Yogyakarta Palace Warm Banquet for the Emperor of Japan

Yogyakarta Palace King Sultan Hamengku Buwono X gave a warm banquet for Japanese Emperor Naruhito. Dances, music, and delicious dishes were served to increase the intimacy of the two kingdoms.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

King of the Yogyakarta Palace, Sultan Hamengku Buwono X (center) and his consort GKR Hemas took a photo with Emperor Naruhito of Japan (left) at the Yogyakarta Palace, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Wednesday (21/6/2023). Naruhito was warmly welcomed by the Sultan during the occasion. Other entertainment provided included traditional dances, music, and delicious cuisine.

During his visit to Indonesia, Japanese Emperor Naruhito took the time to visit the Yogyakarta Palace in Yogyakarta Special Region on Wednesday evening, June 21st, 2023. The King of Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengku Buwono X hosted a warm reception for his honored guest. Dance performances, music, and delicious cuisine were presented to strengthen the bond between the two kingdoms.

Naruhito and his entourage arrived at the Yogyakarta Palace at around 6:00 PM. On the occasion, he wore a black suit and white shirt, and a pink tie. He was greeted by the eldest daughter of the Sultan, Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Mangkubumi, at the Regol Kamandungan Lor area in front of the palace. Mangkubumi then escorted Naruhito into the palace complex.

Naruhito was warmly welcomed again as he passed through the Sri Manganti courtyard. Other princesses of the Sultan also joined in welcoming Naruhito, such as GKR Condrokirono, GKR Maduretno, GKR Hayu, and GKR Bendara. Not only the sultan's daughters, but also his sons-in-law and grandchildren took part. There was even a salute of respect from the palace soldiers, the Bregada Wirobraja, who were in full uniform.

Also read: Memories of the Japanese Emperor's Visit to Yogyakarta in 1991

NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

King of Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengku Buwono X (center) shakes hands with Emperor of Japan Naruhito (left), at Yogyakarta Palace, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (21/6/2023). Naruhito was warmly welcomed by the Sultan during the occasion. Other entertainments presented were dances, music, and delicious dishes.

The attending sons-in-law of the Sultan at that time were Kanjeng Pangeran Haryo (KPH) Wironegoro (husband of GKR Mangkubumi), KPH Purbodiningrat (husband of GKR Maduretno), KPH Notonegoro (husband of GKR Hayu), and KPH Yudonegoro (husband of GKR Bendara).

The grandchildren of the Sultan who also gave speeches were the son and daughter of GKR Mangkubumi, namely Raden Ayu Arti Ayya Fatimasari and Raden Mas (RM) Dhrastya Wironegoro, as well as the son of GKR Condrokirono, namely RM Gustilantika Marrel Suryokusumo.

Afterward, Naruhito was escorted to meet the Sultan along with his wife, GKR Hemas, who had been waiting at Regol Danapratapa. The Sultan and Naruhito exchanged smiles when shaking hands. The Sultan was wearing the Ageman Takwa attire complete with Kuluk Kanigoro, while Hemas wore a light blue Tangkepan Kebaya. Both of them were wearing Parang Barong patterned jarik.

The garment is only worn by the Sultan on certain occasions. When he wears it, it signifies that he is present as the leader of the palace. Interestingly, the ornament on the jarik depicts a "babon angrem", or a mother hen incubating her eggs, which symbolizes love and affection. It's as if a joyful atmosphere is being created for both parties in the encounter.

"This is a visit from the royal family. In the past, when the Dutch royal family visited, we also wore cloth like this. This is a gesture between royal families. Therefore, we wear this cloth," said GKR Mangkubumi after the event.

DOKUMENTASI KERATON YOGYAKARTA

King of Keraton Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengku Buwono X (right) exhibited a collection of wayang from the palace to Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Keraton Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (21/6/2023). Naruhito received a warm reception from the Sultan on that occasion. There were other entertainments presented in the form of dance, music, and delicious dishes.

Naruhito was also invited to see the collection of historical objects belonging to Keraton Yogyakarta, such as batik, keris, and manuscripts. Some of the batik motifs on display include Parangrusak Barong, Kawung, Purbanegara, and Sidaluhur.

Meanwhile, the manuscript displayed is entitled Serat Baratayuda. The fiber was made during the leadership of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII to Sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII. There was also a shadow puppet display presented by Kawedanan Kridhamardawa during the emperor's visit.

Before attending the dinner event, Naruhito was first presented with a Beksan Lawung Ageng dance performance at Tratag Bangsal Kencana. The dance lasted for about 15-20 minutes and consisted of 16 male dancers.

The dance portrays the agility competition among spear-wielding soldiers. The inspiration for creating the dance came from the cavalry agility training and spear playing of the palace soldiers in the past. Therefore, the movements have heroic and masculine characteristics.

Interestingly, the ornament on the jarik worn features a "babon angrem" or a mother hen sitting on her eggs.

Royal court representative of Kawedanan Kridhamardawa Yogyakarta Palace, KPH Notonegoro, explained that the dances in the palace have different levels, ranging from the highest to the lowest. Beksan Lawung is one of the dances that has a high level and is presented for esteemed guests of the royal court.

Also read: Emperor Naruhito Follows the Footsteps of Imperial Japan's Soft Diplomacy

DOKUMENTASI KERATON YOGYAKARTA

The Beksan Lawung dance performance was presented for the Japanese Emperor Naruhito who was visiting the Yogyakarta Palace, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (21/6/2023). Naruhito received a warm reception from the King of the Yogyakarta Palace, Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, on the occasion. There were other entertainments offered in the form of dances, music, and delicious dishes.

"This Beksan creation by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I is one of the oldest dances owned by the Yogyakarta Palace. Therefore, this beksan is often performed when the Yogyakarta Palace receives friendly heads of state such as the Emperor of Japan," said Notonegoro.

The highlight of the event was dinner at Ward Kencana. Dishes served include guava setup, chicken galantin soup, lime chicken satay, honey grilled prawns, and iced teler cake. While eating the meal, there was an orchestral musical accompaniment brought by Abdi Dalem Musikan. Folk songs such as Padang Bulan, Kidang Talun, Sluku Batok, Suwe Ora Jamu, Jamuran , and others, sounded more magnificent through the playing of stringed instruments in the orchestra.

GKR Mangkubumi recounted that the atmosphere during the dinner was quite warm. The Sultan and Naruhito were said to have chatted amiably during the occasion. According to her, Naruhito's visit was part of efforts to build closer ties between the two kingdoms. Moreover, they had been in contact for quite some time.

In 1991, Naruhito's father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, visited the Yogyakarta Palace. On that occasion, he was accompanied by his empress, namely Michiko. The figures who greeted them were also Sultan and Hemas. At that time the fourth and fifth daughters of the Sultan, namely GKR Hayu and GKR Bendara, who were 8 and 5 years old, gave flowers to the two guests of honor.

"The first thing, of course, is to continue building good relationships from parents to the next generation. Also, this relationship should become even better in the future," answered Mangkubumi when asked about the meaning of Naruhito's visit."