Pakubuwono XII

Pakubuwono XII in his youth

Pakubuwono XII (also transliterated Pakubuwana XII) (reigned 1944 – 11 June 2004) was the twelfth Susuhunan (ruler of Surakarta) and the longest ruling of all monarchs in Javanese history.

Upon his death there was no clear heir as there was no official queen installed. Two of his sons who were half-brothers claimed the throne. The older, Hangabehi, took control of the kraton (palace) and expelled his younger half-brother Tedjowulan.^[1] Each had himself crowned and they held separate tomb-sealing rituals for their father. Family consensus has now acknowledged that Hangabehi is the rightful heir and is now titled SISKS Pakubuwono XIII.^[2] On 18–19 July 2009 there was a ceremony in the kraton where the enthronement anniversary was conducted with the sacred Bedoyo Dance performed for the ceremony. The attendees consisted of various local and foreign dignitaries as well as Hangebehi's half brother Tedjowulan.

References

1. Seth Mydans, "In a Sultanate Known as Solo, One Too Many Kings," NY Times Feb. 17, 2008.
2. Ganug Nugroho Adil, 'KGPH Tedjowulan: Reviving the place of Surakarta', The Jakarta Post, 4 July 2012.

Miksic, John (general ed.), et al. (2006) Karaton Surakarta. A look into the court of Surakarta Hadiningrat, central Java (First published: 'By the will of His Serene Highness Paku Buwono XII'. Surakarta: Yayasan Pawiyatan Kabudayan Karaton Surakarta, 2004) Marshall Cavendish Editions Singapore ISBN 981-261-226-2

External links

• "Solo Journal; The Coffee Shop King, 80, With Ladies in Waiting," NY Times Dec. 5, 2002, by Jane Perlez