Indonesia's government is close to implementing changes to Yogyakarta's monarchy system that would effectively put an end to Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X's 14 years of uncontested rule.

The solution will appease both sides, Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi said. But the minister was tight-lipped when it came to specifics. "There has been good progress, but I should not leak it," Gamawan told Antara. "But the government has found a middle ground."

For decades, the governor's position has automatically been given to the current sultan of Yogyakarta, a position that has been passed down from the original Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I after his death in 1792.

Indonesia introduced a bill that would change Yogyakarta's system to a democracy more than four years ago. But the bill stalled in the House of Representatives.

In 2010, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Yogyakarta's monarchy system had to end. The province responded with protests and calls to secede from Indonesia, further derailing the government's plans.

The sultan's current term as governor ended months ago, but he – with the blessing of the government – has remained in power. Gamawan expects to wrap this issue up by October. "We will discuss it again," Gamawan said. "Hopefully there will be a final solution."