Monarchy in the Republic – Sultanate of Yogyakarta in the Republic of Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the key elements of the unique system of the Yogyakarta Sultanate as the monarchical part of Indonesia’s republican system, against the theoretical background of the concept of ‘monarchy within a republic’ and the trends in the systemic practice of modern monarchies. Indonesia is in many respects a unique example of a mixed system in which republican and monarchical elements coexist. The incorporation of monarchical elements into the republican system has been done in a very original way – by giving one region of the state dual constitutional status, with the traditional ruler of that territory in the dual role of republican governor and hereditary ruler. The Yogyakarta Sultanate, despite its uniqueness, is subject to problems typical of all modern monarchies, arising from the need to adapt to civilizational and cultural changes, such as gender equality, while respecting rich traditions and cultural identity.