Mataram, which was then led by Susuhunan Pakubuwono II, had to move the palace to another place.

[citation needed] Surakarta was formed from the combination of the Kasunanan and Mangkunagaran areas.

However, urban activities such as higher education, trade, tourism, art and handicraft industries are sharply increase with focus on the city of Surakarta.

[citation needed] Solo is considered one of the major hubs that link the west–east main railway route in Java island.

[citation needed] Since 2010, the government of Central Java launched a bus rapid transit system, the Batik Solo Trans, which connects places in and around Solo Raya, including the airport and Kartasyra Bus Terminal.