Hamengkubuwono III

Hamengkubuwono III (also spelled Hamengkubuwana III, born Raden Mas Surojo; 20 February 1769 – 3 November 1814) was the third sultan of Yogyakarta, reigning from 1810 to 1811 as prince regent and as Sultan from 1812 to 1814. His reign took place during the interregnum of Dutch rule during the Napoleonic Wars, twice replacing his father Hamengkubuwono II.

As Hamengkubuwono II's eldest son, Surojo became crown prince in 1790, prior to his father's succession, due to the intervention of Hamengkubuwono I. A faction emerged in Yogyakarta opposing his succession, which had gained the upper hand by 1808. Following an 1810 rebellion by a Yogyakartan noble, however, Hamengkubuwono II was forced to concede his rulership to Surojo by Herman Willem Daendels. After the British invaded Java, Hamengkubuwono II returned to power and purged Surojo's supporters, until he was again deposed and exiled in 1812.

Surojo formally became Sultan Hamengkubuwono III in June 1812. His reign as sultan saw a reduction in Yogyakarta's military forces and territories by a treaty with the British. He lightened taxation and labour demands on the sultanate's population, which had been imposed by his father for ambitious projects. He died at the age of 45 in November 1814, and was succeeded by his ten-year old son Hamengkubuwono IV.