Royal staff search for blessings

Royal staff search for blessings

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Working as abdi dalem (kraton personnel)
clearly doesn't pay the bills, but 600 abdi dalem work at Kraton
Surakarta for between Rp 20,000 and Rp 50,000 a month. The
Mangkunegaran Palace of Surakarta provides a maximum of Rp
100,000.

"I am searching for nothing but blessings," said Sumopawiro
who is 60 years old.

An inhabitant of Sukohardjo village in Central Java,
Sumopawiro spends his time doing menial jobs from dawn till noon
at the kraton. His devotion to Kraton of Surakarta only earns him
Rp 20,000 a month, but Sumopawiro is proud to be able to serve
Sri Susuhan Pakubuwono XII, the King of Surakarta. To provide for
his family, Sumopawiro uses his muscles and tills the land as a
farmer.

But changing times mean that not many youngsters are
interested in the position of abdi dalem.

"It is understandable. Abdi dalem is a low paid job," said
KRMH Wreksodipuro, a Kraton Surakarta royal family member.

Kraton Surakarta has difficulties finding younger people to
replace the elderly abdi dalem or those who have passed away.
Now, the majority of abdi dalem in Kraton Surakarta are over 50.

Relatives of the royal families are also reluctant to work in
the palace. They prefer to work outside and return only after
they retire.

For common people, the kraton is still an institution steeped
in history and magic. The kraton is mysterious and the guardian
of the glory of days long past. Thousands of people flock to
traditional ceremonies held at the kraton in hope of blessings.

An elderly woman recently made a long journey to Kraton
Surakarta just to take sand from the inner yard of the palace.

"My arthritis will be healed when I use this sand," said the
old woman with conviction.

The mystery of the kraton enables it to exist in modern
society. (R. Fadjri)