Sasana Wiratama Museum is also known as Diponegoro Monument because it used to be the residence of Prince Diponegoro, an Aristocratic Warrior from Keraton Yogyakarta. He was famous for his patriotic actions against the Dutch Colony between the years 1825-1830. Presently, to honor Diponegoro’s merit during that period, his residence is turned into a public museum which hosts war accessories that belonged to him and his faithful soldiers. The museum is located around 4 KM from downtown Yogyakarta, at Jl. Hos Cokroaminoto, Tegalrejo.

Prince Diponegoro was born in the Kingdom of Yogyakarta on November 11 1785. He was the oldest son of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono III with his concubine Raden Ayu Mangkorowati. Because he was a descendent of the Sultan, he obtained the title Kanjeng as an adult. Prince Diponegoro’s interest in religious life and equality with the inhabitants of Yogyakarta eventually made him leave the Keraton and chose to stay at Tegalrejo.

Sasana Wiratama Museum is built in an area of 2 hectares at Tegalrego village, Yogyakarta. The main monumental architecture is designed to resemble the traditional Javanese style shaped as Joglo. The project initiator of the monument was Mayor General Surono and was later supported by Mayor General Widodo, both a commander of the Indonesian National Military. On August 9 1969, the first stage of the construction was finished and was inaugurated by the former president of Indonesia, General Soeharto. It was named Sasana Wiratama which means a place for soldiers.

The museum displays around 100 items consisting of Original goods used by Prince Diponegoro during his service for the country, such as lance, sword, iron hammer, coins,precious stones and also furnitures. Some of the goods are considered sacred to the owner, such as the Keris named Kyai Omyang and the Sword originating from Demak Kingdom. The sacred weapons are belived to be able to protect the owner from disasters. There are also some household tools made from brass in 1700s such as betel container and its kecohan (container in which someone spits after chewing betel), canting (an instrument used to make batik) holder, bringsing pot, and various forms of kacip (a tool to slice areca nut as an ingredient to chew betel).

One of the main attraction of the museum is the broken wall which according to history was the media used by Prince Diponegoro to escape from enemy siege. Several items are specially treated, such as relics of Sri Sultan Hamenkubuwono II that existed from the mid 1700s.

The museum is open for public from Monday-Saturday from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. It also offers public facilities such meeting hall and homestead that can be rented by any resident.

Bookmark It!

Hide Sites