Book Launch Strengthens Case for Sultan HB II as National Hero
YOGYAKARTA — Sultan Hamengku Buwono (HB) II, the ruler of the Yogyakarta Palace known as the Senior Sultan, has returned to public scrutiny as support grows for his nomination as a National Hero. The Sultan is widely regarded as having an extraordinary record of struggle against Western imperialism, making him highly deserving of the title.
Support for this nomination has strengthened with the approach of the 276th anniversary of Sultan HB II’s birth in March 2026. A series of significant historical activities, including the planned book launch and national seminar, form part of a collective effort to consolidate his position in national history.
The book launch is scheduled to take place alongside the Sultan HB II Seminar on 30 March 2026.
The nomination initiative is supported by an in-depth work titled “Sultan Hamengku Buwono II: Defender of Javanese Tradition and Power” by Djoko Marihandono and Harto Juwono. The book represents research funded by the University of Indonesia (UI) since 2008 and won first prize in the National Book Competition held by the Directorate General of Higher Education.
“Sultan HB II is a representation of physical and ideological resistance against colonialism. He not only protected the throne but guarded the dignity of the nation from foreign domination,” said Dr Harto.
The motivation for writing the Sultan HB II book originated from Dr Harto’s master’s thesis concerning the political conspiracy of Sunan Pakubuwono IV from 1788–1820, in which Sultan HB II played a significant role.
“The essence of this book is the life story of Sultan HB II, with emphasis on his political policies and his resistance to imperialism,” Dr Harto explained.
Additionally, a digital biographical book titled “Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono II: Defender of Javanese Land in a Turbulent Era” is now available, serving as an important reference for the public to understand his consistency in resisting Dutch and British colonialism.
To commemorate his heroic legacy, a National Seminar on the Heroic Legacy of Sultan HB II is planned. This major event is expected to be attended by national figures, including Prabowo Subianto and Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, to lend political and academic weight to the process of nominating him for National Hero status.
History records Sultan HB II as the only Javanese ruler with a unique firmness of principle:
• Restored to the Throne Three Times: Demonstrating unshakeable legitimacy.
• Forcibly Deposed Twice: Due to his rigid stance unwilling to compromise with the colonisers (Daendels and Raffles).
• Died While on the Throne: Showing his restored sovereignty following his period of exile.
Fajar Bagoes Poetranto, Chairman of the Vasatii Socaning Lokika Foundation, emphasised that Sultan HB II’s record is not merely local history but a representation of national dignity that refused to submit to foreign hegemony.
“The Foundation hopes the government will soon grant formal recognition of his great services. Sultan HB II is a symbol of resistance that never dies even when facing exile to uphold the nation’s principles,” concluded Fajar.
Fajar Bagoes Poetranto stated that Sultan HB II’s consistency in protecting Javanese tradition and authority from colonial intervention, from Daendels to Raffles, is concrete evidence of genuine patriotism.
Through objective research and commemorative events in 2026, the prospect of Sultan HB II being formally designated as a National Hero appears increasingly promising. These history books are also expected to serve as a model for biographies of other Javanese rulers and as teaching material in schools throughout the Special Region of Yogyakarta.