Surakarta Palace Calls for Public-Private Synergy to Preserve Javanese Heritage

RRI.CO.ID, Solo - The Surakarta Hadiningrat Kasunanan Palace has emphasized the urgent need for collaborative support from both the government and the private sector to ensure the continued preservation of Javanese culture.

During the commemoration of World Dance Day in Solo on Wednesday evening, April 29, 2026, the Chairperson of the Palace Customary Council (LDA), GKR Wandansari Koes Moertiyah, affectionately known as Gusti Moeng, noted the palace's significant historical role in Indonesia’s transition from a monarchical era to a republic. Given this legacy, she argued that external support is essential to maintaining the palace's cultural functions.

“In the near future, we will also organize the puppetry studio which has long been neglected. We are renovating the place so that there will be more puppetry lessons that strictly follow the palace standards; it seems there is a current concern among puppeteers that palace standards are being abandoned,” Gusti Moeng said, as quoted by Antara.

The celebration featured several traditional performances, most notably the Bedaya Sukamulya, a dance choreographed by Gusti Moeng herself. Performed by nine young women, the dance is a derivative of the sacred Bedaya Ketawang and carries profound spiritual messages.

Its name is derived from suka (happiness) and mulyo (glory), symbolizing a hope that Mataram traditions will continue to thrive through noble character and spiritual splendor.

The event also showcased the Fragmen Tari Topeng Panji Sekartaji, a masked dance depicting the legendary romance between Princess Dewi Sekartaji of Kediri and Prince Raden Panji Asmorobangun of Jenggala.

The evening concluded with Gusti Moeng presenting an award to Puspo Wardoyo for his dedication to Javanese culture. The event was also attended by international dignitaries, including the Chilean Ambassador to Indonesia, Mario Ignacio Artaza Loyola, highlighting the global appeal of Surakarta’s living heritage. ***