Recognition of the Specialties of the Kingdom of Yogyakarta and the Practice of Asymmetric Decentralization in Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: Yogyakarta Palace is a kingdom that existed before Indonesia became independent. Generally, a country can adopt a monarchy as a system of government that applies nationally. However, uniqueness emerged in recognizing the privileges of the Kingdom of Yogyakarta in Indonesia, which still has the authority to regulate its territory but is also under the auspices of the Republic of Indonesia. In response to this phenomenon, this article was created to answer questions regarding (1) a comparison of monarchical systems in the world, (2) the Validity of the Yogyakarta Palace area as a Special Region in Indonesia, and (3) DIY Government Policy Strategy in maintaining and managing the unique features of Yogyakarta. From the results of this analysis, this study aims to provide alternative recommendations for recognizing the kingdom's authority based on practices that occur in Indonesia.
 
 Method: The study uses normative juridical research methods with a conceptual and statutory approach. The theory of asymmetric decentralization is the analytical tool used to see the chain of validity of the privileges of the Yogyakarta Palace.
 
 Result: The results of the analysis show that the authority of the King of the Yogyakarta Palace to lead the Yogyakarta Special Region Province is a form of asymmetric decentralization practice that is different from the implementation of other monarchical systems in the world.
 
 Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that a King's authority to regulate his territory does not have to be within the realm of a monarchical system of government. Recognition of the unique features of the Yogyakarta Palace in Indonesia has proven that a kingdom can exist within the territory of a Republic that practices an asymmetric decentralized system. For this reason, further research is needed that can examine unique regional management strategies to strengthen regional autonomy and fiscal independence.