Several National Figures to Attend Painting Exhibition and Book Review on the Legacy of Heroism of Sultan HB II
The figure of Sultan Hamengku Buwono (HB) II is once again in the public spotlight. This Javanese king, known for his staunch and consistent opposition to colonialism, will be examined in depth through a series of events titled ‘Jejak Kepahlawanan Sultan HB II.’ The event, to be held in Yogyakarta, includes an art exhibition, a short film competition, and a biography book review of the heroic figure.
This grand celebration is scheduled for next week from Friday to Sunday (17-19 April 2026) and is planned to invite several important national figures, from Sultan Hamengku Buwono X to Hashim Djojohadikusumo, to pay tribute to Sultan HB II’s dedication in safeguarding the sovereignty of Javanese soil.
The exhibition is not merely about displaying historical artefacts but also presents modern visualisations. Various paintings, sketches, and documentary films will be showcased under three main themes: the architecture of Sultan HB II’s works, exploring the king’s intelligence in building fortresses and infrastructure; the traces of the heroic Sultan HB II, tracing the timeline of his military struggles; and the figure of the Javanese king against colonialism, displaying his courage in refusing to submit to foreign powers.
Interestingly, the event also involves Gen Z, university students, school pupils, and the general public through a short film competition. The aim is for the patriotic values of Sultan HB II to be absorbed by the younger generation through digital and creative mediums.
The committee chairman and cultural arts observer & descendant of Sultan HB II, Dr Ananta Hari Noorsasetya, stated that this art exhibition provides a perspective from the side of cultural preservation and the noble values inherited by the sultan to his descendants and the wider community.
“Sultan HB II was not merely a formal leader; he was a symbol of intellectual and physical resistance against colonisation. This biography book review is crucial for straightening history and restoring the dignity of his heroism in the eyes of the world,” said Dr Ananta.
Dr Ananta emphasised that Sultan HB II was a figure who laid the foundation for visual identity and constitution through art and literature. “Sultan HB II was not just a king; he was Indonesia’s first fashion designer and the author of Serat Suryaraja, which became the palace’s constitution. His design legacy, from the Paduraksa ornament to the Manuk Beri motif, is the DNA of creativity now adapted by luxury hotels and the modern fashion industry. Supporting HB II as a National Hero means supporting culture as the nation’s primary strength,” explained Dr Ananta.
In agreement, cultural expert Romo Artha views this exhibition as a spiritual bridge between the past and the future.
“Art is the most effective way to touch the hearts of young people. Through paintings and films, the figure of Sultan HB II no longer feels distant in history books but comes alive as an inspiration for us to remain culturally sovereign,” stated Romo Artha.
A representative of the Sultan HB II lineage, Fajar Bagoes Poetranto, explained that this event is part of ongoing efforts to introduce more widely the real contributions of Sultan HB II to the Indonesian nation.
“We want to show that Sultan HB II’s legacy is not just about physical aspects like buildings, but about the spirit of struggle. The involvement of national figures and young people in the short film competition proves that his history remains relevant in the modern era,” said Fajar Bagoes.
This event is hoped to serve as a momentum for the wider community to better understand the figure of a leader who never faltered in facing colonial pressures to uphold his nation’s honour.