Yogyakarta Mayor to Meet with Sardjito's Heirs Regarding the Sale of Professor Sardjito's House

The Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hasto Wardoyo, stated that he would be meeting with the Rector of UGM, Ova Emilia, regarding the house belonging to the late national hero and first rector of UGM, Professor Dr. M. Sardjito, which his heirs plan to sell. In addition to Ova, Hasto also plans to meet with the family and the director of RSUP Dr. Sardjito. “In the near future, I want to meet with the family first. I also want to discuss this with the rector or the director of Sardjito Hospital,” said Hasto when contacted on Friday (May 15).

The Sardjito heritage house is located in the Terban Village, Gondokusuman District, Yogyakarta City. The family stated that the house is planned to be sold to a related party to ensure the preservation of the cultural heritage. Hasto admitted that he had heard about the Sardjito heritage house, although he acknowledged that it had not been a priority for the Yogyakarta City Government. He said that the house had been offered to the Yogyakarta City Government, although not through official channels. The mayor believes that the house should be acquired by the government, UGM, or RSUP Dr. Sardjito. Hasto believes this because the Indische-style house holds historical value, traces of intellectual journeys, and the long history of education and health in Yogyakarta. Moreover, it was also the birthplace of a legendary family business, the traditional herbal medicine ‘Calcusol’ produced by PT. Perusahaan Jamu Tradisional (PJT) Dr. Sardjito. However, the Yogyakarta City Government is not yet in a position to procure the land or building with the 2026 budget. “But we will see our financial capabilities and discuss it together,” Hasto emphasized. “I hope that it will not be bought by an individual, and I hope it will not be sold to a private entity,” he added. According to him, the Yogyakarta City Government could also contribute to the preservation of the building, which is claimed to be a cultural heritage, by using special funds (danais). However, this would require prior submission to the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan HB X. “We have heard about it and know about the Sardjito heritage house, but we didn’t expect it would be sold,” said Hasto. Previously, it was reported that the heirs and close relatives of the National Hero had agreed to sell the house for the purpose of better maintenance and preservation. Budhi Susanto (70), a relative of Sardjito who currently lives in the house, stated that he had offered the building and land to 10 parties, including UGM and UII. He also offered it to the former Mayor of Yogyakarta, Herry Zudianto, the Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hasto Wardoyo, and several entrepreneurs and doctors. Of all these parties, Budhi hopes that UGM or UII will buy the house. He envisions the house becoming a Sardjito museum or even being used as a rector’s residence again. Sardjito was also known as a national hero and served as the first rector of UGM and the third rector of UII. “It would be best if the house is used as a private residence or bought by UGM or UII to be used as a historical house. If UGM buys it, it can be used as a residence for the rectors. If UII buys it, it can be used as they see fit, as Professor Sardjito was also the rector of UII,” he hoped. Budhi declined to disclose the exact price of the house. “It’s in the billions (of rupiah),” said Budhi. With its strategic location in the city center, he believes that the house will still attract many buyers. However, there is one thing he really wants to avoid: the house being converted into a cafe like the buildings around it. “Of course, after the transfer, it will be renovated properly. Or it can be used as a Professor Dr. Sardjito Museum or a social welfare center like a community health center. So, all three options would reflect the spirit of Professor Sardjito,” he said.