Architecture Full of History and Culture - The Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat

Indonesia has long been a Republic, yet interestingly, you can find the Yogyakarta Sultanate, a Javanese monarchy in the Yogyakarta Special Region. It is the sole reigning Sultanate in Indonesia, with the Yogyakarta Sultanate being the government of the Yogyakarta Special Region. Located in the old city, the palace complex where the Sultan of Yogyakarta resides is the administrative centre of the region. The hereditary sultan's title and some ceremonial privileges were legally secured for its rulers. They are claimed to own almost 10% of Yogyakarta's land. Autonomy is also granted to the Sultanate by the Indonesian government.

The Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat is not just the residence of the reigning sultan and the royal family, but also a museum demonstrating and preserving Javanese culture. The palace complex in the old city stands on the straight line with Tugu Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Monument), Mount Merapi and Panggung Krapyak (Krapyak Hunting House) on the main street in the old city. The two Dwarapala statues at the palace entrance symbolise good and evil. It is believed that the artifacts in the palace have the power to repulse evil. Taking a little tour in this huge palace to find out more about the Javanese culture and royal collections would be an enjoyable afternoon activity.