18 Facts About Untung Surapati

Untung Surapati was bought by VOC Captain van Beber in the Bali market.

Untung Surapati then lived as a slave in Batavia, the headquarters of the VOC.

Untung Surapati began a relationship with Moor's daughter Suzanne and had a son, Robert, Untung was imprisoned because of this.

The name "Surapati" was given to him because he was involved in a conflict with a prince from Cirebon called Raden Surapati, in which Untung was accused of undermining the Sultan of Cirebon.

Untung was able to prove his innocence, and instead, Raden Surapati was shown to have plotted against the Sultan.

The name "Untung Surapati" was listed earlier in Dagh-Register 1676 among Balinese sworn on the Koran an oath of fidelity to the VOC.

Later on, Untung Surapati was sent to meet with Pangeran Purbaya and his wife Raden Ayu Gusik Kusuma alongside fled to Gunung Gede and only wanted to surrender to a native VOC officer.

Untung Surapati was tasked to escort and negotiate with Pangeran Purbaya, as he only trusted native officers, and managed to deliver Purbaya's request for a house in Balabang southeast of Cikalong.

Untung Surapati continued to hesitate with good reason as runaway slaves still had to repay his purchase price to their former owner which in effect returned them to slavery.

Untung Surapati was quick to prove his usefulness and got to work immediately in defeating 400-man strong rebel bands in Kembang Kuning in Kedu in a fierce fight.

Untung Surapati would be given land not far from the Patih Nrangkusuma and was installed as bodyguard and protege of Amangkurat II.

Untung Surapati therefore added the company for advice as he cannot trust his subordinates.

The issue of Untung Surapati was among several matters discussed in which the Company wished to settle with Mataram.

Tack's instruction on Untung Surapati was included in the 'Secret Appendix' where he can offer a reward for Untung Surapati's death or if free pardon.

Untung Surapati then left Kartasura for Pasuruan in East Java, where he carved out a stronghold in the land of Mataram.

In 1699, the stronghold of Untung Surapati extended over a significant part of East Java and included Madiun.

Untung Surapati's son succeeded him under the title of Amangkurat III.

Untung Surapati was conferred the title of "National Hero of Indonesia" by the Suharto regime in 1975.