Dedication: The meaning of life for palace servants

Text and photos by Tarko Sudiarno

There is perhaps no dedication to compare with the abdi Dalem (palace servants) at Yogyakarta Palace. They commit themselves for life in their faith in the sultan. For them, their position, much lower than a courtier, is a way to seek complete peace.

They receive Rp 8,000 (9 U.S. cents) to Rp 46,000 of monthly allowance, an amount that inevitably raises the eyebrows of many. They save the money as they consider it a talisman which will bring them blessings.

They also work at jobs outside the palace to make ends meet.

There are currently 1,600 abdi dalem at Yogyakarta Palace and 1,000 soldiers guarding the person of the sultan and his property.

On Aug. 19, or 29 Jumadilawal 1934 on the Javanese calendar, Yogyakarta Palace marked its 254th anniversary. It was an apt moment to observe that the backbone of palace life for two centuries has been the dedication of the abdi dalem. The following pictures capture the abdi dalem's daily activities and the soul of the palace.

Photo A, B: Kendil

A servant pays her respects to a palace heirloom, Kendil Nyai Mrica which is in the form of a pot (photo above). The relic is only brought out for display every eight years.

A group of male and female servants who are responsible for kitchen duties deliver lunch at noon sharp to Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X (photo right) in a procession called Caos Dhahar (meal delivery). The ceremony goes on even if the sultan is not in residence.

Photo C,D,E: Tua

An old gatekeeper watches all who enter and leave the palace grounds (photo above). Two elderly servants prepare offerings for the palace's ancestors (photo below). The offerings consist of different types of flowers and incense which must be kept alight during the worshipping ceremony.

Mbah (grandfather) Mitro is invited to the palace whenever a ceremony takes place (photo below left). He is considered indispensible in performing his magic to prevent rain.