Yogyakarta Things to Do Tips by theo1006

Diponegoro Museum

The Diponegoro Museum, officially named Museum Sasana Wiratama, is located on the grounds of the former residence of this famous prince. Son of sultan Hamengku Buwana III of Yogyakarta, he waged a guerrilla war against the Dutch colonizers, known among historians as the Java War (1825-1830). In 1830 he was treacherously arrested by the Dutch and banished to the island of Celebes (Sulawesi), where he died in 1855.

Of Diponegoro's residence nothing remains, because it was burned to the ground by the Dutch. The present buildings in the 2 ha compound date from 1968.

However, there are some authentic artefacts, e.g. andesit water troughs for Diponegoro's horses and cannon with Javanese script on them. Most famous is the hole in the wall through which Diponegoro is said to have fled with his family and followers when the Dutch had entered his compound in order to arrest him in 1825.

Two rooms are arranged as a museum, with paintings, weaponry, furniture, musical instruments etc. supposedly having belonged to prince Diponegoro.

Another Diponegoro museum can be visited at Magelang. It is a room in the former Dutch headquarters where Diponegoro came to negotiate and was arrested.

Address: Jalan Tjokroaminoto TR.III/430, Tegalrejo, Yogyakarta.

Directions: At the Tugu monument go west along Diponegoro street, across Winongo river, for about 1 km. Then south into Jalan Tjokroaminoto. The back entrance to the compound is indicated by a sign board on the right a few 100 m along this road. The main entrance is where the road makes a slight bend to the left.

Opening hours: Officially daily except Sunday, from 8:00am till 01:00pm. However, the warden by name of pak Slamet may open up at other times. Sign his guest book with a tip.

Phone: +62.274.622668

Website: http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/museum-and-monument/sasana-wiratama/