The Bregada: Palace Guards of Yogyakarta

As a kingdom, the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton Yogyakarta) has its own military corps, known as the Bregada.

The existence of these palace soldiers cannot be separated from the Mangkubumen War (1746–1755), a conflict between Prince Mangkubumi and the Dutch East India Company (VOC), which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Giyanti.

The groups of soldiers who fought in that war later became the foundation of the Yogyakarta Palace guards. Initially, their function was to safeguard the kingdom’s security and sovereignty.

But once the war ended, their role shifted. Today, the Bregada no longer serve as a military force, but rather as guardians of cultural traditions, accompanying palace ceremonies and festivals.

The Ten Bregada of Yogyakarta Palace

There are currently ten Bregada, all under the administration of the Tepas Kaprajuritan. Each unit has its own history, banners (klebet), weapons, uniforms, and even accompanying musical ensembles (gendhing).

Here are the ten Bregada and their characteristics:

1. Bregada Bugis

• Originally composed of Bugis soldiers from Sulawesi (now no longer Bugis by descent).

• Banner: Wulan-dadari (golden circle on black background), symbolizing illumination in darkness.

• Uniform: Dominantly black with a tall cylindrical hat.

• Weapon: Spear (waos), with the heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Trisula.

• Role in ceremonies: Escort the Gunungan to the Kepatihan during the Garebeg procession.

• Music: Gendhing Sandung Liwung.

2. Bregada Surakarsa

• Initially served as protectors of the Crown Prince (Adipati Anom).

• Banner: Pareanom (yellow circle on green), symbolizing youthful spirit and vigor.

• Weapon: Spear, with heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Nenggala.

• Role: Escort the Gunungan to the Grand Mosque.

• Music: Gendhing Plangkenan.

3. Bregada Wirabraja

• Philosophically, soldiers of great courage and sharp senses.

• Banner: Gula-klapa (white background, red chili-like corners, red and white center), symbolizing defenders of purity and truth.

• Weapons: Spear and rifle. Heirloom spears: Kanjeng Kiai Slamet and Kanjeng Kiai Santri.

• Music: Gendhing Dhayungan (march), Gendhing Reta Dhedhali (slow march).

4. Bregada Dhaeng

• Originally composed of Makassarese soldiers.

• Banner: Bahningsari (red star on white), symbolizing unyielding bravery, like the eternal fire.

• Weapons: Spear and rifle, with heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Jatimulya.

• Music: Gendhing Ondhal-Andhil (march), Gendhing Kenaba (slow).

5. Bregada Patangpuluh

• Origins unclear, name not related to number of soldiers.

• Banner: Cakragora (red star on black), symbolizing extraordinary strength to defeat any enemy.

• Weapons: Spear and rifle, heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Trisula.

• Music: Gendhing Bulu-Bulu (march), Gendhing Mars Gendera (slow).

6. Bregada Jagakarya

• Symbolizes soldiers who guard and secure the administration of the kingdom.

• Banner: Papasan (green circle on red), representing steadfast courage.

• Weapons: Spear and rifle, heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Trisula.

• Music: Gendhing Tameng Madura (march), Gendhing Slahgendir (slow).

7. Bregada Prawiratama

• Known as brave and wise soldiers, thoughtful even in war.

• Banner: Geniroga or Banteng Ketaton (red circle on black), symbolizing victory over enemies.

• Weapons: Spear and rifle, heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Trisula.

• Music: Gendhing Pandebrug (march), Gendhing Balang (slow).

 8. Bregada Nyutra

• The Sultan’s personal guards, with qualities as smooth as silk but sharp in sense and skill.

• Two groups: Nyutra Red (upholding nobility) and Nyutra Black (eradicating evil).

• Banners:

  • Nyutra Red: Podhang Ngingsep Sari (yellow with red circle).

  • Nyutra Black: Padma-Sri-Kresna (yellow with black circle).

• Weapons: Spear, shield, bow, rifle. Heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Trisula.

• Music: Gendhing Surengprang (march), Gendhing Mbat-Mbat Penjalin / Tamtama Balik (slow).

9. Bregada Ketanggung

• Represents soldiers with heavy responsibilities.

• Banner: Cakra-Swandana (white star on black), symbolizing devastating weapons.

• Weapons: Spear and rifle, heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Nenggala.

• Music: Gendhing Lintrikmas/Ricikanmas/Pragolamilir (march), Gendhing Harjunamangsah and Bimakurda (slow).

10. Bregada Mantrijero

• Philosophically, soldiers with authority to take part in palace decisions.

• Banner: Purnamasidhi (white circle on black), symbolizing light in darkness.

• Weapons: Spear and rifle, heirloom spear Kanjeng Kiai Cakra.

• Music: Gendhing Plangkenan/Mars Setok (march), Gendhing Slagunder/Restopelen (slow).

Ranks and Command Structure

All Bregada belong to the Yogyakarta Palace but are not tied to formal ranks within the palace bureaucracy. Instead, they are divided into three categories:

• Bugis ? belonging to the Kepatihan.

• Surakarsa ? belonging to the Kadipaten Anom (Crown Prince).

• The rest ? belonging to the Palace itself.

The supreme commander of all Bregada is called the Manggalayudha (Commander-in-Chief, Kommandhan Wadana Hageng Prajurit), responsible for the entire force.

• Assisted by a Pandhega (Captain of Orders, Bupati Enem Wadana Prajurit), in charge of preparing troops.

• Each unit is led by a Captain, except Bugis and Surakarsa (led by a Wedana).

• Within each Bregada, squads are commanded by a Sergeant (Sersan).

• All officers report to the Pandhega, except Wirabraja and Mantrijero, which report directly to the Commander.