Uncovering Java War Stories at Prince Diponegoro Museum

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The Java War, which took place around 200 years ago, was one of the most significant uprisings against Dutch colonialism in Java. Hundreds of relics from the war, led by Prince Diponegoro, are neatly preserved at the Pangeran Diponegoro Sasana Wiratama Museum.

Prince Diponegoro's struggle (1825–1830), fueled by court intervention and the people's suffering due to high taxes, was a major example of Javanese resistance that used guerrilla tactics against Dutch colonialism.

Located on Jalan HOS Cokroaminoto TR III/430 in Tegalrejo, the Sasana Wiratama Museum was built on the grounds of Prince Diponegoro's former residence in Yogyakarta. The monument complex includes a pavilion (pendapa) and a museum, allowing visitors to trace the life of Prince Diponegoro.

Part of the museum complex was formerly the residence of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I's queen, GKR Hageng. Prince Diponegoro, then known as Raden Mas Ontowiryo, began living there at the age of seven.

He lived there until the Dutch siege forced him to flee through the breached back wall of his residence. Today, the remains of the breached wall are still visible.

At the residence's gate, there are statues of Commander-in-Chief General Sudirman and Lieutenant General Urip Soemohardjo. The inscription on the General Sudirman statue reads, "Don't Be Unguarded," and the inscription on the General Urip Soemohardjo statue reads, "Ordre, Contre-Ordre, Désordre," a French phrase meaning "Order, Reply to Order (Cancellation), Chaos." This symbolizes the confusing situation for the Dutch colonialists.

Upon entering the complex, visitors are greeted by two cannons facing the exterior of the residence. The museum displays 413 items from the Java War, including keris (Javanese knives), spears, bows, and long-barreled weapons.

"These items belonged to Diponegoro's deceased troops and were handed over to this museum," explained Second Lieutenant Wargo Suyatno, the Head of the Prince Diponegoro Monument Museum.

In addition to the weapons collection, the museum features a horse-drawn carriage gifted by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII and a gamelan set from Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II. It also displays everyday objects, including a Quran, teapots, and cups.

Outside the museum is a 20-meter-long, 4-meter-high relief depicting Prince Diponegoro resisting the Dutch.

Wargo hopes that the Pangeran Diponegoro Sasana Wiratama Museum will attract more visitors so that Prince Diponegoro's values of struggle, courage, and exemplary behavior are not lost over time.

He emphasized that the museum is not only a place to store historical objects but also a learning space where visitors can understand the spirit of resistance and sacrifice that Prince Diponegoro demonstrated for his nation and homeland. Visitors can then pass these noble values on to future generations. (Misni Parjiati)

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