REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA \u2013 A strong wave of support for the\nproposal to designate Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono (HB) II as a National\nHero continues to flow. It is not only coming from academics and\ncommunity figures but also from student groups in Yogyakarta, who are\nvoicing a petition urging the government to promptly grant official\nrecognition for the extraordinary services of Sultan HB II, known for\nhis steadfast opposition to Dutch and British colonialism.<\/p>\n
In a statement titled \u2018Community Support Declaration\u2019 released in\nYogyakarta (25\/3\/2026), various elements comprising cultural experts,\nacademics, and descendants of Sultan HB II affirmed that Sultan HB II is\na true symbol of resistance against foreign domination.<\/p>\n
\u201cSri Sultan Hamengku Buwono II was not merely a king, but a leader\nwho firmly rejected colonial intervention. His tough and uncompromising\nstance makes him a symbol of courage for the Indonesian nation,\u201d stated\nthe petition.<\/p>\n
In line with the figures, student groups through the \u2018Kampung\nLiterasi Kalimasada\u2019 community also submitted a list of hundreds of\nsupporting signatures.<\/p>\n
For them, the nationalist values of Sultan HB II represent the embryo\nof national spirit that is highly relevant to inspire the current young\ngeneration.<\/p>\n
This support is strengthened by legal and historical analysis\ncompiled by Artha Pararta Dharma from the Sultan HB II descendants\u2019\nside. Based on Law No.\u00a020 of 2009 on Titles, Merits, and Honours, the\nfigure of Sultan HB II is deemed to meet all criteria without\nexception.<\/p>\n
Some crucial points that stand out include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Extraordinary Services (Article 1): Sultan HB II organised military\nforces, formed a women\u2019s army, and built palace defence\nfortifications.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Moral Integrity (Article 25): He chose to be deposed from the\nthrone multiple times by colonial powers rather than submit to the\ncolonisers\u2019 will.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Real Leadership (Article 26): He directly led the resistance when\nthe Yogyakarta Palace was attacked in 1812.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Sultan Hasanuddin or Teuku Umar are recognised for their\nstrategies and resistance, then Sultan HB II performed an identical\nfunction. He has a consistent track record: resisting, leading, and\nrefusing to surrender until the end,\u201d wrote the narrative.<\/p>\n
The proposers emphasise that international recognition from\nhistorians such as M.C. Ricklefs and Peter Carey is sufficient proof of\nthe significance of Sultan HB II\u2019s struggle. In his work, Peter Carey\nnotes that European expansion in Java triggered sustained resistance led\nby the Sultan\u2019s courage.<\/p>\n
Now, the hot potato is in the government\u2019s hands. The people of\nYogyakarta hope that the process of conferring the National Hero title\nwill no longer be delayed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is no longer a matter of academic debate, but of the state\u2019s\nmoral consistency towards its own standards. Delaying the hero title for\nSultan HB II is tantamount to delaying recognition of the roots of our\nnational history,\u201d said a community representative in the petition.<\/p>\n
This formal support has been signed by several important figures,\nincluding Retired Air Marshal Syajadijono, Dr Agus Pandoman, and\nrepresentatives of academics and students from prominent universities in\nYogyakarta such as UGM, UAJY, and UPN.<\/p>\n
The effort to propose the National Hero title for Sri Sultan\nHamengkubuwono II (HB II) or Raden Mas Sundoro is now entering a crucial\nphase. Support continues to pour in, from the holding of scientific\nforums to firm statements from cultural figures who call the Yogyakarta\nKing the \u201croot\u201d of resistance against the colonisers.<\/p>\n
The Vasatii Socaning Lokika Foundation will hold a national seminar\ntitled \u201cThe Footprints of Heroism of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II (RM\nSundoro)\u201d on Monday, 30 March 2026. This forum aims to dissect old\narchives and authentic evidence of Sultan HB II\u2019s tenacity in monumental\nevents such as the Geger Sepehi.<\/p>\n
The Foundation\u2019s Chairman, Fajar Bagoes Poetranto, who is also a\nrepresentative of the Sultan HB II descendants, emphasised that this\nnational seminar on the heroic footprints of Sultan HB II is an\nimportant step to provide solid arguments to the government.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis proposal is our main mission to give the state recognition that\nis deserved. The support from the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan HB X, and\nthe Deputy Minister of Social Affairs serves as extraordinary legitimacy\nfor the extended family of Sultan HB II descendants,\u201d said Fajar.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/various-elements-in-yogyakarta-support-proposal-for-sultan-hb-ii-as-national-hero-1774674092", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }