On 30 August 2012, following a decade of talks between Yogyakarta and the central government, the national legislature of Indonesia formally enshrined in law the convention that the Sultan inherited the position of governor.

Hamengkubuwono X followed the tradition of his late father Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX in the spirit of Indonesian nationalism over self-interest by participating in street protests in support of the May 1998 student demonstrations opposing Suharto's rule, and like his illustrious father, wanted to be a pioneer in the Yogyakarta Reformation Movement albeit in a non-violent manner.

Hamengkubuwono X has discontinued the polygamist tradition of Javanese monarchs having several wives and possibly multiple concubines, as per his late father's wishes to modernize the royal system.

His decision to appoint his eldest daughter as heir presumptive, ended the previously agnatic primogeniture succession and has become subject to controversies.

Source:[1] Father — Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX Mother — Raden Ajeng Siti Kustina (Bandara Raden Ayu Widyaningrum/Kanjeng Raden Ayu Widyaningrum/Raden Ayu Adipati Anum) In Javanese Kraton (palaces) names of individuals change with respect to change in status: His style and title in full English  : His Majesty The Sultan Hamengkubuwono the Tenth, Commander-in-chief in war, Servant of the Most Gracious, Cleric and Caliph that Safeguards the Religion[4][5] Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws, University of Tasmania, Australia (2015) [8] 2 concurrently serves as Sultan of Yogyakarta