The earliest recorded history dates from the 9th century which was dominated by Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms that gave rise to the magnificent temples such as Prambanan, Borobudur and Ratu Boko found in the area.

Yogyakarta itself dates back to the 18th century when the Muslim Mataram Kingdom was ruled by Paku Buwono II. After he passed away, there was a conflict between his son and his brother which was encouraged by the Dutch who were trying to colonize the region on a ‘divide and rule’ basis. The kingdom was eventually divided into two regions namely Surakarta Hadiningrat kingdom (under the rule of Sunan Pakubuwono III), and Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat kingdom (under the rule of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I) The second kingdom was later called Yogyakarta, now better known as Yogya.

After the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was proclaimed, Yogyakarta Special Region and was given provincial status in 1950 in recognition of its important role in the fight for Independence. The area is now a self governing district answerable directly to Jakarta and not to the governor of Central Java.

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