Hamengkubuwono IX

Hamengkubuwono IX was the ninth sultan of Yogyakarta, the second vice president of Indonesia, and the first governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. He was also a National Hero of Indonesia for his role in the Indonesian National Revolution and the establishment of the Indonesian Military Academy (AKABRI). He was born in Ngasem, Yogyakarta, on 12 April 1912, with the name Gusti Raden Mas Dorodjatun. He was the ninth son of Hamengkubuwono VIII and his consort, Raden Ajeng Kustilah. He was named crown prince when he was three years old, after his father ascended to the throne. He was educated in Dutch and Indonesian schools, and later enrolled in a military school in Magelang. He joined the Royal Dutch East Indies Army (KNIL) and rose to the rank of sergeant. During the Japanese occupation, he joined the Defenders of the Homeland (PETA), an army set up by the Japanese to resist the allied invasion. He was appointed as a company and then a battalion commander. After the proclamation of Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945, he joined the People's Security Agency (BKR), the precursor of the Indonesian Army. He was involved in the suppression of the communist Madiun Revolt in 1948, and became the commander of the Military Police and the Military Governor of the Surakarta - Semarang - Pati - Madiun region. He also led the Central Java Division in the defense of Yogyakarta, the capital of the republic, against the Dutch attack in 1949. He participated in the negotiations for the transfer of sovereignty from the Dutch to the Indonesians, and signed the Round Table Conference Agreement in The Hague. After the recognition of Indonesia's independence, he continued his military service and held various positions, such as the commander of the Diponegoro Military Area, the deputy Army chief-of-staff, and the chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross. He was also involved in the establishment of the AKABRI, the joint military academy for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He was known for his loyalty, bravery, and professionalism. He was respected and admired by many people, both in Indonesia and abroad, for his dignity and grace. In 1973, he was elected as the second vice president of Indonesia, under President Suharto. He served for one term until 1978. He was also the first governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, a position that he held from 1950 to 1988. He was responsible for the development and welfare of the region, as well as the preservation of its cultural heritage. He died on 2 October 1988, in Washington, D.C., due to heart failure. He was buried in Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta, next to his wife, Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Koes Murtiyah. He was honored as a National Hero of Indonesia in 1989 by President Suharto. His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren, who have followed his footsteps in politics and public service.