Inauguration to host 2,000

YOGYAKARTA: As many as 2,000 people, including President B.J. Habibie, will be invited to attend the May 26 inauguration of Yogyakarta's Pakualaman palace monarch, Prince Ambarkusumo, as the KGPAA Paku Alam IX.

Antara reported on Monday that Ambarkusumo would be replacing his father, Paku Alam VIII who passed away last year.

Chairman of the event organizing committee Soejono Prawirohadikusumo said others to be invited would include Yogyakarta sultan, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, and other royalty from Kacirebonan Palace in Cirebon and Mangkunegaran Palace in Surakarta.

Soejono said the inauguration ceremony would be made simple.

After the ceremony, the new ruler of the Pakualaman Palace -- considered a regency within the traditional Yogyakarta kingdom -- would be paraded in town on the 1800-made ancient chariot called Kyai Manik Kumolo, accompanied also by two elephants. (aan)