Keraton Kerta Yogyakarta: Magnificent in the Era of Sultan Agung, Collapsed Under Amangkurat I
Keraton Kerta, which once stood majestically as the centre of government during the reign of Sultan Agung, located in Dusun Kerto and Dusun Kanggotan, Desa Pleret, Kecamatan Pleret, Bantul, now survives only in traces. The collapse of Keraton Kerta began during the reign of Amangkurat I.
“Keraton Kerta was built between 1617–1625 based on sources from Babad Momana and Babad Ing Sekala. Records show that Sultan Agung occupied Kerta in 1618,” explained archaeologist Fahmi Prihantoro when contacted by detikJogja on Thursday (12/3/2026).
Fahmi stated that the end of Sultan Agung’s rule also marked the decline of Keraton Kerta’s glory. Sultan Agung’s successor, Amangkurat I, chose to relocate the capital from Kerta to Keraton Plered.
“Keraton Kerta was no longer used in 1647 when Sultan Agung passed away,” said the UGM Archaeology lecturer.
The relocation of the seat of government to Keraton Plered by Amangkurat I caused Keraton Kerta to be forgotten and abandoned. Eventually, the palace structure succumbed to age and the ravages of nature.
“The factors behind Keraton Kerta’s collapse are that it was no longer in use. The king who succeeded Amangkurat I moved the centre of the kingdom to Kraton Plered. After long disuse, the remains of Keraton Kerta were buried under soil as a result of natural processes,” explained Fahmi.
Unfortunately, little remains to be seen at Keraton Kerta today. Only vestiges of structures remain, displaying remnants of palace complex components at the Keraton Kerta archaeological site in Desa Pleret, and even these are scarce.
The Kerta site itself is also referred to as Lemah Dhuwur, which is believed to be the remains of the Sitinggil of Keraton Kerta. Sitinggil, meaning elevated ground, is a form of raised land area that was one of the standard components found in the palaces of the Islamic Mataram kingdom.
This is based on findings from excavations in the form of fragmentary brick structures that indicate the form of embankments, steps, gates, and fences. Stratigraphy also shows the elevation of the land surface.
“Previous research noted the possibility of it being part of the Sitinggil building of Keraton Kerta, with indications of large stone pedestals discovered—even larger than those found in the current Keraton Yogyakarta,” explained Fahmi.
“Meanwhile, the ruins discovered indicate the presence of parts of building structures. However, as of the latest research in 2025, it has not yet been possible to determine the form or layout of the building from that period,” he concluded.