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List of current non-sovereign Asian monarchs

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This is a list of reigning non-sovereign monarchs in Asia, including traditional rulers and governing constitutional monarchs, but not the kings of Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia or Thailand, the emperor of Japan, the sultans of Brunei or Oman, or the emirs of Kuwait or Qatar. Each monarch listed below reigns over a legally recognised dominion, but in most cases possess little or no sovereign governing power. Their titles, however, are recognised by the state. Entries are listed beside their respective dominions, and are grouped by country.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

For current sovereign monarchs, see List of current monarchs of sovereign states.
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Indonesia

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Present information regarding governmental recognition of traditional monarchs in Indonesia is inadequate. In some instances below, pre-colonial polities have been restored, and the royal titles of their leaders have been nominally confirmed. For example, in province of Maluku there are 545 kings who have the power to govern their respective areas at the village (negeri) level, while some others still have the status of hamlets (dusun) of the village but have their own king.[1] In other cases, the government has refused to revive monarchies that had been abolished during the earliest years of the republic. Despite the historical suppression of these dynasties, a large number have retained their culture, identity, and their status within their own communities. Royal titles are still widely used, bestowed in formal enthronement ceremonies conducted without formal recognition from Jakarta.[citation needed]

In recent years, the number of dynasties receiving recognition as nominal cultural authorities has steadily increased.[2] However, because it remains unclear as to which monarchies have not yet been recognised, the list below will contain all extant Indonesian dynasties on which there is information available. Monarchs that have explicitly been denied recognition are listed under pretenders. The Sultan of Yogyakarta and the Duke of Pakualaman are listed separately due to the constitutional nature of their position.

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List of Indonesian monarchs
Alor
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Bali
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Borneo
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Java
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Maluku Islands
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Papua
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Rote
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Sulawesi
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Sumatra
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Timor
Main article: List of monarchs of Timor § Monarchs in West Timor
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Others
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Malaysia

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Philippines

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South Asia

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Thailand

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Timor-Leste

Main article: List of monarchs of Timor § Monarchs in East Timor
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United Arab Emirates

