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Surakarta Palace’s “rebellious” faction evicted after crowning anniversary ceremony
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Sitting on the throne, Surakarta Sultan Pakubuwono XIII Hangabehi watches the Bedaya Ketawang dance during the Tingalan Jumenengan ceremony to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the crowning of the Surakarta Sultan, on Saturday. (The Jakarta Post/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
T
he years-long conflict within the Surakarta sultanate in Central Java, which had intensified in the past weeks, seems to have abated after Sultan Pakubuwono XIII Hangabehi could finally sit on the throne.
Hangabehi, who was previously barred from entering the Kasunanan Surakarta Palace, celebrated Tingalan Dalem Jumenengan, the anniversary of the crowning of the Surakarta Sultan, at the palace on Saturday.
(Read also: Sultan threatens to oust daughter from palace)
Soon after the ceremony, however, several royal family members who had joined the ceremony were asked to leave the palace because they were part of the palace’s customary council. The council is the opposing camp that does not recognize Hangabehi’s leadership.
They include GRA Koes Indriyah, one of the children of Pakubuwono XII; as well as Koes Sapardiyah, GRA Koes Handariyah and GRA Koes Supiyah.
“His Majesty is concerned that conflict may intensify again if customary council members remain at the palace,” said Pakubuwono XII’s other child, KGPH Suryo “Neno” Wicaksono.
(Read also: Central Java Governor asks Surakarta palace to negotiate in solving internal conflict)
Previously, Hangabehi could only conduct the procession at his residence, Sasana Putra, while the customary council’s camp used the palace’s main hall, Sasana Sewaka, to conduct its own version of the ceremony.
“Both camps held their own ceremonies in the past. Today, we only have one. I hope this is a good sign for reconciliation and reformation of the sultanate,” ceremony committee spokesman Bambang Pradoponagoro said.
Saturday’s event was attended by hundreds of invitees, including Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo and Sudjiatmi Notomiharjo, the mother of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. (bbs)
