Sultan HB X Returns to Duty, Denies Leave Was Due to Illness

The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has denied reports that he was on sick leave requiring medical examination.

Last week, reports circulated that Sultan HB X had undergone health checks, leading to his temporary replacement by the Vice Governor of DIY, KGPAA Paku Alam X, acting as the Officer in Charge (Plh).

The Sultan himself returned to duty today to attend a plenary session at the DIY DPRD Office on Wednesday (2/7).

“Yes, that is correct (it was not due to illness),” said the Sultan.

The Sultan explained that he underwent medical check-ups as a form of self-awareness regarding his advancing age.

“I am allowed to have check-ups; one must be self-aware,” he remarked.

The King of the Yogyakarta Palace emphasised that he undergoes routine health examinations, though he admitted that the intervals between check-ups have become shorter.

“In the past, I always had a check-up once a year. But now, I do not dare; it is every six months. One must look after one’s own health,” he explained.

“Yes, check-ups are important, as one’s age is increasing,” he added.

Previously, the Vice Governor of DI Yogyakarta, KGPAര്‍A Paku Alam X, was appointed as the Acting Governor because Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X was undergoing medical examinations.

The Regional Secretary of the DIY Provincial Government, Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti, in Yogyakarta on Thursday (20/6), stated that the appointment of an Acting Officer is a standard and normative administrative procedure in governance, and a standard mechanism when a head of an institution is unable to perform duties for certain reasons.

“It is very natural and common if a leader is unable to perform duties for any reason. Whether it is due to illness, official visits, or leave, daily duties will be covered by their deputy. This is procedural and normal within the government bureaucracy,” she said.

According to Made, the appointment of an acting regional head is intended to ensure there is no vacuum of authority in the administration of regional government while the Governor is away.

“Thus, the administration of government, public services, and routine decision-making can continue without hindrance,” she said.

Made stated that the public should not be excessively concerned regarding the issuance of the appointment letter for the Acting Officer for the period of 24 June to 1 July 2026, and ensured there is no leadership crisis behind the policy.

Made clarified speculations regarding leadership succession, noting that the reason for the Governor of DIY’s temporary absence was due to medical requirements.