The End of a Decade-long Conflict Will Turn Surakarta Palace into a National Heritage Site
Years of conflict between various members of the Royal family of Surakarta (or Solo) in Central Java (Indonesia) have been deterrent for the growth of tourism to the city. The conflict emerged in 2005 as some of Surakarta family members questioned the legitimacy of the current Sultan Puku Buwono XII Hangabehi.
The issue has now been settled with an agreement between the Sultan and the Customary’s Council in charge of the royal rules. An end to the conflict will be beneficial to tourists as the peace agreement will help creating a government-funded agency that will take over the management of the Keraton, Surakarta historical Royal Palace.
Surakarta Palace will official be listed as a national heritage site with funds coming from the Province of Central Java to pay agents working at the Palace while the Central Government will disburse funds to preserve and restore the royal premises.
The Ministry of Culture and Education will look at modernizing the museum while the Ministry of Tourism will also step in for the promotion of Surakarta Keraton. The private sector will also help to create respective corporate social responsibility programs.
The Surakarta Keraton was established in 1745 by Pakubowono II and is considered to be a beautiful example of classical Javanese architecture. However, the lack of funds due to the conflict has translated into an advanced states of decay in many parts of the palace.
Source: ASEAN Travel
