Two Kings Claim Right to Hold 1 Suro Parade, Solo Mayor Asked to Intervene

The phenomenon of twin kings within the Surakarta Palace has reignited a dispute ahead of the 1 Suro Night Parade in 2026. The two factions, namely SISKS Pakubuwana XIV Purbaya and SISKS Pakubuwana XIV Mangkubumi, plan to hold the 1 Suro night parade on Tuesday (16/6) at the same time and location. The PB XIV Mangkubumi faction has asked the Mayor of Solo, Respati Ardi, to act as a mediator, given that both sides intend to hold the parade at the same time and place. This was stated by KGPH Panembahan Agung Tedjowulan after a meeting with representatives of the Solo City Government on Wednesday (10/6). “On the 13th or 14th (June), I ask the Mayor to invite us to his office for a follow-up meeting,” said Tedjowulan. He did not give a firm answer when asked about the PB XIV Purbaya faction’s plans to hold the 1 Suro night parade simultaneously. Tedjowulan said the matter would be discussed at the meeting with the Mayor of Solo. “We’ll see later with the Mayor,” he answered briefly. Pengangeng Sasana Wilapa of the PB XIV Mangkubumi faction, GKR Wandansari alias Gusti Moeng, added that her side was urging Mayor Respati Ardi to step in after repeatedly failing to pursue dialogue with the PB XIV Purbaya faction. “It’s not just the Suro issue, but also revitalisation and other matters; they never attend. Even from the ministry, we’ve counted up to nine times they have not been present,” said Gusti Moeng. “So, this is where we finally request that for this Suro event, the Mayor invites us—meaning us (the PB XIV Mangkubumi faction) and them (the PB XIV Purbaya faction)—to deliberate together,” said Gusti Moeng. Contacted separately, the spokesperson for PB XIV Purbaya, KPA Singonagoro, questioned the commitment of the PB XIV Mangkubumi faction and its supporters, KGPH-PA Tedjowulan and the Customary Council Institute (LDA) led by Gusti Moeng. “We hope Gusti Tedjowulan keeps his word and his commitments,” said Singonagoro. He mentioned a meeting between the two kings facilitated by Vice President Gibran and Respati. That meeting was also attended by Tedjowulan. However, within hours, the LDA faction supporting PB XIV Mangkubumi forcibly broke the padlocks on the Palace doors installed by the PB XIV Purbaya faction. “That just shows Gusti Tedjowulan couldn’t keep his commitments, doesn’t it,” he said. Nevertheless, Singonagoro confirmed his side is ready to comply with the Mayor of Solo’s invitation, provided the government is not biased. “If it is proportional and indeed for the good, we will definitely come and send envoys,” said Singonagoro.