THE KRATON OF YOGYAKARTA AND INDONESIA: A STRUGGLE AND A UNITY

THE VISIT TO THE KRATON OF YOGYAKARTA
MONDAY, FEB 22, 2010

Roma Ulinnuha-ICRS 2009
THE KRATON OF YOGYAKARTA AND INDONESIA: A STRUGGLE AND A UNITY

When I walked down the kraton of Yogya stairs a week ago, I remembered Emha Ainun Najib effort sharing his idea to the Indonesian betterment. Engineered by musical performance of Kyai kanjeng, he presents some notions concerning the unity of Indonesia. He argues that although many have confessed the Indonesian unity,they were in separated stance within their bodies, minds and souls.

Related to the Kraton of Jogja, it is urgent start to think of Kraton contribution to the unity of the Republic of Indonesia. The sultanate of Yogyakarta is widely known for one of the Indonesian heritages, but it seems that everyone should know the long struggle of its existence as a free region or ‘tanah perdikan’ prior to the Indonesian unity. This fact I argue is central since sometimes people ask how Yogyakarta comes into term ‘Daerah Istimewa’ in Indonesia.
Tracing back the role of the Sultanate, actually the institution could choose whether the area would join to the Republic of Indonesia or not during the early period of Indonesian history. The decision as a struggle directed by the Sultan joining the country is one of the distinctive values for the region of Yogyakarta.
The guide told us that the kraton also supported the education type of strategy. University of Gadjah Mada was born in and within the motherhood of Kasultanan. Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX, I think, has not only served as a Sultan, but he also acts as a state man. The evidence is his idea to initiate the attack of Yogyakarta in 1949 claiming the establishment of Republic of Indonesia. In addition, he plays also a significant role to the tribute of Indonesian unity instead of the interest of particular group or individuals.
In the heart of Java Island, Yogyakarta is the replica of Indonesia miniature. Tribes speaking different languages and dialects are welcomed. Cultural and social diversities are manifest in the city however the notion above strengthens the aspect of nationalism.
Enhancing Indonesian unity is a central factor, I think, shaping Yogyakarta a city of tolerance for a struggle and a unity after a field-trip to the Kraton of Yogyakarta.