Profile of KPGA Tedjowulan: Former Retired who Retired Maha Patih at the Surakarta Palace

YOGYAKARTA - After the departure of Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono XIII, the atmosphere of grief at the Surakarta Palace turned into a new chapter about who would continue the royal throne. In the midst of speculation and news about Gusti Purbaya who claimed to be PB XIV, a name that is no less important emerged, namely KPGA Tedjowulan.

The name of Tedjowulan has long been known in the Solo public, but this time his role has again caught the attention after he was appointed as acting (Plt) King of the Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace. This step is not without reason. Bambang Ary Wibowo, spokesman for KPGA Tedjowulan, explained that the decision was made because Tedjowulan is the biological brother of Pakubuwono XIII and serves as Maha Menteri, which is the second highest position after the king.

In addition, Tedjowulan's position was also strengthened by the Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 430 of 2017, which stated that PB XIII cooperated with Tedjowulan in running the palace as a link between the palace and the government. "On this basis, he is now carrying out his duties as the daily executor or Plt Keraton Surakarta," explained Bambang.

Tedjowulan is not a stranger in the world of the palace. He was born in Surakarta on August 3, 1954 with the nickname Soerjo Soetedjo. As the fifth son of Pakubuwono XII, Tedjowulan is now 71 years old and has long been known among Javanese culture observers. Before being active in the palace environment, Tedjowulan has a unique background, namely a career in the military world. He is a retired TNI AD with the rank of Infantry Colonel, who served in Kodam Siliwangi and Mabes TNI Jakarta.

After retiring from the military, Tedjowulan was more involved in the field of culture and customs. As Maha Menteri, he was known to be firm but always prioritizes harmony, two traits that are very important in maintaining balance in the palace environment.

However, the journey of KPGA Tedjowulan's career was not always smooth. After the death of XII in 2004, the Keraton Yogyakarta was divided into two factions. The different factions supported Tedjowulan and his brother, KGPH Hangabehi, as PB XIII. This created a leadership duality that lasted for eight years.

In 2012, after a major reconciliation involving the government, Hangabehi was finally recognized as PB XIII, while Tedjowulan was appointed as Maha Menteri. Since then, relations between the two have begun to thaw, with Tedjowulan often appearing in traditional events and becoming PB XIII's right hand in government affairs and communication with outsiders.

Now, after the death of PB XIII, Tedjowulan is back in the spotlight. This time, he is not trying to seize the throne, but is responsible for keeping the wheel of leadership running smoothly and without strife. KPGA Tedjowulan emphasized that his task is administrative and not a power struggle. "He does not talk about who has the right to be the king. This mandate is administrative, not a power struggle," said Bambang, his spokesman.

Tedjowulan himself assessed that the appointment of the new king should be carried out through deliberation of the large family of the palace, not a unilateral declaration. "This palace belongs to all the PB I to PB XIII races. So it must be agreed upon together, not just one party," said Tedjowulan.

He also regretted Gusti Purbaya's decision to swear himself as PB XIV in front of his father's body. "It hasn't been 40 days, even the body hasn't been sent away, it's already been sworn in. That's a shame," he said.

During the traditional procession in the palace, Tedjowulan chose to wait at Loji Gandrung, the last residence of PB XIII. This decision was taken as a form of caution to avoid friction that could arise due to a sensitive situation. For Tedjowulan, maintaining calm in times of grief is far more important than arguing about who is entitled to the crown.

Tedjowulan also emphasized that the government had a legal basis to ensure stability in the palace environment. "If you continue to make noise, the government can take over. I am here to maintain order and bridge communication," said Tedjowulan.

His calm, yet firm attitude, made KPGA Tedjowulan respected by many parties. In the midst of the tug-of-war between the two poles of power, Tedjowulan appeared as a mediator who prioritizes peace and stability.

The role of KPGA Tedjowulan is not only about the position, but more to maintain one thing that is more valuable than the throne, the integrity and dignity of the Surakarta Palace itself. In the midst of the succession frenzy, Tedjowulan is present as a figure who keeps the palace as a symbol of Javanese culture and history, regardless of the power struggle. In addition, also read the Minister of Culture Submits SK for the Management of the Kasunanan Surakarta Palace Cultural Heritage Area

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