Hamong Nagari Exhibition Traces the Bureaucratic History of Kraton Jogja

JOGJA—Since early March 2025, the Kedhaton complex of Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat or Kraton Jogja has been livelier than usual. Not only tourists come to take photos, but also those wishing to step into a time tunnel of the Kraton’s bureaucratic past through the exhibition Hamong Nagari: Aparatur Nagari Yogyakarta.

The exhibition is part of the commemoration of Tingalan Jumenengan Dalem—the 36th anniversary of the ascension of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X—and will officially close on Sunday, 25 August 2025. Running for nearly six months, it offers more than historical artefacts. It weaves a long narrative of how administration, service, and work ethic in the Kraton have been shaped since the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII.

Carik Kawedanan Radyakartiyasa, Nyi R.Ry Noorsundari, explained that the exhibition reveals aspects of the Kraton rarely exposed to the public.

“Collections that are usually not on display are now being shown. We’ve also sought to create immersive experiences, for example about the philosophical axis and the toponymy of abdi dalem residences,” she said at the Kraton Jogja complex on Friday, 22 August 2025.

In one of the immersive rooms, visitors can observe how the lives of the abdi dalem were organised—from the division of roles and dress codes to a carefully structured hierarchy. Notably, a performance evaluation system, akin to today’s key performance indicators (KPIs), had already existed in earlier times.

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According to Noorsundari, many assume that positions in the Kraton were based purely on lineage. History, however, tells a different story. Evaluation mechanisms and sanctions were in place. Poor performance could delay promotions or even result in temporary suspension from duties.

The exhibition also presents cartography tracing the Sultan’s procession to Gedung Negara, complete with lines of soldiers and abdi dalem in attendance. From there, the story of the Kraton’s administrative apparatus unfolds further.

Alongside maps, old legal documents on abdi dalem dress codes are on display. The archives show that as early as the 19th century, formal regulations were written and printed to ensure uniformity—administrative practices that continued into the era of Hamengku Buwono X.

For casual visitors, the exhibition offers more than objects in display cases. Educators and curators are stationed on site to provide explanations. “So if anyone wishes to ask questions or learn more, they can speak directly with our team,” said Noorsundari.

The exhibition is accessible to many. Tickets are priced at Rp15,000 for domestic visitors and Rp25,000 for international visitors, inclusive of entrance to the Kraton Jogja complex. Visiting hours run daily from 08:30 to 14:30 local time.

As the closing approaches, organisers have prepared a final event. On Saturday night, 23 August 2025, the Kamardikan concert will be staged at Monumen Jogja Kembali (Monjali) as the official finale of the exhibition. The event will also serve as a celebration of independence and a reflection on cultural heritage.

With only a few days left, people in Jogja and beyond still have the chance to trace a rarely told story of royal administration. The exhibition is not only about the past but also a mirror of enduring values of service and dedication that remain relevant today. (Advertorial)

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