Indonesia's Richest Man Mistaken for Rice Truck Driver, Woman Faints in Shock
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX, the Sultan of Yogyakarta, is known as a humble and approachable leader. He is also recognised as one of Indonesia’s wealthiest individuals due to inheriting vast assets from the royal feudal system.
Behind his status as Sultan of Yogyakarta and one of Indonesia’s richest people lies a unique story where he was once mistaken for a rice truck driver by a market trader.
The incident occurred when Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX was driving his Land Rover alone from a rural area to Yogyakarta City. On the journey, his vehicle was stopped by an elderly rice seller heading to the market.
The woman wanted to travel to the city market and immediately asked the driver to help load rice into the truck. Unaware she was addressing the Javanese king, Sultan Hamengkubuwana willingly lifted two large sacks onto the truck.
According to Pranoto Reksosamodra’s autobiography, ‘Catatan Jenderal Pranoto Reksosamodra’ (2015), the rice seller and the Sultan chatted throughout the journey without realising they were speaking to the highest authority.
Upon arriving at the market, the Sultan performed the duties of a typical driver, unloading the sacks. The rice seller then offered payment, but Sultan Hamengkubuwana politely declined and returned the money.
The seller reacted angrily, believing the driver refused payment due to the sum being too small. The Sultan promptly left, leaving the woman disgruntled and convinced he was arrogant for not needing money.
Someone eventually informed her that the driver she had berated was none other than Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX. Upon hearing this, she fainted and had to be taken to hospital. The Sultan later learned of the incident and immediately drove to the hospital to visit her.
The story remains a testament to the humility of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX. Despite his high status and immense wealth, he was known for maintaining close ties with ordinary citizens and frequently engaging directly with their lives.