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Notes

Indonesia

  1. [I 1]
    Formally installed on 7 March 1989.
  2. [I 2]
    While state law requires that all provincial governors be elected, in the case of Yogyakarta, the sultan is given priority during elections, and therefore is always the default governor. In addition, the reigning Pakualam (see under Java) is normally given preference when selecting the vice-governor. As in other provinces, considerable administrative power is also ceded to the central government.
  3. [I 3]
    Previously this kingdom was known as Bungabali, then also known by other names Alor Besar or Dulolong.
  4. [I 4]
    The Nampira dynasty actually originated from the Lamakera on the island of Solor (between Alor and Flores), according to local tradition. The local title for kapitan is atabeng. The Nampira dynasty previously only held the position of Kapitan Dulolong, on the other side of Kalabahi Bay (Alor Besar) was the residence of the kings of Alor from what they now call the Tulimau dynasty. Some of the kings of this dynasty were very uncooperative, not really suited to be kings and perhaps for some other reasons by the Dutch. The transfer of leadership by the Dutch in this kingdom from the Tulimau dynasty in Alor Besar to the Nampira dynasty in Dulolong occurred during the reign of Nampira Bukang ruled from 1908 to 1915. The Dutch preferred Nampira Bukang from the Nampira dynasty in Dulolong because he was educated and fluent in Dutch. As compensation, the crown prince of the Tulimau dynasty was appointed as Kapitan Lembur.
  5. [I 5]
    A sept of the Taruwamang clan.
  6. [I 6]
    Initially it was the territory of the Abui Kingdom, but during the Dutch colonial era, Abui was abolished and replaced by Mataru, which was then merged with Kui Kingdom. However, the capital and dynasty remained at Padailaka.
  7. [I 7]
    A branch of the Gelgel dynasty.
  8. [I 8]
    The rajas of Denpasar and Pamecutan, two dynastical divisions of the formerly unified kingdom of Badung, both use the hereditary regnal name "Pemecutan". Ngurah Jambe of Denpasar is formally referred to as Pemecutan IX, while Ngurah Manik of Pamecutan is known as Pemecutan XI. The numerical appendages are not interconnected.
  9. [I 9]
    A branch of the Badung dynasty.
  10. [I 10]
    The previous head of the royal family and the last recognised king of Ubud, Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, died in 1978. His eldest son, Gde Putra, is the present head of the family. He has not yet been installed as king, however, and instead serves as prince regent.
  11. [I 11]
    A Banjar dynasty.
  12. [I 12]
    A Dayak dynasty.
  13. [I 13]
    A House of Royal Buginese Mempawah
  14. [I 14]
    Also known as the Alkadrie, Kadriah, or Kadariah dynasty.
  15. [I 15]
    Muhammad Tarhan succeeded as head of the royal family following the death of his father in 2008. Like his father, however, he has not been installed as sultan, and instead acts as prince regent. He is also a minor, born in 1993.
  16. [I 16]
    Also commonly written as Sampang.
  17. [I 17]
    Muhammad Ikhsani Syafiuddin was recognised as Panembahan of Sintang by the government in 2003. He was formally enthroned as Panembahan Sri Kusuma Negara V on 26 September 2005.
  18. [I 18]
    A branch of the Cirebon dynasty. In 1662, the sultanate of Cirebon was divided between three branches of the ruling dynasty: (in order of seniority) Kasepuhan, Kanoman, and Kacirebonan. All three lines were nominally restored in 2002.
  19. [I 19]
    Following the death of the previous sultan, Muhammad Djalaluddin, a dispute of succession arose between two of his sons. Muhammad Emiruddin, the current occupant of the palace, is the rightful heir to his father according to the relevant laws of succession. He was actively opposed by his elder half-brother, Muhammad Saladin, who was "installed" by his supporters on 5 March 2003. Saladin later renounced his claim on 12 September 2003, and the local government has recognised Emiruddin as the sole successor.
  20. [I 20]
    A branch of the Kartasura dynasty.
  21. [I 21]
    Now it covers the entire Sumedang Regency area.
  22. [I 22]
    Also commonly known as Solo.
  23. [I 23]
    Upon the death of Pakubuwono XII in 2004, with no successor named, there arose two rival claims to the throne. Two of his sons, Hangabehi and Tejowulan, each had themselves "crowned" as the next Susuhunan. The dispute likely still exists, although family consensus apparently favours the elder brother, Hangabehi, who is also the sole titleholder recognised by the government. In either case, both claimants would use the regnal name of Pakubuwono XIII.
  24. [I 24]
    The sultan is selected from amongst a group of royal candidates by a council of the family's four main branches: Iskandar Alam, Tarafannur, Kamarullah, and Tunggulawang, each of which is descended from a past sultan. Since 1797, the sultans have been exclusively of the Kamarullah branch.
  25. [I 25]
    Lodewijk was selected as raja on 24 May 2005. He was installed later, in December of the same year.
  26. [I 26]
    A branch of the House of Pesulima, which is descended from the Majapahit kings of Java.
  27. [I 27]
    Since 1380, the rulers of Ternate have also held the title Kolano Maloko, which denotes supremacy among the Moluccan sultanates. Prior to then it had been worn by the ruler of Jailolo.
  28. [I 28]
    The royal family of is well known for producing albino kings, hence the king is often called Raja Bule.
  29. [I 29]
    The royal family of Atiati is descended from the neighbouring dynasty of Rumbati (Menaue Bauw).
  30. [I 30]
    The royal family of Fatagar is descended from the neighbouring dynasty of Rumbati.
  31. [I 31]
    The royal family was handed over to the Tehit clan, namely Kondjol. It also held control over other Tehit rulers and was considered the highest.
  32. [I 32]
    A Kowiai dynasty.
  33. [I 33]
    The last raja of Patipi, Usman Iba, died in 2003. His brother, Achmad Iba, served as regent until 2022 when the late raja's son, the Raja Muda Atarai Iba ascended the throne.
  34. [I 34]
    A sept of the Koeman Iba clan, which descends from the Segera tribe of Kampung Patipi Pasir.
  35. [I 35]
    Herman Dupe was the last reigning manek of Bokai, effectively ruling from 1961 until the state was abolished by the Indonesian government in 1968. Presumably, recognition of his title was abolished concurrently. The date of the nominal restoration of this monarchy is not known.
  36. [I 36]
    Formal enthronement took place in 2000.
  37. [I 37]
    The last manek of Dengka died in 1970. His heir apparent, who has not yet acceded to the throne, is Prince Jeremias Tungga. At present, Prince Godlief Eliazar Tungga serves as prince regent.
