Keraton Yogyakarta (The king of Yogyakarta Palace)

Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat or commonly known is the official palace of the Sultanate Ngayogyakarta which is now located in the city of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Name Karaton, Keraton atau Kraton, derived from the word ka-ratu-an, which means a place to live queen / king. Broader meaning is, is described simply, that all structures and buildings in the Kraton area have significant meaning related to essential Javanese philosophy of life, namely Sangkan Paraning Dumadi (Where it comes from humans and where eventually humans after death). Although the empire was officially has become part of the Republic of Indonesia in 1950, this palace building complex still serves as a residence sultan and his court of households who are still running the imperial tradition until today. Palace is now also one tourist attraction in the city of Yogyakarta. Part of the palace complex is a museum that holds various collections belonging to the empire, including a variety of gifts from the kings of Europe, a replica of heritage palace, and gamelan. In terms of the building, this palace is one example of Javanese palace architecture of the best, has sumptuous hall and court-hall and a spacious pavilion.

Sultan Palace began to be established by Sultan Hamengkubuwono first few months post Giyanti Agreement in 1755. The location of this palace is the former a pesanggarahan reputedly named Garjitawati. Guesthouse was used to break the funeral procession of the kings of Mataram (Kartasura and Surakarta) to be buried in Imogiri. Another version mentions the location of the palace is a spring, Pacethokan Bannerman, who is in the middle Beringan forest. Prior to occupy the Palace of Yogyakarta, Sultan Hamengkubuwono I stayed at Guesthouse Amber Ketawang which now includes the District Gamping Sleman.

Physically, the palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta has seven core complex that is Siti Hinggil LER (North Hall), Kamandhungan Ler (North Kamandhungan), Sri Manganti, Kedhaton, Kamagangan, Kamandhungan Kidul (South Kamandhungan), and Siti Hinggil Kidul (South Hall). In addition, Sultan Palace has a good range of cultural heritage in the form of the ceremony as well as antiquities and historic. On the other hand, Sultan Palace is also a traditional institution complete with customary holders. Therefore not surprising that the values of philosophy as well as mythology surrounds Yogyakarta Palace.

quoted from: WikiPedia Indonesia, with some additions.