A Prince Who Chose Simplicity
javaprivatetour.com – Imagine being born into a royal palace, surrounded by luxury, power, and respect, only to one day decide: “I no longer want this.” That was the extraordinary path of Ki Ageng Suryomentaram. Born as the 55th son of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII, he carried the title Pangeran Surya Mataram. Yet, his heart longed for something deeper—truth, simplicity, and an authentic life among common people.
One of his most famous teachings still echoes today: aja dumeh. In simple words, it means “do not be arrogant.” Do not belittle others simply because you have wealth, rank, or power. At the end of the day, all humans are equal.
The Wandering Years
Suryomentaram’s transformation began when he saw firsthand the hardship of farmers bending under the hot sun in their fields. Moved by empathy, he shed his princely title and left the palace. He wandered to sacred places like Gua Langse, Gua Semin, and Parangtritis, following the footsteps of his ancestors in meditation. Later, he lived in Kroya and Purworejo, working as a batik seller, farmer, even a manual laborer digging wells.
Palace envoys often tried to bring him back, but even inside the kraton walls he was restless. His struggles deepened when his beloved wife passed away. Instead of returning to royal comfort, he chose the path of an ordinary villager—where his true journey of wisdom began.
Becoming a Philosopher of the People
Settling in Bringin, near Salatiga, he worked as a farmer. But his real harvest was in philosophy. He became the teacher of Kawruh Begja, a Javanese spiritual study about finding happiness. Unlike many thinkers who observed others, Suryomentaram made himself the “experiment.” He dissected his own mind, emotions, and struggles, writing them down in books, essays, and lectures.
Those who met him never saw a prince. Instead, he wore simple shorts, a sarong, and an old t-shirt. Yet behind this simplicity was a depth of wisdom that fascinated both villagers and intellectuals alike.
The Philosophy of Rasa
Suryomentaram believed that to understand humanity, one must first observe oneself. He discovered that at the core, every human shares the same longing: the preservation of life and the continuation of generations. From this, he developed the concept of NEMSA (6-SA): sakepenake (as you please), sabutuhe (as needed), sacukupe (enough), samesthine (as it should be), sabenere (as true), and sabenere (as natural).
He also warned that the roots of unhappiness come from desire—manifested in semat (wealth, beauty, pleasure), drajat (status, honor, social rank), and kramat (power, authority, position). Letting go of these illusions, he taught, was the gateway to true peace.
Walking in His Footsteps with Java Private Tour
Today, Ki Ageng Suryomentaram’s teachings remind us of the beauty of living simply, humbly, and mindfully. And if you wish to trace his footsteps—whether wandering the sacred caves of Yogyakarta, feeling the village life in Salatiga, or simply learning the essence of Javanese philosophy—why not do it with a trusted local companion?
Java Private Tour offers more than just sightseeing. With us, you gain:
- Friendly, professional guides fluent in English.
- Flexible schedules tailored to your pace and interests.
- Private cars of your choice—from sedans to vans to buses.
- Trusted by foreign embassies in Indonesia.
- Perfect for first-time visitors seeking authentic Java experiences.
We are not a generalist tour company. If you’re looking for a specialist who understands the layers of Javanese culture, then Java Private Tour is your best choice.
So, if you’re ready to explore the wisdom and journey of Ki Ageng Suryomentaram, head over to our REQUEST PAGE and let’s start planning your adventure. Or you can simply CLICK THIS LINK to chat with us on WhatsApp. With Java Private Tour, you’re not just getting a guide; you’re gaining a friend who will ensure your trip is nothing short of extraordinary. See you in Java!