  38. [I 38]
    The last manek of Korbafo, Leoanan Nathaniel Manubulu, died in 2000. The throne has remained vacant since then.
  39. [I 39]
    The last manek of Landu, Marthen Matheos Johannes, died in 2008. His son Willem Marthen Johannes is the heir apparent, but has not been enthroned. He serves as prince regent.
  40. [I 40]
    Formal enthronement took place in 2004.
  41. [I 41]
    The last manek of Ringgou, Hendrik Daoed, died in 2002. His son Christian Daoed is the heir apparent, but has not yet been enthroned. He serves as prince regent.
  42. [I 42]
    Known within his community as "Bea". According to sources, the throne was scheduled to pass to Soleman's brother, Joël Amalo, in 2009. This has not been confirmed.
  43. [I 43]
    The last manek of Thie, Benjamin Messakh, died in 2010. His successor has yet to be confirmed.
  44. [I 44]
    The last raja, Adam Ardjad Lamarauna, died in 2006. His son and heir, Wajar Lamarauna, has yet to be formally installed as his successor.
  45. [I 45]
    The present tomundo, born in 1993, is a minor, and reigns alongside a regent.
  46. [I 46]
    The throne of the arung of Barru has been vacant for over fifty years. Since then, the head of the royal family is Hasanuddin Petta Tawang, who acts as regent.
  47. [I 47]
    Also written as Butung, or in Dutch as Boeton.
  48. [I 48]
    The deposed monarchy of Gowa, also known after its capital Makassar, was nominally restored by the government in 2001. With the leadership of the House of Royal Buginese Gowa. The throne of the Somba has been vacant since then. The current head of the royal family (since 1978), and heir to the throne, is Andi Kumala Karaeng Sila.
  49. [I 49]
    The throne of the mokole of Mori is vacant. The present head of the royal family is Kumampu Marunduh. There are reportedly plans to install a young prince as mokole in the near future.
  50. [I 50]
    Bendang is one of the Kampar matrilineal tribes (suku) in the 12 kenegerian of Air Tiris.
  51. [I 51]
    Became head of the royal family upon the death of his father on 6 April 1980; he was formally enthroned later in May.
  52. [I 52]
    Also commonly written as Bangkara.
  53. [I 53]
    Also known by his birth name, Tonggo Tua Sinambela. It is unclear whether or not he has been recognised, or enthroned.
  54. [I 54]
    A Batak dynasty.
  55. [I 55]
    The present sultan, born in 1997, is a minor. His grand uncle, the Raja Muda Tengku Hamdi Osman, acts as regent.
  56. [I 56]
    The Pagaruyung kingdom was traditionally headed by a tripartite monarchy, consisting of the Raja Alam, the Raja Adat and the Raja Ibadat, collectively known as the "Kings of the Three Seats". The latter two were religious titles, while the first was considered the paramount ruler (or emperor) of the temporal world.
  57. [I 57]
    A Minangkabau dynasty. The seat of the Minangkabau emperor, who is considered the paramount monarch of all Minangkabauw people in Sumatra and Malaya, is Pagaruyung.
  58. [I 58]
    Formally enthroned in January 2003, after having been recognised by the government.
  59. [I 59]
    Known within his community as "Gia".
  60. [I 60]
    An Atoni dynasty.
  61. [I 61]
    An Atoni dynasty. Maternally, members of the royal family also belong to the Nitbani and Asbanu clans.
  62. [I 62]
    The royal family of Amarasi was originally an Atoni dynasty. However, the current lineage is descended from the Dj'awa dynasty of Savu.
  63. [I 63]
    Formally enthroned in March 2007.
  64. [I 64]
    This kingdom also known as Tasifeto
  65. [I 65]
    A Topass dynasty.
  66. [I 66]
    Known within his community as "Olis", or "Ulis".
  67. [I 67]
    Kupang, named after its capital, was formed as a confederation of Timorese fiefdoms: Amabi, Foenay, Sonbai Kecil, Taebenu, and the Helong. Leopold Nisnoni, known within his community as "Isu", is the chief of Sonbai Kecil, and has also been accepted as ruler of the confederacy. The other chiefs are: Gideon Broery of Amabi,[51] Esthon Leyloh of Foenay (also spelled Funai),[52] and Daud Tanof of Taebenu.[citation needed] The present chief of the Helong nation is Soleman Bislissin.[53] They are all hereditary positions.
  68. [I 68]
    Leopold succeeded as head of the royal family of Sonbai Kecil upon the death of his father on 14 November 1992. He was proclaimed regent of the Kupang confederacy in 1993. He was formally installed as king in 2004.
  69. [I 69]
    While the elected loros do not belong to any one royal lineage, succession has historically been limited to the Bunak people.
  70. [I 70]
    Lamaknen was formed as a confederation of small Timorese fiefdoms. Its monarch is elected by the hereditary chiefs of each constituent state. The chiefs themselves are not normally considered candidates for election.
  71. [I 71]
    Originally subordinate to the Sonbai kingdom under the name of Amakono.
  72. [I 72]
    The recognised liurai died in 2003. His longtime rival, Dominikus Tei Serang, from another branch of the royal family, was "enthroned" by his supporters on 9 August 2003. It is unclear whether his title has been recognised. At present, there are other claimants to the throne.
  73. [I 73]
    A Tetun dynasty.
  74. [I 74]
    Sovereignty in Barnusa was historically divided between two ruling clans: the Baso and the Blegur, the leaders of which both wore the title Raja of Baranusa. The Blegur raja was later given the lesser title kapitan by the Dutch colonial government. The title remains hereditary and prestige is traditionally divided equally. The current Kapitan is Bastian C. Blegur (since 1973).
  75. [I 75]
    Pending his formal coronation as Sultan Bima XV, Iskandar Zulkarnain wears the title of crown prince. Acting as princess regent (since May 2001) is his aunt, Siti Maryam Salahuddin.
  76. [I 76]
    Became head of the royal family upon the death of his father on 3 May 2001. He was invested with the title of heir apparent later in June, but has not yet been formally enthroned as sultan.
  77. [I 77]
    Dompu's last sultan was Muhammad Tajularifin Sirajuddin II, who died in 1964. Since then, the throne has remained vacant, and succession is disputed between two of the late sultan's sons: Prince Abdul Azis, and his younger half-brother Prince Kaharul Zaman. Neither have been enthroned, although the latter is apparently considered the head of the family.
  78. [I 78]
    The current dynasty is descended from the royal family of Terengganu, and are of mixed Malay and Bugis descent. Historically, the sultan's family, who were Malay, was based in Lingga, whilst a viceroy, who was always of Bugis descent, governed the Riau Islands. The two ruling lines merged in 1899.

