Mythology colors Yogya's history

Mythology colors Yogya's history

By Tarko Sudiarno

YOGYAKARTA (JP): What is the connection between Yogyakarta and
the dragon? According to local legend, the city was built 253
years ago on a site following advise from a big dragon called
Kyai Jaga.

Back then, Prince Mangkubumi, who crowned himself Sultan
Hamengkubuwono, considered many factors, including the
geographical location, land fertility, security, beauty and even
metaphysical factors before building the city of Yogyakarta.

His decision to build a new kraton was set by the Gianti
agreement, which was signed on Feb. 13, 1755. According to the
agreement, the Mataram kingdom was divided into two separate
kingdoms. The first one was for Paku Buwono III with Surakarta as
the capital city, and the other one was for Prince Mangkubumi.

In a book titled Kota Jogjakarta 200 Tahun (200 Years of
Jogjakarta), which was published in 1956, it is told that one day
the sultan's gardener was looking for grass to cut near Beringan
jungle. He became very thirsty but could not find a water spring
from which to drink. Then he noticed a flock of white egrets
flying toward the jungle and thought there must be a water source
in it. And he was right. The egrets were heading to a lake. As he
hurriedly got down to drink, he suddenly heard a voice from the
middle of the lake, talking to him.

"Gardener, don't you run away. I'm Kyai Jaga, the jungle's
keeper. Tell your king, if he's looking for a place to build a
city, Beringan is the best place." The voice came from a big
dragon.

The gardener then rushed back to relate his experience to
Prince Mangkubumi, who immediately instructed his men to clear
the Beringan jungle.

The construction of the city itself was completed on Oct. 9,
1756, or Sura 13 Djimakir 1682 according to the Javanese
calender, and the sultan moved from his former kraton in Ambar
Ketawang, Gamping, to the newly built kraton.

Mangkubumi's newly built kraton reflected the Javanese
philosophy he inherited from his ancestors and his own expertise
as a renowned master of strategy.

For instance, he built a five-meter thick and
three-and-a-half-meter high wall around the kraton. He also set
up a number of observation posts and five strong gates called
Plengkung in selected places.

Apart from the city, he also built a commemorative post, now
called Tugu, for Kyai Jaga to live in and told the dragon to
protect the city from danger.

The commemorative post, which is located in the city's center,
was then adopted as the city's symbol and is as old as the city
itself.

The Tugu, where Kyai Jaga is believed to live, also symbolizes
the encounter of two of nature's main powers called Pacitry and
Purusha, which also means the unity between a leader and his
people. With this symbol, the sultan had to embrace his people to
be successful. In Javanese terminology it is called Manunggaling
Kawula Gusti.

Prince Mangkubumi, who was well-known for his struggle against
the Dutch colonial powers, passed on his spirit to his heirs
Prince Diponegoro and Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. Both figures were
known for their struggle for Indonesian independence.

His fighting spirit was also inherited by Yogyakartans in
general. When nationwide violence occurred on May 20, 1998,
nothing happened in Yogyakarta.

And on Aug. 30 this year, the kraton will celebrate its 253rd
anniversary.

"At this time, when the Indonesian people are still
experiencing the economic crisis, we hope our program will make
people smile again," said Sultan Hamengkubuwono X's brother, GBPH
Joyokusumo, who chairs the organizing committee preparing the
celebration for the kraton's anniversary.

A series of cultural and religious events have been planned to
commemorate the kraton's 253rd anniversary. They include a music
concert, theater performances and classical dance shows. Some
1,000 Muslim scholars from Java, South Sumatra, Kalimantan and
West Nusa Tenggara are also scheduled to attend a Koran-reading
event.

"During the reading we will also pray together for the
prosperity and unity of Indonesia. Hopefully, God will fulfill
our prayers," said Joyokusumo.