Septia Ryanthie, Jakarta – Sad news has come from the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace. The king of Surakarta Palace, Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwana XIII, passed away at the age of 77 on Sunday morning, November 2, 2025 at 07:30 AM WIB (Western Indonesian Time) at Indriati Solo Baru Hospital, Grogol District, Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.
The news was confirmed by PB XIII's younger sibling, Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Koes Moertiyah Wandansari when contacted by Tempo on her mobile phone today. "Yes, he passed away at 07:30 AM WIB. Currently, he is still at the hospital and after being bathed, his body will be taken to Surakarta Palace," said Gusti Moeng, her close nickname.
Gusti Moeng revealed that prior to this, PB XIII had been undergoing treatment at Indriati Hospital since early September 2025. PB XIII fell ill after the Adang Tahun Dal ceremony, which was followed by the Kembul Bujana tradition.
"He has been receiving treatment since the end of the Adang Tahun Dal ceremony (September 7, 2025). After the Kembul Bujana (September 8, 2025), he was admitted to the hospital on Friday and until now, until his passing this morning," said Gusti Moeng, who is also the Chair of the Council of Customary Law (LDA) of Surakarta Palace.
Gusti Moeng explained that PB XIII passed away due to complications from illness, especially due to high blood sugar levels. Over the last two months, his health condition had been fluctuating until finally, he passed away. "His illness was a complication due to his high sugar levels," she said.
As planned, the late King's body will be laid in State at Surakarta Palace before being buried according to the palace's tradition and customary ceremony. Gusti Moeng stated that the family and the palace will provide an official statement to the media at 10:00 AM WIB at Surakarta Palace.
Based on data compiled by Tempo, PB XIII's birth name is Gusti Raden Mas Suryadi, born in Solo (Surakarta) on June 28, 1948. Before ascending to the throne, he was known by the title Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Haryo (KGPH) Hangabehi.
PB XIII ascended to the throne in 2004, succeeding PB XII. His leadership journey was marked by a leadership dualism within the Surakarta Palace between himself and his younger sibling, KGPH Tedjowulan.
The dualism persisted for several years and only ended after reconciliation in 2012. During that moment, KGPH Hangabehi was officially confirmed as the King of Kasunanan Surakarta, bearing the title Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwana XIII.
Under his leadership, Surakarta Palace endeavored to preserve Javanese customs and culture amidst modern dynamics.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2062288/king-pakubuwana-xiii-of-surakarta-palace-passes-away-at-7