Malaysia

  1. [M 1]
    Formally installed on the following day. Tengku Ibrahim ruled as prince regent between 26 April 1984 and 25 April 1989, whilst the incumbent sultan ruled as King of Malaysia.
  2. [M 2]
    Prior to his assumption of the throne, Tuanku Muhammad Faris Petra had been serving as prince regent since 25 May 2009 on behalf of his father, Sultan Ismail Petra, after the elder suffered a delibitating stroke. In September 2010, the elder sultan was constitutionally deposed by the state's Succession Council in favour of Muhammad Faris.
  3. [M 3]
    The Yang di-Pertuan Besar is chosen for life by the Undang Laut (four ruling chiefs of the confederated states of Negeri Sembilan) from amongst four royal princes. These princes are selected by the reigning Yang di-Pertuan Besar from amongst the senior members of the ruling line of Seri Menanti.
  4. [M 4]
    Coronation took place on 15 January 2019.
  5. [M 5]
    Coronation took place on 6 May 2015.
  6. [M 6]
    Formally installed on the following day. Sharafuddin, then known as Tengku Idris Shah, ruled as prince regent between 26 April 1999 and 21 November 2001, whilst the incumbent sultan ruled as King of Malaysia.
  7. [M 7]
    Formally installed 26 May 1998. Coronation took place on 4 March 1999. Tuanku Mizan had served as acting sultan between 20 October and 8 November 1990.
  8. [M 8]
    These traditional chiefdoms are part of the confederacy of Negeri Sembilan, a federated state of Malaysia. The ruling chiefs of Jelebu, Johol, Rembau, and Sungai Ujong form the Undang Laut, who will decide the next Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. Tampin is a separate hereditary principality. Naning is situated in the state of Malacca.
  9. [M 9]
    The undang (ruling chief) is elected for life by the nobles and vassals of the state from amongst the three highest noble families: the Waris Ulu Jelebu, Waris Sarin, and Waris Kemin.
  10. [M 10]
    The undang (ruling chief) is elected for life by the nobles and vassals of the state from amongst the male descendants of the first ruler, following the matrilineal line.
  11. [M 11]
    Naning was part of Negeri Sembilan from 1641 to 1832. It is now part of Malacca.
  12. [M 12]
    The undang (ruling chief) is elected for life by the nobles and vassals of the state from amongst the direct descendants of two noble families: the Waris Jakun and Waris Jawa. The position is, by informal agreement, alternated between the heads of the two houses.
  13. [M 13]
    The undang (ruling chief) is elected for life by the nobles and vassals of the state from amongst the direct descendants of two noble families: the Waris Hulu and Waris Hilir.
  14. [M 14]
    Formally enthroned on 12 August 2006.
  15. [M 15]
    The Yang di-Pertuan Muda (prince) succeeds according to the laws of male primogeniture, but must also receive confirmation from the reigning Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

