The history of the RRI (Radio Republik Indonesia) Surakarta building is closely tied to the establishment of the indigenous broadcasting association known as Soloche Radio Vereeniging (SRV). SRV was founded on April 1, 1933, on the initiative of KGPAA Mangkunegara VII during a meeting held at the Societet Mangkunegaran building. During this meeting, the following organizational structure was established:

Chairman: RM Ir. Sarsito Mangunkusumo
Secretary: RM Sutarto Harjowahono
Treasurer: Liem Tik Liang

Commissioners:

1. Dr. Murmohusodo (General Practitioner)

2. Tjan Ing Tjwan

3. Louwson

4. Wongsohartono

5. Tjiong Joe Hok

6. Priyohartono

Technical Committee:

1. RM Sarsito Mangunkusumo

2. Louwson

3. Tjiong Joe Hok

Broadcasting Committee:

1. RM Sarsito Mangunkusumo

2. Liem Tik Liang

3. Tjan Ing Tjwan

Propaganda Committee:

1. Dr. Murmohusodo

2. Wongsohartono

3. Priyohartono

The establishment of SRV marked the beginning of the first indigenous radio broadcasting program in Indonesia. Initially, SRV’s broadcasts took place beside the Pendopo Kepatihan Mangkunegaran, with strong support from Patih Sarwokomangunkusumo, who openly permitted these activities. Two years later, a permanent building was constructed for SRV in the Kestalan area.

The founding of SRV was closely linked to the cultural propaganda efforts of the Javanese community in Surakarta. SRV’s propaganda was delivered through artistic broadcasts, rooted in the belief at the time that art represented both knowledge and cultural identity. As Western modern culture increasingly marginalized traditional forms, local cultural values began to erode. In response to this, there was a growing awareness of the need to preserve and strengthen Javanese culture. SRV thus played a crucial role in promoting Javanese cultural identity.

After Indonesia gained independence, SRV was taken over by the Indonesian government and renamed RRI Surakarta.