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

Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has denied that he was ill and required medical treatment. Last week, Sultan HB X was reported to have undergone a medical examination, leading to his temporary replacement by Vice Governor KGPAA Paku Alam X as acting governor. The Sultan returned to duty today and attended a plenary session at the DIY Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) on Wednesday (2/7). “Yes, that’s right (it was not due to illness),” said the Sultan. Sultan HB X explained that he underwent a medical check-up as a conscious acknowledgement of his advancing age. “I am allowed to have a check-up, it’s about self-awareness,” he said. The King of the Yogyakarta Palace stressed that he undergoes regular medical examinations. However, he admitted that the interval between check-ups has now become shorter. “In the past, I used to have a check-up once a year. But now, I don’t dare wait that long, so it’s every six months. It’s about looking after my own health,” he explained. “A check-up is important, to measure as age increases,” he added. Previously, Vice Governor KGPAA Paku Alam X was appointed as the acting governor because Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X was undergoing a medical examination. Secretary of the DIY Regional Government, Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti, stated in Yogyakarta on Thursday (20/6) that the appointment of an acting official is a normal and standard administrative procedure in governance, as well as a standard mechanism when an institutional head is unable to perform duties for a specific reason. “It is very normal and common if a leader is temporarily unable to carry out duties for any reason. Whether due to illness, official travel, or leave, the daily tasks will be covered by the deputy. This is procedural and normal in government bureaucracy,” she said. According to Made, the appointment of the acting regional head was intended to ensure there is no vacuum of authority in the administration of regional government during the Governor’s absence. “Thus, governance, public services, and routine decision-making continue without hindrance,” she said. Made stated that the public need not worry excessively about the issuance of the acting appointment letter for the period of 24 June to 1 July 2026, and assured there was no leadership crisis behind the policy. Made clarified speculation regarding leadership succession. According to her, the reason Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X was temporarily unavailable was due to medical needs.