Know the Differences! Don’t Confuse Keraton Solo with Pura Mangkunegaran

When we hear the word Surakarta, now more commonly known as Solo, the first thing that comes to mind is an area closely associated with Javanese history and culture.

Despite the relatively small area, around 44.04 km² (17 mi²), it is undeniable that Solo, a city in Central Java, left behind many traces of Javanese civilization from the time of the Sultanate of Mataram between 1586 and 1755 AD.

Today, Solo is an especially attractive destination for history buffs. Unfortunately, many people still confuse Keraton Solo with Pura Mangkunegaran, both popular tourist destinations.

Keraton Solo and Pura Mangkunegaran are both palace complexes where each monarch rules its government. Keraton Solo is ruled by Kanjeng Susuhunan Pakubuwono XIII. On the other hand, the Principality of Mangkunegaran is governed by Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegara X.

Other than having their own ruler, the two have several fundamental differences. These differences lie in aspects such as their history, territory, and facilities at their royal palace complex.

4 Differences between Keraton Solo and Pura Mangkunegaran

History

Historically, Keraton Solo is older than Pura Mangkunegaran. As the center of Kasunanan Hadiningrat Surakarta, Keraton Solo was built in 1745 AD by Pakubuwono II after the Sultanate of Mataram was divided under the Treaty of Giyanti into two territories, Kasunanan Surakarta (the Sunanate of Surakarta) and Kesultanan Yogyakarta (the Sultanate of Yogyakarta).

Pura Mangkunegaran, on the other hand, was built by Raden Mas Said, who later held the title of Pangeran Mangkunegara I as the ruler of Kadipaten Mangkunegaran (the Principality of Mangkunegaran), in 1757 AD following the Treaty of Salatiga.

From its establishment until 1946, Kadipaten Mangkunegaran remained a monarchy with its autonomous territory and independent soldiers.

However, in September 1946, Kadipaten Mangkunegaran, then led by Mangkunegaran VIII, declared it would unite with the Republic of Indonesia.

Titles of Ruler and Government

The ruler of Keraton Solo and Pura Mangkunegaran each has their own title. Keraton Solo is ruled by a monarch with the title of Sunan, currently held by Sunan Pakubuwono XII.

Pura Mangkunegaran is ruled by a monarch with the title of Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegara, currently held by Bhre Cakrahutomo Wira Sudjiwo and also known as Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegara X.

The ruler of Pura Mangkunegaran has no right to hold the title of Sunan or Sultan. This is due to the fact that its status is a principality under the governance of the Sunanate of Surakarta. In fact, the Principality of Mangkunegaran has to get approval from the Sunanate of Surakarta when proclaiming a new ruler.

The Lack of a Square within the Pura Mangkunegaran Complex

Due to its status as a principality, Mangkunegaran cannot have a square within its Pura Mangkunegaran, unlike the Sunanate of Surakarta. Keraton Solo has the north and south squares, more commonly known as alun-alun lor and alun-alun kidul.

Pracima Tuin Park

Despite lacking a palace square, Pura Mangkunegaran has another attraction to offer: Pracima Tuin Park. Since early 2023, the park has been officially open to the public. Locals and tourists alike can visit it and enjoy the beauty of the culture inside of it. You can also find a restaurant that serves a wide range of traditional cuisine.

Now that you have learned the differences between Keraton Solo and Pura Mangkunegaran, you won’t confuse one with another anymore, right?

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