Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta has a long early life story from the establishment of “Jenu” which was a royal garden in the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono II on 1792 until 1812. It was still used as a royal garden until the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono V. In his era, “Jenu” was changed to “Pesanggrahan Harja Purna” which was once used as a place to welcome special guests outside the palace. In 1898, the era of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII, “Pesanggrahan Harja Purna” was transformed into “Kedhaton Ambarrukmo.” His Majesty furnished the place with additional buildings similar to Kraton Yogyakarta. It was used as His Majesty’s home after he abdicated the throne. Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII spend most of his time here until his death.
During the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX, “Kedhaton Ambarrukmo” was often used for public interest. For instance, in 1947 this beautiful place was used as the administration office of the Sleman government. Long journey short, in around 1960, by the suggestion of Ir. Soekarno who was the first president of the Republic of Indonesia, both Ir. Soekarno and Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX decided to build a five-star hotel with a signature touch of architecture from Ir. Soekarno. They used the pampasan fund from the Japanese to build one of the first five-star hotels in Indonesia. The hotel was named Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel. Onwards, in 2011, this magnificent hotel got a big renovation and transformed into Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, a five-star hotel that is famous for its Javanese culture and tradition.
“Kedhaton Ambarrukmo” heritage complex are consist of Pendopo Agung Kedhaton Ambarrukmo, Ndalem Ageng and Bale Kambang. The Pendopo are usually used for traditional Javanese activities such as Javanese dance activities, Javanese creation dances, Siteran, Suling Bambu, as well as Jemparingan or traditional archery combining with Royal High Tea Patehan.
Ndalem Ageng nowadays is used as a private museum, which before was used as the place of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII and his family rooms. Today, it has a wondrous Gamelan named Kiai Yasa Arum and a set of wayang kulit. The museum also has many batik clothing, various kinds of Batik, and also pictures and paintings of the Kasultanan family. Meanwhile, Bale Kambang is a stunning water castle located behind Ndalem Ageng, which used to be a place for Sultan to pray. Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta is famous for its signature Royal Moments, Patehan and Ladosan Dhahar. Patehan is originally a traditional tea ceremony at the Sultan Palace, served with a special procession of Abdi Dalem dressed in traditional Javanese clothes. The dish will be carried in a parade of Abdi Dalem and the tea will be poured with appreciation towards participants and a prayer for the earth’s harmony.
Meanwhile, Ladosan Dhahar is a luncheon or dinner ceremony which begins with Jodhang (wooden box to carry the meals & offerings) ceremony, the Jodhang will be carried by Abdi Dalem. The dish for Ladosan Dhahar are Sultan’s favorite dish, known for its delicacy and rich flavor.
The upcoming Royal Moment that will be launch is Pradangga. A luncheon or dinner offering a traditional lavish Javanese cuisine accompanied with wayang kulit performance and melodious sound of Kiai Yasa Arum Gamelan.
Discover the allure of Royal Ambarrukmo, an integral part of the esteemed Ambarrukmo Group, where timeless Javanese hospitality merges seamlessly with contemporary luxury, inviting travelers to indulge in an extraordinary journey through the heart of Java.
For information and reservation just visit www.royalambarrukmo.com or check out the Instagram account @royalambarrukmo and Facebook Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta for promo and events.
From Vritimes
