Efforts to promote Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono II (HB II) as a\nNational Hero continue unabated. At the National Seminar titled \u201cThe\nFootprints of Heroism of Sultan Hamengku Buwono II: Towards the National\nHero Title,\u201d held on 30 March 2026, the figure of Yogyakarta\u2019s second\nSultan was thoroughly examined not only as a military fighter but also\nas an \u201cArchitect of Civilisation\u201d whose legacy remains relevant to\ntoday\u2019s creative industries.<\/p>\n
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs (Wamensos) Agus Jabo Priyono\nprovided important notes regarding the proposal for the National Hero\ntitle for Sultan Hamengku Buwono (HB) II. Wamensos emphasised that this\nnomination process must fulfil three crucial aspects to gain approval\nfrom the central government.<\/p>\n
Wamensos Agus Jabo Priyono explained that the National Hero title is\nnot merely a form of honour but a state recognition of extraordinary\ndedication.<\/p>\n
The three emphasised aspects are: Historical and Authentic Data\nAspect: The struggle of the prospective hero must be supported by valid\nand indisputable historical documents; Broad Impact on the Nation: The\nproposed figure must be proven to have made real contributions on a\nnational scale, not just local or regional; Continuity of Struggle\nValues: The values brought by the figure must remain relevant and serve\nas inspiration for current generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciate the enthusiasm of the community and family. All\nproposals will go through the mechanism of the Honours and Awards\nCouncil with a strong research foundation,\u201d said Wamensos Agus Jabo\nPriyono while attending the National Seminar on the Proposal for the\nNational Hero Title for Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II, organised by the\nVasatii Socaning Lokika Foundation in a hybrid format in South Jakarta\non Monday (30\/3\/2026).<\/p>\n
Currently, the central research and evaluation team for titles will\nconduct field verification to match the submitted data with historical\nfacts on the ground. If all requirements are met, this proposal will be\nsubmitted to the President for decision via a Presidential Decree\n(Keppres).<\/p>\n
Sultan Hamengkubuwono II, who ruled from 1792 to 1828, is known by\nthe nickname \u201cKing Builder of Pesanggrahan.\u201d Under his leadership,\nmonumental works such as Taman Sari, Pesanggrahan Rejawinangun\n(Warungboto), and the Baluwarti fortress were constructed with clever\ndefensive architecture.<\/p>\n
This discussion featured a lineup of competent speakers who dissected\nthe figure of Sultan HB II from various perspectives, from historical\nrecords to cultural legacies.<\/p>\n
The experts present included Prof Djoko Marihandono (Professor of\nHistory at FIB UI), who elaborated on the political context during\nSultan HB II\u2019s leadership, particularly his resistance to the policies\nof Daendels and Raffles that harmed the sovereignty of the palace; Dr\nHarto Juwono (Lecturer in History at FIB UNS), who highlighted\nhistorical documentation and field facts regarding Sultan HB II\u2019s\ndefence strategies in facing British military aggression (Geger Sepehi);\nDr Ananta Hari Noorsasetya (Cultural Arts Observer & Descendant of\nSultan HB II), who provided perspectives on cultural preservation and\nthe noble values inherited by the Sultan to his descendants and the\nwider community.<\/p>\n
Dr Ananta emphasised that Sultan HB II was a figure who laid the\nfoundation for visual identity and constitution through art and\nliterature. \u201cSultan HB II was not just a king; he was Indonesia\u2019s first\nfashion designer and the author of Serat Suryaraja, which became the\npalace constitution. His design legacy, from the Paduraksa ornaments to\nthe Manuk Beri motifs, is the DNA of creativity now adapted by luxury\nhotels and the modern fashion industry. Supporting HB II as a National\nHero means supporting culture as the nation\u2019s main strength,\u201d explained\nDr Ananta.<\/p>\n
Representing the voice of the youth, one speaker highlighted the\nrelevance of HB II\u2019s heroic values that transcend armed struggle. \u201cFor\nus, a hero is not always about physical battles. Sultan HB II was \u2018The\nOG Creative Rebel.\u2019 He left a legacy that remains \u2018alive\u2019 and relatable\neven 200 years later. From his manuscripts now in the British Library to\nsustainable architecture concepts, he provides a living curriculum for\nyoung creators, designers, and artists today,\u201d the speaker said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Vasatii Socaning Lokika Foundation, Fajar\nBagoes Poetranto, addressed the political steadfastness and spatial\nvision. He reaffirmed the reasons for the suitability of the National\nHero title.<\/p>\n
\u201cSultan HB II was a consistent anti-colonial fighter who rejected the\nVOC, Daendels, and Raffles, even though he was exiled three times. Yet,\namidst the struggle, he built a clever defence system through\nunderground tunnels and watchtowers like Panggung Krapyak. His vision of\n\u2018Cultural Sovereignty\u2019 is the best choice for building a strong national\ncharacter in the global era,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis seminar concludes that the footprints of Sultan HB II embedded\nin \u2018stone, pen, and aesthetics\u2019 prove that his heroism is\ncomprehensive\u2014protecting territory while nurturing the soul and national\nidentity,\u201d said Fajar.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/deputy-social-minister-emphasises-three-key-aspects-for-conferring-national-hero-title-on-sultan-hb-ii-1774950792", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }