Through National Seminar, Family Awaits Conferral of Hero Title for Sultan Sepuh

In the midst of national leadership under the Prabowo Subianto era, the figure of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II, often referred to as Sultan Sepuh, has resurfaced not merely as a historical personality but as a moral and integrity standard for contemporary leaders. This is especially pertinent amid current geopolitical conflicts, which demand that an Indonesian national leader stands as a beacon for the world.

Romo Artha Pararta Dharma, representing the Trah Sultan HB II family lineage, emphasised that history never truly forgets. According to him, the state currently has a ‘historical debt’ to recognise the heroism of Sultan HB II in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 20 of 2009.

Based on a thorough study of Law No. 20 of 2009 on Titles, Service Awards, and Honours, all criteria for a National Hero have been fully met by Sultan HB II without any gaps.

In Article 1 point (4), the requirement of extraordinary service is clearly evident from Sultan HB II’s actions in building palace defence fortifications, organising military forces independently, and forming a progressive women’s army for his time.

‘He was not just a ruler, but a radical resistance leader against colonial interventions. If Teuku Umar or Sultan Hasanuddin are recognised for their war strategies, then HB II did something identical on a highly complex scale of power,’ explained Romo Artha.

One crucial point in Article 25 is moral integrity. Sultan HB II is recorded as preferring to be deposed and exiled by the colonisers rather than pledging his kingdom’s sovereignty to the British or Dutch.

This steadfastness is considered an important example for the nation’s leaders today, including President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Amid global geopolitical pressures, the anti-colonialism and local sovereignty values upheld by HB II serve as a reminder that the people’s interests must come above all else.

International historians such as M.C. Ricklefs in A History of Modern Indonesia and Peter Carey in Power of Prophecy reinforce the fact that Sultan HB II’s resistance was a trigger for sustained resistance in Java.

Not only colonial documents, but local sources like Babad Ngayogyakarta and Babad Tanah Jawi also record Sultan HB II as a true king who protected his land and people in times of crisis.

‘His ideas on public participation and women’s military were even more radical than post-era emancipation concepts. This is the true embryo of nationalism,’ said Romo Artha.

Meanwhile, Fajar Bagoes Poetranto, Chairman of the Vasatii Socaning Lokika Foundation and also a representative of the Trah Sultan HB II family, stated that the effort to propose the National Hero title for Sultan HB II is currently reaching a crucial point with the holding of the National Seminar.

‘The proposal for the National Hero title for Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II or RM Sundoro is our main mission to give the state recognition that is due for his tenacity in upholding the nation’s dignity,’ explained Fajar Bagoes Poetranto.

Through this National Seminar, we are seeking to gather broad support from academics and historians to strengthen the historical data base proving that his resistance against foreign interventions, especially during the Geger Sepehi incident, is concrete evidence of uncompromising sovereignty.

‘We view this step as a crucial effort in correcting history. Support from the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, as well as the presence of the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, provides historical legitimacy and extraordinary energy for us in the extended Trah Sultan HB II family,’ revealed Fajar Bagoes Poetranto.

The presence of these important figures underscores that RM Sundoro’s struggle holds significant academic weight and heroic value for the foundations of our nation today.

‘This seminar is expected to thoroughly examine historical documents to provide solid arguments to the government. We are very optimistic that with the collection of authentic evidence regarding his great services to the nation and state, the government will soon designate RM Sundoro as a National Hero as the highest form of respect for his sacrifices in defending Java from colonisation,’ stated Fajar Bagoes Poetranto.

Now, with the fulfilment of academic requirements, recognition from international historians, to records in the babads, the hot potato is in the government’s hands. The question is no longer about historical evidence, but the state’s consistency with the laws it has created itself.

‘As long as the National Hero title has not been bestowed, history will continue to knock on the nation’s consciousness that there is a debt yet to be paid to the Defender of Sovereignty, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II,’ said Romo.