Synopsis

Love and admiration in the midst of war, a young girl from the village of Matah, Rubiyah succumbs to her determination to accept a proposal from a fearless warrior who courageously leads his armies to victory against the injustices of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) who colonized the kingdom.  During mid-18th century Java, massive unrest and rebellions for freedom against the VOC was led by a knight from Surakarta, Raden Mas Said, also known as Pangeran Samber Nyowo.

Raden Mas Said becomes overwhelmed with admiration for the village girl after witnessing her body radiate with light, signifying that she was not just an ordinary woman but one that bears a gift from the Creator.  He grows enchanted by her spirit, by which he feels will serve as inspiration in his struggle against the injustices wrought upon by the Dutch colonizers.  Rubiyah’s skill, beauty, grace and charm epitomizes the perfect woman and the prince falls in love.  Rubiyah’s gentle exterior can easily transform into a fierce warrior as she leads the troop of women soldiers into battle, exhibiting strength and skill in the strategy of warfare and weaponry that equal her male counterpart.

Through 16 years of battles and rebellions their opponents were exhausted so they drafted an agreement. Raden Mas Said earns the title Kangjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkoenagoro I and he takes Rubiyah as his wife crowning her with the title Bendara Raden Ayu Matah Ati as she was born in the village of Matah, a name that can be interpreted to mean “serving the heart of a prince”.

Thus, begins the royal lineage of the Mangkunegaran Palace.