch. At that time, Indonesian government was led by Sutan Syahrir as prime minister, with Sukarno as head of state. As commonly occurred in a country, an opposition faction who did not support the governmental system of PM Syahrir emerged, for example the group of General Soedirman.

As Yogyakarta became a capital, Surakarta which had been an old rival became a center of opposition. The radicals namely Barisan Banteng (meaning "Ox Front" in Indonesian) led by Muwardi deliberately abducted Pakubuwono XII and Sutan Syahrir as a protest against the government of Indonesia.

Barisan Banteng successfully took control of Surakarta without being eradicated by the Indonesian government due to Gen. Soedirman's protection. Gen. Sudirman even successfully persuaded the government to abolish the special status of Surakarta. From 1 June 1946, Sunanate of Surakarta was only a residency within Central Java province. The government was held by civilians, while Pakubuwono XII was merely symbolic.

Independence era

In his early rule, Pakubuwono XII was viewed as a ruler who failed in taking an important role and using the political situation of Indonesia, which caused his prestige to be lower than that of Hamengkubuwono IX of Yogyakarta.

Pakubuwono XII had actually attempted to regain the special status of Surakarta. On 15 January 1952, Pakubuwono XII explained extensively about Special Region of Surakarta to the ministerial council in Jakarta. On that occasion, he explained that the government of the special region couldn't overcome unrest and gnawing with armed threat, while the government of a special region didn't have power apparatus. However, the attempt was unsuccessful. Eventually, Pakubuwono XII left the palace to attend education in Jakarta in 1954. He appointed his uncle, KGPH. Koesoemojoedo, as his temporary representative.

In his reign, there were two catastrophes in Surakarta Palace. On 19 November 1954, the tallest building in the palace complex, Panggung Sangga Buwana, was burned and most of the building, including the roof and decoration in the top of building, was destroyed. On 31 January 1985, the core of palace was burned down at 9.00 pm. The fire happened in Sasana Parasdya, Sasana Sewaka, Sasana Handrawina, Dalem Ageng Prabasuyasa, Dayinta, and Paningrat. The entire building, including the furnitures, was completely destroyed.

On 5 February 1985, Pakubuwono XII told President Soeharto about the fire in Surakarta Palace. The president reacted by forming Committee 13 who was tasked to rehabilitate the palace. Hardjonagoro, a national cultural observer who was also Pakubuwono XII's friend, was one of the member of Committee 13. Surakarta Palace was fully rehabilitated after obtaining 4 million rupiahs from the government. The renovation of palace complex was finished and it was inaugurated in 1987.

On 26 September 1995, by Presidential Decree no. 70/SKEP/IX/1995, Pakubuwono XII was awarded Struggle Prize and Medal of Generation '45 from central government. The award was given as a form of honor for Pakubuwono XII as the first king in Indonesia to swear allegiance and stand behind the republic government in the early independence era. Pakubuwono XII also voluntarily contributed a half of his personal and royal wealth to central government in that era.

Although in his early reign, Pakubuwono XII was politically less successful, he still became the patron figure of Javanese culture. In reformation era, many national figures, such as President Abdurrahman Wahid, still respected him as elder of Java.

Pakubuwono XII

Pakubuwono XII

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Early life

Rule

War of Independence

Independence era

Death and succession

Family

Wives

Children

Military honours