Drama Dua Raja Solo, Satu Keraton Surakarta: Ini Akar Masalahnya!

Summary

The succession conflict at Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat has flared up again after the death of Srihunan Pakono. The dispute between his two sons, KGPH Hangabei and KGPA Hamengkunegoro, over who should be the rightful Pakubono 14 has caused tensions within the royal family. Both sides claim legitimacy through different traditions and interpretations of royal customs, leading to divided factions. Critics argue that the lack of consensus and the rushed coronation process violates the ethical principles upheld by the Keraton. The future of the monarchy hangs in the balance, with the family and the government caught in a delicate struggle over the throne.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Surakarta Kasunanan Keraton is embroiled in a succession conflict following the death of Pakubuwono XIII, with two of his sons, KGPH Hangabei and KGPA Hamengkunegoro, both claiming to be the rightful king.
• 😀 This succession issue mirrors the situation after Pakubuwono XII’s death in 2004, where a similar duality of claimants caused major tensions.
• 😀 KGPH Hangabei was crowned Pakubuwono XIV by the Dewan Adat (Traditional Council) on November 13, 2025, with his legitimacy based on being the eldest son of Pakubuwono XIII.
• 😀 KGPA Hamengkunegoro's faction claims legitimacy through a will from the late Pakubuwono XIII, and his official coronation ceremony was scheduled for November 15, 2025.
• 😀 The conflict has led to heightened tensions within the Keraton, necessitating police and military presence to maintain order.
• 😀 The legitimacy of the queen consort’s status, which affects the succession, is questioned by Hangabei's camp, who argue that the eldest son should inherit the throne regardless of his mother’s status.
• 😀 The government has appointed KGPAT Jowulan as a mediator to help resolve the conflict and facilitate discussions between the factions of the royal family.
• 😀 Critics, including historian R. Surojo, argue that the coronation of a new king without a consensus or proper etiquette violates the Keraton’s traditions and values.
• 😀 There is a growing debate about whether the succession should follow a strict pattern of inheritance or whether it can be influenced by other factors like the royal family’s internal politics and historical precedents.
• 😀 The conflict highlights the broader issue of how royal succession and power struggles in Surakarta are not only legal matters but also cultural and ethical issues, often tied to deeply rooted family dynamics and royal history.

Q & A

What is the main conflict in Keraton Surakarta as described in the script?

The main conflict is the succession dispute after the death of Pakubono 13. Two sons of Pakubono 13, KGPH Hangabei and KGPA Hamengkunegoro, are both claiming to be the rightful king, leading to a dual monarchy situation within the Keraton.

How did KGPH Hangabei come to be crowned as Pakubono 14?

KGPH Hangabei was crowned as Pakubono 14 by the LDA (Lembaga Dewan Adat), with his legitimacy rooted in being the eldest son of Pakubono 13. The coronation took place on November 13, 2025, at the Sasana Handrawina.

What was KGPA Hamengkunegoro's claim to the throne?

KGPA Hamengkunegoro's claim to the throne is based on a will from the late Pakubono 13. His supporters argue that his coronation should proceed based on his father's wishes, and they scheduled his own coronation on November 15, 2025.

What role does the government play in the conflict over succession?

The government has appointed KGPAT Jowulan as the mediator to resolve the conflict. He was designated based on a decree from the Minister of Home Affairs, and his role is to facilitate dialogue between the conflicting factions of the royal family.

Why is the succession dispute in Keraton Surakarta seen as a violation of royal traditions?

The succession dispute is criticized for violating the traditional norms and ethics of the Keraton. For instance, the act of proclaiming a new king in front of the late Pakubono 13's body is seen as a breach of etiquette and respect for the deceased.

What does historian R. Surojo criticize about the succession process?

Historian R. Surojo criticizes the process for bypassing a proper family consultation and public discussion. He argues that the succession should have been decided through a family-wide deliberation that honored royal traditions and values.

How is the issue of succession traditionally determined in the Mataram Islamic Kingdoms?

In the Mataram Islamic Kingdoms, including Keraton Surakarta, succession is usually passed from father to eldest son, but exceptions have occurred. For instance, there have been instances where the throne passed to a younger sibling or even a grandchild, depending on the historical context and internal family dynamics.

What is the significance of the dual monarchy situation in Surakarta?

The dual monarchy situation highlights the division within the royal family and threatens to undermine the legitimacy and unity of the Keraton. It is a reflection of deeper tensions in the family, which could have a broader impact on the cultural and historical authority of the Keraton.

What are the implications of the succession conflict for the future of Keraton Surakarta?

The conflict raises questions about the future governance of Keraton Surakarta. If the dispute continues, it could lead to further divisions within the royal family, erode the authority of the monarchy, and undermine the traditional values and cultural heritage that the Keraton represents.

How do other historical experts view the succession conflict in Surakarta?

Other historians, such as Kiendra Agusta, note that the succession process in Mataram Islamic kingdoms, including Surakarta, is not bound by a rigid set of rules. It often reflects the complex political and familial circumstances of the time. However, the ongoing conflict is seen as a failure to maintain the royal institution's integrity.