Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace

Historiographical Origins and the Giyanti Treaty

The history of the founding of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace cannot be separated from the major political events that divided the Mataram Islam Kingdom. Internal tensions within the Surakarta palace, exacerbated by VOC interference, triggered a civil war led by Prince Mangkubumi against his brother, Sunan Pakubuwono II, and later Pakubuwono III.

The climax of this conflict was the signing of the Giyanti Treaty on February 13, 1755. This treaty officially divided Mataram into two territories: Kasunanan Surakarta and Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta. Prince Mangkubumi then ascended the throne with the title Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. He immediately sought a strategic location to build a new capital. The choice fell upon an area called Hutan Pabringan, a location that historically served as a resting place for the bodies of Mataram kings before being taken to Imogiri. The construction of the palace began in 1755, and the Sultan began occupying the palace on October 7, 1756.

Architecture: Manifestation of Javanese Cosmology and Philosophy

Architecturally, the Yogyakarta Palace is considered one of the finest examples of Javanese palace architecture. Its main designer was Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I himself, who was known for his high expertise in architecture (known as the Mataram Architect).

The palace structure extends from north to south in a highly symbolic linear pattern. Its layout follows the concept of the Philosophical Axis, connecting Mount Merapi in the north, the Palace in the center, and the South Sea at the southern end. This imaginary line symbolizes the balance between humanity's relationship with God (Hablum Minallah), with fellow humans, and with nature.

The palace complex is divided into several main areas separated by large gates (Regol) and spacious courtyards (Patanahan). These important sections include:

1. Alun-alun Utara (North Square): A large public space symbolizing the king's openness to the people.

2. Siti Hinggil Ler: The site for official royal ceremonies, literally meaning "High Ground."

3. Bangsal Kencana (Golden Pavilion): The main pavilion serving as the king's throne and the center for sacred ceremonies. This pavilion features intricate carvings with a dominance of gold and red colors, reflecting glory.

4. Keputren: A special area for the king's daughters.

5. Alun-alun Kidul (South Square): A more private rear area filled with mystical nuances.

The building materials are dominated by high-quality teak wood from the forests of Central Java, with the use of sengkalan (chronograms) on various carvings to mark construction dates.

Historical Significance and Role in Independence

The Yogyakarta Palace holds a unique position in Indonesian history due to its crucial role during the struggle for independence. When the Dutch launched their Second Military Aggression in 1948, Yogyakarta became the temporary capital of the Republic of Indonesia.

Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX demonstrated extraordinary patriotism by declaring the Sultanate's territory as part of the Republic of Indonesia immediately after the proclamation of August 17, 1945. He even provided financial support from the palace's private treasury to run the government of the nascent and unstable Republic. Within the walls of this palace, national leaders like Soekarno, Hatta, and Sudirman often coordinated. A unique fact is that the palace was the only area that the Dutch army dared not forcibly enter due to international respect for the Sultan's sovereignty.

Center of Culture and Religion

To this day, the Yogyakarta Palace continues to function as a guardian of Javanese culture. This palace is a traditional institution that preserves various intangible heritage, ranging from sacred dances like Bedhaya Semang, gamelan music, to traditional ceremonies such as Sekaten and Grebeg.

The Sekaten ceremony, held to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, demonstrates a harmonious blend of Islamic teachings with Javanese traditions. The use of the Kyai Guntur Madu and Kyai Nagawilaga gamelan in this procession is a da'wah (Islamic propagation) strategy inherited from the time of the Wali Songo (Nine Saints) and strictly maintained by the palace. This reinforces the Sultan's position as Sayidin Panatagama Khalifatullah, a leader of religious affairs and a representative of God on earth.

Preservation and World Heritage Status

Preservation efforts for the Yogyakarta Palace are carried out intensively through the Tepas (palace departments). Restoration and physical maintenance of the buildings are done using traditional techniques to avoid diminishing their historical value. In addition to physical structures, thousands of ancient manuscripts containing historical records, medical knowledge, and Javanese literature are stored and digitized for scientific purposes.

In 2023, the Philosophical Axis of Yogyakarta, of which the Palace is a primary component, was officially designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This international recognition proves that the urban planning values and philosophy espoused by this palace hold extraordinary universal value for humanity.

Conclusion

The Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace is not merely an artifact of the past. It is a dynamic entity, a place where the history of the past intersects with modern reality. From Sultan Hamengku Buwono I's struggle to build a new identity post-Giyanti, to Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX's dedication to the Republic of Indonesia, the palace has proven itself to be a pillar of stability and identity for the people of Yogyakarta and Indonesia. Visiting the palace is a journey through time, understanding how aesthetics, power, and spirituality can merge in perfect harmony.