SUNAN PAKUBUWONO 10 || The clever Javanese king outwitted the Netherlands.

Summary

This video explores the life and legacy of Sunan Pakubuwono 10, the 10th king of Surakarta, who reigned from 1893 to 1939. It covers his early life, rise to the throne, political engagement, and contributions to modernizing Surakarta. Despite his loyalty to the Dutch, he supported nationalist movements and played a key role in Indonesia's independence. His legacy includes modern infrastructure in Surakarta, as well as his influence on political and social movements. Posthumously recognized as a National Hero in 2011, his wisdom and leadership left a lasting impact on the nation's history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sunan Pakubuwono X ruled as the 10th king of the Kasunanan Surakarta from 1893 to 1939.
• 😀 He was born as Raden Mas Sayidin Malikulkusno, the son of Pakubuwono IX and Kanjeng Raden Ayu Kustiah.
• 😀 Sunan Pakubuwono X ascended to the throne at the age of three, after being appointed as crown prince.
• 😀 Despite his royal status, Sunan Pakubuwono X had a complex relationship with figures like Ronggowarsito, partly due to political tensions with the Dutch.
• 😀 He had two main consorts and numerous other wives, with his primary consort being Gusti Kanjeng Ratu from the Mangkunegoro family.
• 😀 Sunan Pakubuwono X fathered 63 children, several of whom played significant roles in Indonesia's independence struggle.
• 😀 His reign marked a period of modernization in Surakarta, with major infrastructure projects like Pasar Gede, Solo Jebres Station, and the Sriwedari Stadium.
• 😀 Despite being under the pressure of colonial rule, he supported Indonesian national movements, including the founding of the Sarekat Islam.
• 😀 Sunan Pakubuwono X was involved in political activities, notably expressing sympathy for Germany during World War I, which was seen as subversive by the Dutch.
• 😀 His leadership was characterized by a balance of loyalty to the Dutch and maintaining his popularity and authority among the Javanese people.
• 😀 After his death in 1939, Sunan Pakubuwono X was posthumously honored as a National Hero in 2011 for his contributions to Indonesia's independence.

Q & A

Who was Sunan Pakubuwono X?

Sunan Pakubuwono X, born as Raden Mas Sayidin Malikulkusno, was the 10th king of the Kasunanan Surakarta Sultanate, reigning from 1893 to 1939. He was the son of Pakubuwono IX and Kanjeng Raden Ayu Kustiah.

What was the significance of Raden Mas Sayidin Malikulkusno's birth?

His birth was marked by a prophecy from Ronggowarsito, a Javanese poet, which created tension between his father, Pakubuwono IX, and the poet. Ronggowarsito predicted that the child would be 'Ayu,' which Pakubuwono IX misunderstood as a reference to beauty, whereas it actually meant 'safe' or 'prosperous.'

What were the names of Sunan Pakubuwono X's wives and children?

Sunan Pakubuwono X had two main wives: Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Pakubuwono, daughter of Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Aryo Mangkunegoro IV, and Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas, daughter of Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII. He had 39 concubines and a total of 63 children, some of whom became prominent figures in the Indonesian independence movement.

What was the role of Sunan Pakubuwono X during the Indonesian independence movement?

Several of Sunan Pakubuwono X's children played key roles in the independence movement, including figures like Gusti Pangeran Haryo Djatikoesoemo and Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Haryo Hangabehi, who contributed significantly to the military and political efforts toward Indonesian independence.

What were the contributions of Sunan Pakubuwono X to Surakarta’s development?

During his reign, Sunan Pakubuwono X modernized Surakarta by supporting infrastructure projects such as markets, train stations, sports stadiums, and the establishment of public services, including a zoo and a slaughterhouse. He also initiated education reforms and provided financial support for housing for the underprivileged.

How did Sunan Pakubuwono X navigate the political environment under Dutch colonial rule?

Despite being under Dutch colonial influence, Sunan Pakubuwono X managed to maintain his authority and protect his kingdom's interests. He signed a political contract with the Dutch, which ensured stability in Surakarta. However, he also supported nationalist movements like Sarekat Dagang Islam and the first Indonesian language congress.

How did Sunan Pakubuwono X's travels affect his political influence?

Sunan Pakubuwono X made several political visits across Java and beyond, including to Bali, Lombok, and Lampung. His travels helped him expand his influence beyond Surakarta, even though the Dutch authorities often sought to limit his popularity among the people.

What was the significance of Sunan Pakubuwono X’s relationship with the Dutch colonial government?

Sunan Pakubuwono X's relationship with the Dutch was strategic. While he signed a contract with the Dutch and displayed loyalty in public, he also subtly supported anti-colonial sentiments and sought to maintain his kingdom's autonomy, all while navigating the pressures of colonial rule.

What was the nature of Sunan Pakubuwono X’s support for nationalist movements?

Sunan Pakubuwono X supported nationalist movements indirectly by endorsing organizations like Sarekat Dagang Islam and facilitating the first Indonesian language congress in 1938. These acts reflected his alignment with nationalistic aspirations for Indonesia's independence.

What was the legacy of Sunan Pakubuwono X after his death?

After his death in 1939, Sunan Pakubuwono X was remembered as a wise and influential leader. In 2011, the Indonesian government posthumously awarded him the title of National Hero, recognizing his contributions to the struggle for Indonesian independence and his leadership during the colonial era.