Susuhunan, or in short version Sunan, is a title used by the monarchs of Mataram and then by the hereditary rulers of Surakarta, Indonesia.

Additionally in Bali and Yogyakarta, so-called "Kings of kings" reigned with this title, while their kingdoms were called "Sunanates".

The name Susuhunan is also used as a romantic nickname for loved ones, but also for highly respected public figures. Lovers or mistresses were also referred to with this nickname outside in private. The abbreviation Sunan is also used as a given name.

Names and titles

The full title of the Susuhunan in Javanese is: Sampeyan Dalem ingkang Sinuhun Kanjeng Susuhunan Prabhu Sri Paku Buwana Senapati ing Alaga Ngabdulrahman Sayidin Panatagama ("His Exalted Majesty, The Susuhunan, King Paku Buwana, Commander in the field of battle, Servant of the Most Gracious, the regulator of Religion"). This long title is occasionally abbreviated in media with Latin texts as SISKS, denoting Sampeyan dalem Ingkang Sinuhun Kanjeng Susuhunan, followed by the regnal name.

The rulers of Surakarta traditionally adopt the regnal name Pakubuwono (also spelled Pakubuwana Javanese pronunciation: [pakubuwɔnɔ]). Susuhunan is specific to the rulers of Surakarta; the rulers of Yogyakarta, who are also descended from the Mataram dynasty, have the title Sultan.

List of Susuhunans of Surakarta

The dates given are for the time ruling.^[1]

• Pakubuwono I, 1705–1719
• Pakubuwono II, 1727–1749 (Kartasura and Surakarta)
• Pakubuwono III, 1749–1788
• Pakubuwono IV, 1788–1820
• Pakubuwono V, 1820–1823
• Pakubuwono VI, 1823–1830
• Pakubuwono VII, 1830–1858
• Pakubuwono VIII, 1859–1861
• Pakubuwono IX, 1861–1893
• Pakubuwono X, 1893–1939
• Pakubuwono XI, 1939–1945
• Pakubuwono XII, 1945–2004
• Pakubuwono XIII, 2004–present

Note: For Pakubuwono XIII - from 2004 to 2012, there were two rival claimants to the throne, Hangabehi and Tedjowulan, both are sons of late Pakubuwono XII.^[2]