Revisiting Kanjeng Wir

Kanjeng Wir (I just call him Mbah Wir), 74 year old man still looks dashing and sprightly. He is the costume maker for 8 Solo’s soldier teams and serves Solo Palace for almost 48 years.



His first name is Sukarno. He has seven names before finally bears the name Kanjeng Raden Ario Tumenggung Wiranto Diningrat as his fifth title. This title is a trust from the Sinuhun Pakubuwono 12 (King of Solo) who appointed him as commander of the 189 soldiers. Due his illness, he didn’t visit Palace in this Ied Fitr.

Kanjeng Wir has three grandchildren from her the one and only daughter Retno Kusrini. The older one named Devy (17th) who willing to learn about culture from him. A request was said by her during my visit on the third day of Lebaran.



Endang Sadimi is the busiest person during Lebaran. Except preparing the house, she also must be quick to remind her husband to drink medicine, take a rest and choose recommended foods.

Loyalty as a Commander of the Soldiers put him on a big responsibility. Although he no longer able to come to Palace every day like a procession of Eid Fitr Grebeg, everyone can still learn by visiting him.

Solo, 12 September 2010. Trip with Wibowo Wibisono