Surakarta's traditional ruler passes away

Surakarta's traditional ruler passes away

Blontank Poer, Surakarta

Hadiningrat Ingkang Sinuwun Kangjeng Susuhunan Pakoeboewono XII,
the traditional ruler of the Surakarta Palace, passed away on
Friday at the age of 79.

He died at 8:08 a.m. after being in intensive care for a week
at Dr. Oen Hospital, Surakarta. He is survived by 36 children.

Family members did not clarify the illness suffered by
Sinuhun, as he was called by those close to him.

He was given the name Raden Mas Goeritno. He ascended the
throne on June 12, 1945, while still young. In the early days of
independence, he was nicknamed Pangeran Mardiko, which means
"freedom prince".

According to his son-in-law, KP Edi Wirabumi, Sinuhun had no
medical history apart from being treated at the Pertamina
Hospital, Jakarta, two years ago for kidney disease and loss of
body fluid.

"His condition was quite good, generally speaking," said
Wirabumi.

Sinuhun's son, GPH Benowo, said his father had gradually
weakened after he was treated at the Pertamina Hospital but was
in critical condition the day before he died.

"A heart pacemaker was even implanted in him as he approached
his final moments," said Benowo.

From Dr. Oen Hospital, his remains were laid to rest at
Pujosona mosque inside the palace compound. A number of public
figures and government officials blended among hundreds of court
servants and the local community for prayers.

Also seen among them was presidential candidate Wiranto. Those
arriving earlier included a number of regents and Central Java
Governor Mardiyanto.

Pakubuwono XII was a descendent of Surakarta's famed Sultan
Pakubuwono X, a powerful leader who challenged the rule of the
Dutch colonial government in the early 1900s and was deemed the
king of all Java.

The sultanate lost much of its secular power in the aftermath
of World War II and Indonesian independence in 1945. Two royal
families now share the mostly ceremonial office in Surakarta.

Pakubuwono XII's official title was "Sunan Surakarta", or
"ruler of Surakarta Palace", rather than "sultan".

During his lifetime, Pakoeboewono XII did not appear before
the public much except for royal events, including his jumenengan
(coronation) anniversary, his birthday and when greeting state or
distinguished guests.

Since the May riots in 1998, in which much of Surakarta was
engulfed in flames, he joined various community groups to foster
peace and established the Surakarta palace as a place for peace
campaign activities.

He was presented the Lifting Up the World With A Oneness Heart
Award by the Sir Chinmoy International Institute, a charity
foundation based in New York.

The award was bestowed on him for his accomplishments as a
cultural monarch considered to be actively involved in efforts to
promote world peace.

Other than his peace achievements, Pakoeboewono XII was also
bestowed the titular rank of major general by the Indonesian
Army.

He had no queen in his lifetime, but took six concubines and
was rewarded with 36 children. Two of them have passed away.

According to plans, he will be buried at the Mataram family
cemetery in Imogiri, Bantul regency, Yogyakarta. In addition to
traditional palace rituals, he will be buried with full military
honors.