Did U Know? - Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago in the southern hemisphere of the Earth, situated precisely in Southeast Asia, holds a captivating history in the realm of automobiles. Curiosity might lead some to ponder who owned the very first car in this diverse nation. If you're among those who can provide an answer, then your knowledge of Indonesia's automotive past is commendable. The distinguished figure associated with being the first car owner in Indonesia is none other than His Highness Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono X.
Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono X (who worethe fedora hat) known as the first car owner in Indonesia posed with one of his cars in Solo. (Picture from: PriceArea)
Interestingly, His Highness Pakubuwono X could also be considered the owner of one of the world's inaugural cars. During the initial stages, car ownership was a privilege limited to a select few. Only the aristocracy and affluent individuals had the means to acquire these groundbreaking vehicles.
His Highness Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono X, the monarch of Surakarta Hadiningrat, stands as a historical icon as the first person to own a car in Indonesia, dating back to the year 1894. The vehicle in question was the Benz Victoria Phaeton, a car so exclusive that it required a special order due to the scarcity of car manufacturers at the time.
The His Highness Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono X's Benz Victoria Phaeton last seen in 1924 before it was departed from Tanjung Mas port in Semarang towards the Netherlands. (Picture from: OtoDetik)
His Highness Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono X directly placed an order with Benz & Companie Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, a German car manufacturer (precursor to the Mercedes-Benz today) through Pröttle & Co., a company located in Passer Besar, Surabaya and a renowned car salesman John C. Potter. Interestingly, the British gentleman also holds the distinction of being the first individual in Indonesia to own a motorcycle.
The 1894 Benz Victoria Pheaton like this was ordered directly by His Highness Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono X to Benz & Company Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, a German car manufacturer..(Picture from: ZigWheels)
In those early days, the process of crafting such an automobile took an entire year, and the cars had specifications that varied based on individual orders. Don't imagine a sleek modern design; these cars resembled regular carriages. The wheels, crafted from wood, were paired with airless tires akin to those used in horse-drawn carriages or "andong," commonly seen among the Javanese in Yogyakarta.
Is this His Highness Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono X Benz Victoria Pheaton which displayed at the Louwman Museum, a private car museum in Leidschendam, the southern Netherlands? (Picture from: OtoDetik)
At the time, it priced at ƒ10,000 (approx. Rp. 83 millions), this car had the capacity to accommodate eight passengers. Its power source was a single-cylinder engine with a 2,000 cc capacity, generating up to 5 horsepower. Dubbed Kreta Setan or Devil Carriage, it earned its name due to its ability to move without the aid of horses.
The Benz Victoria Pheaton powered by a single-cylinder engine with a 2,000 cc capacity, generating up to 5 horsepower. (Picture from: GridOto)
Regrettably, the last known sighting of the Kyai Maruto(this is the designation given to the His Highness Pakubuwono X's Benz Victoria Phaeton by the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace) was in 1924, when it embarked on a journey to the Netherlands by sea. Departing from Semarang, it was slated to be showcased at the RAI Amsterdam Motor Show at the time. Since then, the car seemed to vanish into the folds of time. Its current whereabouts remain a mystery, although rumors persist that it might be displayed at the Louwman Museum, a private car museum in Leidschendam, southern Netherlands.
As the years progressed, the acquisition of cars in Indonesia burgeoned. Beyond serving as a mode of transportation, cars became a symbol of prestige among the affluent, nobility, and monarchs of the era. The rarity of large-scale car production and the high cost meant that only the truly wealthy could indulge in the luxury of car ownership. And so, the wheels of time turned, marking the evolution of Indonesia's automotive landscape. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PRICEAREA | ZIGWHEELS ]
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Interestingly, His Highness Pakubuwono X could also be considered the owner of one of the world's inaugural cars. During the initial stages, car ownership was a privilege limited to a select few. Only the aristocracy and affluent individuals had the means to acquire these groundbreaking vehicles. 
As the years progressed, the acquisition of cars in Indonesia burgeoned. Beyond serving as a mode of transportation, cars became a symbol of prestige among the affluent, nobility, and monarchs of the era. The rarity of large-scale car production and the high cost meant that only the truly wealthy could indulge in the luxury of car ownership. And so, the wheels of time turned, marking the evolution of Indonesia's automotive landscape. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PRICEAREA | ZIGWHEELS ]