Philippines

  1. [F 1]
    The Kingdom of Lanao, or Ranao, is traditionally a federation composed of sixteen primary sultanates. Each sultanate, headed by an hereditary royal house, represents a different clan of the Maranaos. In addition to the primary sultanates, there are a further twenty-eight lesser (termed "legislative") sultanates, which are the guardians of the Maranao taritib (tradition). The federation is headed by a supreme sultan, chosen from amongst the royal lineages of the lesser sultanates. The sixteen primary sultans are also listed above; the others are not. This customary system of traditional society is recognised by the Philippine government.
  2. [F 2]
    The throne of Maguindanao is under Macapado Benito since the assassination of the last sultan, Amir bin Muhammad Baraguir, in early 2006. His eldest son, Ammar Yassir, is prince regent and head of the royal household.
  3. [F 3]
    A clan of the Maranaos.

United Arab Emirates

  1. [M 1]
    The Al Nahyan are a branch of the Al Falahi, a clan of the Yas tribe.
  2. [M 2]
    The emirates, whilst absolute at the regional level, also forfeit a portion of their sovereignty and administrative power to the federal government.
  3. [M 3]
    A branch of the Al Bu Kharaiban tribe.
  4. [M 4]
    The Al Maktoum are a branch of the Al Falasi, a clan of the Yas tribe.
  5. [M 5]
    A branch of the Sharqiyyin tribe.
  6. [M 6]
    Saud had served as deputy ruler since 14 June 2003, effectively ruling in place of his father, Saqr bin Mohammad, who suffered from poor health.
  7. [M 7]
    A branch of the Al Qawasim tribe.
  8. [M 8]
    Sultan was initially enthroned as emir on 25 January 1972. On 17 June 1987, he was briefly deposed by his brother, Sheikh Abdul'aziz bin Muhammad, for a period of six days. Sultan regained the throne on 23 June.

Others

  1. [A 1]
    The Bohmong Raja is recognised by the government of Bangladesh as the leader of the Marma population, and the traditional king of the Bohmong Circle (Bohmong Htaung), one of three tribal circles in Bandarban District, Chittagong Hill Tracts.
  2. [A 2]
    The Chakma Raja is recognised by the government of Bangladesh as the leader of the Chakma population, and the traditional king of the Chakma Circle, one of three tribal circles located in Rangamati Hill District, Chittagong Hill Tracts.
  3. [A 3]
    The Mong Raja is recognised by the government of Bangladesh as the leader of the Arakanese population, and the traditional king of the Mong Circle (Phalang Htaung), one of three tribal circles in Khagrachari District, Chittagong Hill Tracts.
  4. [A 4]
    Coronation took place 17 January 2009.
  5. [A 5]
    The kings of the five traditional states known collectively as the Dangs are the only royals in India whose titles are recognised by the government. Each raja receives an annual pension from the state, owing to an agreement made with the British colonial government in 1842.
  6. [A 6]
    The current Raja of Gadhvi has been missing since 1992. His son and heir, Karan Singh, is acting as prince regent.
  7. [A 7]
    After the neighbouring kingdom of Ambeno was annexed in 1912, the state changed its name to Oecusse-Ambeno.
  8. [A 8]
    Antonio was recognised as liurai in 2001, but has not been installed.
  9. [A 9]
    A Topass dynasty.
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