Trunajaya Parade 2025 Celebrates Yogyakarta Sultan’s Javanese Birthday

KBRN, Yogyakarta: The Yogyakarta Palace’s Nitya Budaya Cultural Division (KHP), supported by the Yogyakarta Special Region Administration, held the second Trunajaya Parade on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to commemorate the Javanese birth anniversary (weton) of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

This year’s parade featured two rarely seen royal carriages: the Surabaya Londoner and the Premili, both belonging to the Yogyakarta Palace.

The Londoner carriage led the procession, carrying the regent or Tumenggung of the Beksan Trunajaya dance, while the Premili carriage closed the parade, transporting dancers and their instructors.

“These two carriages are special because they haven’t appeared in public for about 12 to 13 years,” said MB Renggowaditro, Head of the Kridhamardawa Arts Division of the Yogyakarta Palace, as quoted by jogjaprov.go.id.

“They were chosen because they align with the narrative of Beksan Trunajaya. The commander of the dance will ride the Londoner carriage, and the Premili by the performers and their coaches," he said.

Renggowaditro also noted a significant increase in participants. Last year, around 50 palace courtiers joined the parade. This year, the number rose to approximately 80.

In addition, community brigades from regencies and cities across the Special Region of Yogyakarta joined the procession, bringing the total to around 300 participants.

“The involvement of these community brigades brings us great joy,” he said. “The palace is the cultural root, but everyone can contribute to its growth and preservation.”

According to the palace’s tourism officer, the Trunajaya Parade was part of a series of events marking the Tingalan Dalem Taun of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, who also serves as Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Tingalan Dalem Taun commemorates the Sultan’s birth according to the Javanese calendar, while last year’s parade marked the Tingalan Jumenengan Dalem, which celebrates his enthronement as King of the Yogyakarta Palace.

The parade began at the courtyard of the Yogyakarta Province Representative Council (DPRD) Building, proceeded south along Malioboro Street, and concluded at the Pagelaran of the Yogyakarta Palace. Both locals and tourists lined the streets to witness the vibrant procession.

The Kirab and Beksan Trunajaya Parade reaffirm the Yogyakarta Palace’s commitment to preserving its noble traditions and classical arts. The event not only celebrated the Sultan’s birthday but also symbolized a living bond between history and the future of Javanese culture.

Among the spectators was Widya (27), a visitor from Salatiga, who expressed her delight at stumbling upon the parade. “I was just on vacation with friends, enjoying the afternoon in Malioboro. We didn’t know this event was happening today, so it was a wonderful surprise. We feel truly lucky,” she said. ***