Hamengkubuwono X

Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X
The King's official portrait
3rd Governor of Yogyakarta
Incumbent
Assumed office
3 October 1998
Preceded by Paku Alam VIII
10th Sultan of Yogyakarta
Incumbent
Assumed office
7 March 1989
Preceded by Hamengkubuwono IX
Personal details
Born 2 April 1946
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Political party non-partisan
Spouse(s) GKR Hemas
Occupation Sultan
Religion Islam/Kejawen

His Majesty Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X (also spelled as Hamengkubuwana X, often abbreviated as HB X) (born BRM Herjuno Darpito, 2 April 1946 in Yogyakarta) is the current Sultan of the historic Yogyakarta Sultanate in Indonesia, and is currently also the Governor of the modern Yogyakarta Special Region (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta).

Hamengkubuwono X succeeded his father, Hamengkubuwono IX as the Sultan of Yogyakarta when Hamengkubuwono IX died on 3 October 1988. Hamengkubuwono X was formally installed as Sultan on 7 March 1989. However, the position of the Governor of the Yogyakarta Special Region did not go to Hamengkubuwono X. Vice Governor Sri Paku Alam VIII, prince of the subordinate enclave of Paku Alaman within Yogyakarta was instead controversially elevated to the position of Governor. This was in contrary to the agreement made at the independence of Indonesia in recognition of Hamengkubuwono IX's support and role in the Indonesian War of Independence. Under the agreement, the Yogyakarta Sultan holds the position of Governor in the Yogyakarta Special Region, and the Paku Alam holds the position of Vice Governor.

After the fall of the Suharto regime in May 1998, and following the death of Sri Paku Alam VIII on 11 September 1998, the central government required an election be held for the post of Yogyakarta Governor. Hamengkubuwono X was democratically elected as the Governor on 3 October 1998.

On 30 August 2012, following a decade of talks between Yogyakarta and the central government, the national legislature of Indonesia formally enshrined in law the convention that the Sultan inherits the position of Governor.[1]

Background

Billboard announcing the installation of Hamengkubuwono X on 7 March 1989.

Hamengkubuwono X was a graduate of Public Administration at the Faculty of Law of Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta.

Hamengkubuwono X was active as Chairman DIY KADINDAII (Business Association), Chairman of the DPD Golkar DIY (Golongan Karya Party Yogyakarta), Chairman of the DIY Sports Committee Chairman and Managing Director of PT Punokawan Construction, President of the PG Madukismo Commissioner, and in July 1996 was appointed Chairman of the DIY Expert Counsel to the Governor.

Hamengkubuwono X followed the tradition of his late father Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX in the spirit of Indonesian Nationalism over self-interest by participating in street protests in support of the student demonstrations opposing Suharto's rule on May 14 of 1998, and like his illustrious father, wanted to be a pioneer in the Yogyakarta Reformation Movement albeit in a non-violent manner.

Hamengkubuwono X was also one of the four key figures in the early reform period sparked Ciganjur Declaration urging the government to hold elections as soon as possible, because President BJ Habibie had neither Constitutional nor legal right to resume the presidency of Suharto who had just resigned.

Hamengkubuwono X has stated his vision for his region and Sultanate is the development of science and technology, development of agriculture, tourism and world famous cultural industries and thus provide a fair and prosperous life to all his citizens.

Hamengkubuwono X was nominated by popular choice, Golkar Yogyakarta Assembly as a Presidential Candidate for the 2009 Indonesian Presidential Election Campaign. Hamengkubuwono X, though widely respected across all parties and nation-wide as neutral, honest and uncorrupted was ultimately unsuccessful in garnering support outside Central Java and was unsuccessful to attain first round voting position.

Personal life

Coronation of Hamengkubuwono X and Hemas in 1989

Hamengkubuwono X has discontinued the polygamist tradition of Javanese royalty with kings having several wives and possible multiple concubines, as per his late father's wishes to modernize the royal system and thus women's rights, and to lead by example and is married to Queen consort Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Hemas.

Their five daughters (in birth order) are:

Hamengkubuwono X resides in the Keraton Yogyakarta complex and uses the Governor's mansion solely for political affairs.

Titles

In Javanese Kraton (palaces) - names of individuals change with respect to change in status:[2]-

His style and title in full English: His Majesty, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X

See also

Notes

  1. N.O. (2012-09-06). "Yogyakarta's sultans Carrying on". The Economist. Retrieved 2014-12-08.
  2. See also Javanese names

External links

Political offices
Preceded by
Sri Paku Alam VIII
Governor of Yogyakarta
3 October 1998 - Present
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX
Sultan of Yogyakarta
7 March 1989 - Present
Succeeded by
Incumbent