Chronology of the Dualism of Successors of Pakubuwono XIII, Who is Entitled to the Throne of Solo?

Kapanlagi.com - The Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat is once again engulfed in a heated succession crisis. Following the death of Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono XIII on November 2, 2025, a dual leadership emerged. This situation reminds us of a similar conflict that occurred in 2004.

Two prominent names are now competing for the throne of Solo, namely KGPAA Hamangkunegoro and KGPH Hangabehi. Both claim to be the legitimate heirs of Pakubuwono XIII, creating tension among the royal family. This power struggle has drawn public attention and raised many questions.

So, how exactly did The Chronology of the Dualism of Successors of Pakubuwono XIII occur? Let us explore each significant event that underlies this succession conflict in the Keraton Surakarta.

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1. The Origins of the Conflict: The Succession of PB XII in 2004

The late Pakubuwono XII - instagram.com/kraton_solo

The succession conflict in the Solo Palace is not a new issue; it occurred in 2004 after the death of Pakubuwono XII. At that time, two sons of PB XII, Hangabehi and Tedjowulan, claimed the throne. In fact, their father's funeral was held separately.

2. The Controversial Appointment of the Queen and Crown Prince PB XIII

On February 27, 2022, the 18th Tingalan Dalem Jumenengan event of PB XIII sparked initial dissatisfaction. Asih Winarni, the third wife of PB XIII, was appointed as the queen with the title GKR Pakubuwono. Along with that, her son, KGPH Purbaya (now KGPAA Hamangkunegoro), was appointed as the crown prince.

This appointment received sharp criticism from the Lembaga Dewan Adat (LDA) faction. They considered the decision to be the personal will of Sinuhun, rather than the result of a consensus among the royal family.

3. The Passing of Pakubuwono XIII: Triggering a New Dualism

Pakubuwono XIII - instagram.com/kraton_solo

Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono XIII passed away on November 2, 2025, at Indriati Hospital in Solo Baru after suffering from complications of illness. The departure of PB XIII at the age of 77 opens a new chapter in the succession conflict. He left behind three wives and seven children from three marriages.

4. Flash Declaration of KGPAA Hamangkunegoro as PB XIV

Just three days after the passing of PB XIII, on November 5, 2025, a shocking declaration took place. As the body of PB XIII was to be buried, the youngest son of the late's third wife, KGPH Purbaya (KGPAA Hamangkunegoro), declared himself as Pakubuwono XIV. This declaration was made through a vow in front of his father's corpse and witnessed by hundreds of people.

Support came from his eldest sister, GKR Timoer Rumbaikusuma Dewayani, who stated that her brother's inauguration was in accordance with the customs of Kasunanan and was a mandate from PB XIII during his lifetime.

5. Rival Coronation: KGPH Hangabehi Supported by LDA

Not long after, on November 13, 2025, a meeting of the Solo Palace relatives was held, led by the Grand Minister of the Palace KGPA Tedjowulan. In that meeting, the eldest son of the late PB XIII, Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Haryo (KGPH) Hangabehi, was decided as the successor to the throne with the title Pakubuwono XIV. This coronation was supported by the Customary Council (LDA) and several siblings of the late PB XIII. Grand Minister KGPA Tedjowulan even claimed to feel trapped because the consolidation meeting ended up resulting in the coronation of Hangabehi.

6. Jumenengan Dalem KGPAA Hamangkunegoro: Legitimate Claim Based on Custom

The Jumenengan Dalem event or the official coronation of KGPAA Hamangkunegoro as Pakubuwono XIV is scheduled to take place on November 15, 2025. GKR Timoer Rumbay Kusuma Dewayani reiterated that the coronation of PB XIV Purbaya is legitimate and in accordance with the paugeran (customary rules) of the Solo Palace. This shows the seriousness of the Hamangkunegoro faction in claiming the throne.

7. Getting to Know KGPAA Hamangkunegoro: The Brave Youngest Son

KGPAA Hamangkunegoro - instagram.com/kraton_solo

KGPAA Hamangkunegoro, born on September 26, 2002, is the youngest son of PB XIII from the queen GKR Pakubuwono. With the given name Gusti Raden Mas (GRM) Suryo Aryo Mustiko, he was appointed as the crown prince on February 27, 2022. Hamangkunegoro is known as a graduate of a prestigious university and was raised in a palace environment that upholds Javanese cultural values.

8. Profile of KGPH Hangabehi: The Eldest Son Considered More Worthy

KGPH Hangabehi - Liputan6.com

KGPH Hangabehi, born on February 5, 1985, is the eldest son of PB XIII from the second wife, KRAy Winarni. With the given name Gusti Raden Mas (GRM) Soerjo Soeharto, he was crowned as Pakubuwono XIV by a meeting of the royal family facilitated by KGPA Tedjowulan. Hangabehi is supported by LDA and palace relatives, including Gusti Moeng, who argue that the eldest son is more worthy based on traditional regulations. He is known for his adherence to customs, actively preserving palace culture, and managing the museum.

(kpl/ums)