Various Elements in Yogyakarta Support Proposal for Sultan HB II as National Hero
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA – A strong wave of support for the proposal to designate Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono (HB) II as a National Hero continues to flow. It is not only coming from academics and community figures but also from student groups in Yogyakarta, who are voicing a petition urging the government to promptly grant official recognition for the extraordinary services of Sultan HB II, known for his steadfast opposition to Dutch and British colonialism.
In a statement titled ‘Community Support Declaration’ released in Yogyakarta (25/3/2026), various elements comprising cultural experts, academics, and descendants of Sultan HB II affirmed that Sultan HB II is a true symbol of resistance against foreign domination.
“Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono II was not merely a king, but a leader who firmly rejected colonial intervention. His tough and uncompromising stance makes him a symbol of courage for the Indonesian nation,” stated the petition.
In line with the figures, student groups through the ‘Kampung Literasi Kalimasada’ community also submitted a list of hundreds of supporting signatures.
For them, the nationalist values of Sultan HB II represent the embryo of national spirit that is highly relevant to inspire the current young generation.
This support is strengthened by legal and historical analysis compiled by Artha Pararta Dharma from the Sultan HB II descendants’ side. Based on Law No. 20 of 2009 on Titles, Merits, and Honours, the figure of Sultan HB II is deemed to meet all criteria without exception.
Some crucial points that stand out include:
• Extraordinary Services (Article 1): Sultan HB II organised military forces, formed a women’s army, and built palace defence fortifications.
• Moral Integrity (Article 25): He chose to be deposed from the throne multiple times by colonial powers rather than submit to the colonisers’ will.
• Real Leadership (Article 26): He directly led the resistance when the Yogyakarta Palace was attacked in 1812.
“If Sultan Hasanuddin or Teuku Umar are recognised for their strategies and resistance, then Sultan HB II performed an identical function. He has a consistent track record: resisting, leading, and refusing to surrender until the end,” wrote the narrative.
The proposers emphasise that international recognition from historians such as M.C. Ricklefs and Peter Carey is sufficient proof of the significance of Sultan HB II’s struggle. In his work, Peter Carey notes that European expansion in Java triggered sustained resistance led by the Sultan’s courage.
Now, the hot potato is in the government’s hands. The people of Yogyakarta hope that the process of conferring the National Hero title will no longer be delayed.
“This is no longer a matter of academic debate, but of the state’s moral consistency towards its own standards. Delaying the hero title for Sultan HB II is tantamount to delaying recognition of the roots of our national history,” said a community representative in the petition.
This formal support has been signed by several important figures, including Retired Air Marshal Syajadijono, Dr Agus Pandoman, and representatives of academics and students from prominent universities in Yogyakarta such as UGM, UAJY, and UPN.
The effort to propose the National Hero title for Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II (HB II) or Raden Mas Sundoro is now entering a crucial phase. Support continues to pour in, from the holding of scientific forums to firm statements from cultural figures who call the Yogyakarta King the “root” of resistance against the colonisers.
The Vasatii Socaning Lokika Foundation will hold a national seminar titled “The Footprints of Heroism of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II (RM Sundoro)” on Monday, 30 March 2026. This forum aims to dissect old archives and authentic evidence of Sultan HB II’s tenacity in monumental events such as the Geger Sepehi.
The Foundation’s Chairman, Fajar Bagoes Poetranto, who is also a representative of the Sultan HB II descendants, emphasised that this national seminar on the heroic footprints of Sultan HB II is an important step to provide solid arguments to the government.
“This proposal is our main mission to give the state recognition that is deserved. The support from the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan HB X, and the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs serves as extraordinary legitimacy for the extended family of Sultan HB II descendants,” said Fajar.