National Seminar on the Heroic Legacy of Sultan HB II to be Attended by President and Sultan HB X
YOGYAKARTA — Efforts to nominate Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono II for the title of National Hero have entered a crucial new phase. A number of national figures, including President Prabowo Subianto and Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, are planned to serve as keynote speakers at a national seminar titled “The Heroic Legacy of Sultan HB II”.
The presence of Indonesia’s head of state and Sultan Hamengkubuwono X is considered a golden opportunity. Beyond his capacity as head of state, President Prabowo has a personal historical connection as a descendant of the Sultan, who was known for his fierce resistance against colonial rule.
Fajar Bagoes Poetranto, a representative of Sultan HB II’s family lineage, expressed that the presence of President Prabowo Subianto and Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X would lend significant weight to the nation’s historical recognition. “The attendance of President Prabowo Subianto is greatly anticipated. Moreover, he has a historical connection as part of Sultan HB II’s lineage,” Poetranto stated.
The seminar, planned as a hybrid event in Jakarta and initiated by the Vasiati Socaning Lokika Foundation, is designed as a strategic step to complete the academic manuscript—the final administrative requirement to be submitted to Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs.
“This event is planned to invite national figures, including President Prabowo Subianto and Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. The main focus is to examine the consistency of Raden Mas Sundoro in opposing colonialism, including the Geger Sepehi incident of 1812,” Poetranto explained.
In line with President Prabowo Subianto’s planned attendance, grassroots support has been gathering momentum. Residents of Pagerejo Village in Wonosobo have collectively enshrined the Sultan’s birth name, Raden Mas Sundoro, on vital village assets. Through a village assembly attended by traditional leaders, religious figures, and village officials, Pagerejo Village Government has officially named their multipurpose building and cultural building after Raden Mas Sundoro, based on the historical fact that Pagerotan Hamlet in Pagerejo Village is the birthplace of Sultan HB II.
“This step creates strong social capital. It is both a form of honour and administrative proof that Sultan HB II has strong historical roots here,” said Pagerejo Village Secretary Tuwat Muhandoyo.
Sultan HB II, or Raden Mas Sundoro, is recorded in history as the most stubborn and consistent Javanese ruler in opposing colonial interference, whether from the Dutch (Daendels) or the British (Raffles). His struggle, which resulted in repeated exile to Penang and Ambon, is considered to have fulfilled the criteria of Law Number 20 of 2009 concerning Titles, Service Medals, and Badges of Honour.
Fajar Bagoes Poetranto is optimistic that with a strong academic manuscript and moral support from President Prabowo and Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, formal state recognition could be realised this year. “We are targeting 2026 for the title of National Hero to be bestowed. We ask for blessings so that Raden Mas Sundoro will soon receive a place of honour for his dedication in preserving the sovereignty of Java,” Poetranto said.