Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat, also known as Keraton Surakarta, is the official palace of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Sunanate located in the city of Surakarta. Established by Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwana II around 1743-1744 as a replacement for the damaged Keraton Kartasura due to the Geger Pecinan incident in 1743, the architecture and layout of Keraton Surakarta bear similarities to the later-built Keraton Yogyakarta Hadiningrat, which serves as the palace of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. Traditionally, the Mataram Sultanate was divided into two kingdoms, namely the Surakarta Sunanate and the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The total area of Keraton Surakarta spans 157 hectares, encompassing the entire area within the Baluwarti fortress, Alun-Alun Lor, Alun-Alun Kidul, Gapura Gladag, and the Grand Mosque Surakarta. Meanwhile, the core area of the palace covers 15 hectares.
The historical significance of Keraton Surakarta is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the region, reflecting the traditional Javanese architecture and royal customs. As a symbol of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Sunanate's power and prestige, the palace complex stands as a testament to the legacy of the Mataram Sultanate. The meticulous design and layout of Keraton Surakarta showcase the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its construction, making it a remarkable example of Indonesian architectural heritage.
Visiting Keraton Surakarta offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Javanese royalty and provides insight into the historical and cultural significance of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Sunanate. The expansive grounds of the palace complex, with its various structures and ceremonial spaces, offer visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the grandeur of Indonesia's royal past. By exploring Keraton Surakarta, one can appreciate the architectural beauty and historical importance of this iconic landmark, which continues to be a source of pride for the people of Surakarta
After the Surakarta Sunanate officially became part of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945, the palace complex still functions as the residence of Sri Susuhunan (Sunan) and his household who continue to uphold the traditions of the Sunanate to this day. The Surakarta Palace is now also one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Surakarta. Part of the palace complex is open to the public, and inside there is a museum that houses various collections belonging to the Sunanate, such as gifts or presents from European kings, replicas of palace heirlooms, and gamelan instruments.
In terms of its architecture, the Surakarta Palace is one of the finest examples of Javanese palace architecture, with luxurious halls, spacious courtyards, and pavilions. The intricate design and layout of the palace reflect the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Surakarta Sunanate. Visitors to the palace can immerse themselves in the grandeur of the past while exploring the various rooms and exhibits that showcase the royal lifestyle and traditions of the Sunanate.
The Surakarta Palace stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sunanate and its importance in Indonesian history. By preserving the traditions and artifacts of the Sunanate, the palace serves as a living museum that educates visitors about the rich cultural heritage of Surakarta. Whether admiring the architectural beauty of the palace or learning about the history of the Sunanate through its collections, a visit to the Surakarta Palace offers a glimpse into the royal past of Indonesia.
History
The Sultanate of Mataram was in chaos due to the rebellion of Trunajaya in 1677, prompting Sri Susuhunan Amangkurat II to move the capital to Keraton Kartasura. During the reign of Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwana II, in 1742, a major war broke out, resulting in Mataram being attacked by the Chinese, who were supported by anti-Dutch Javanese, and Kartasura, the center of Mataram at that time, experienced its downfall. Kartasura was eventually recaptured with the help of Adipati Cakraningrat IV, the ruler of Bangkalan and an ally of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), but it was severely damaged. Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwana II, who had fled to Ponorogo, then decided to build a new palace in the village of Sala as the new capital of Mataram.
The ruined Keraton Kartasura was considered "contaminated". Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwana II then ordered Tumenggung Hanggawangsa, along with Tumenggung Mangkuyudha and Dutch commander J.A.B. van Hohendorff, to find a new location for the capital and the construction of a new palace. After finding the right location, a new palace was built about 20 km southeast of Kartasura, precisely in the village of Sala, not far from the Bengawan Solo River. For the construction of this palace, Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwana II bought land worth thousands of gold coins, which were given to the village head (lurah) of Sala, known as Ki Gedhe Sala. When the palace was being built, Ki Gedhe Sala passed away and was buried in one of the areas within the palace complex.
After the royal palace was completed and occupied, the name of the village Sala was changed to Surakarta Hadiningrat. The word "sura" in Javanese means "courage" and "karta" means "prosperous"; with the hope that Surakarta would be a place where its inhabitants would always have the courage to fight for the well-being and prosperity of the nation. It can also be said that the name Surakarta is the opposite of Kartasura.