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Amazing car collection: How did Baku Buwono X become Indonesia's automotive pioneer?
Pakubuwono He served from 1939 to 1939, making him the longest-serving ruler in Sulan history. This Indonesian national hero not only made political contributions to the Dutch East Indies at that time, but his love for cars also left a deep mark on Indonesia's automotive history.
"Baku Buwono X is a pioneer in the Indonesian automobile industry. His collection not only demonstrates his wealth, but also highlights the progress of modernization."
The debut of the car
Baku Buwono X’s road to luxury began in 1894, when he purchased a Benz Victoria Phaeton for an astonishing 10,000 guilders. The money was equivalent to three centuries of wages for ordinary workers at that time. This made him the first car owner in the Dutch East Indies and predated the first car ownership in the Netherlands by two years. The appearance of this car surprised and horrified the onlookers because it could run independently without the need for horses, so it was called the "Kereta Setan" (Devil Car).
An ongoing collection of cars
In his unbridled pursuit of luxury and convenience, Baku Buwono X continued to expand his car collection, especially luxury sedans, which had a huge number of seats to accommodate his large family and entourage. The condition of many of the vehicles is still unknown, but they are believed to still be kept in the garage of the royal palace in Surakarta.
"The car collection of Baku Buwono X is not only a symbol of material things, but also a microcosm of an era, showing Indonesia's process from tradition to modernization."
Promoter of car culture
Baku Buwono X’s enthusiasm reflects his role in promoting car culture. His car buying behavior was not only a personal hobby, but also a turning point for Indonesian society at that time. His vehicles not only serve as status symbols, but also attract interest in vehicles and driving from all walks of life. Under his inspiration, Indonesia's automobile industry began to gradually rise and became a new way of life.
Impact and Legacy
The death of Baku Buwono X made his car collection a historical witness. When he passed away in 1939, according to the custom at the time, his coffin was transported to the Imogiri Mausoleum (Imogiri) by an NIS (Dutch Indonesian Railways) train, and then continued on by the royal carriage. The route became one of the most photographed royal funerals of its time, testifying to his deep connection with automobile culture.
Conclusion
Baku Buwono X’s car collection is not only a personal interest and expression of luxury, but also a part of Indonesia’s modernization process. Now, from a historical perspective, how should we understand the key role this king played in the development of automobiles and its influence to this day?
