Paku Alam VIII

Who was Paku Alam VIII?

Sri Paku Alam VIII was the son of Sri Paku Alam VII and Gusti Bendara Raden Ayu Retno Poewoso. His child name was Gusti Raden Mas Harya Sularso Kunto Suratno and his adult name was Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Prabu. He acceded to the throne of the Pakualaman principality Kadipaten Pakualaman on 12 April 1937 with the official name Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Paku Alam VIII. The Pakualaman dates from 1812 and is an enclave within the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

Paku Alam VIII was a major figure in the independence struggle. His contribution, together with that of Hamengkubuwono IX, led to Yogyakarta gaining status as a Special Region where the sultan and the prince serve respectively as governor and vice-governor for life.