The Islamic Kingdoms in Kalimantan

KADRIAH PONTIANAK SULTANATE

A.    The History

Kadriah Sultanate was established on October 23^rd, 1771 C.E. (Rajab14^th, 1185 H), under Van Der Varra‘s control (1761-1775 C.E.), the 29^th of the general governor of VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie). The founder was Sharif Abdurrahman Al-Kadrie, son of Habib Husein Al-Kadrie, Arabian descendant, and Pontianak ulama. From his youth, Sharief Abdurrahman had shown his ability and his ambition. According to the written records, he had ever traveled to Siak and Palembang, traded some stuffs in Banjarmasin, and joined the war against France colonialism until defeated them in Pasir (Banjarmasin).

The historical founding of the sultanate was signed by the intention of Sharif al-Kadrie, his brother, and his followers to seek resident, after the death of his father (1184 H) in Mempawah Kingdom. By fourteenth boats, they went through Peniti River to cape of Kelapa Tinggi Segedong, and settled the place. However, Sharief al-Kadrie felt that the place was inconvenience to be settled, so that they continued their voyage to the upstream of the Peniti River through small Kapuas River. When they went along the river, the group of Sharif al-Kadri founded a small island, Batu Layang. They then transited for a moment at there. At the same time, they were bothered by ghosts that caused Sharief al-Kadrie for asking help to his followers for driving out them. They, afterward, went on their voyage through Kapuas River.

On October 23^rd, 1771 C.E. (Rajab14^th, 1185 H), before subuh prayer, the Sharif al-Kadri‘s group then arrived at the estuary of Kapuas River and Landak River. They subsequently felled trees in the forest for eight days to build their houses, public hall, and etc. In this place, the Kadriah Sultanate was established, together with its mosque and Pontianak castle.

On Sya‘ban 8^th, 1192 H, Sharif Al-Kadrie was appointed as the Sultan of Pontianak (Kadriah Sultanate) with his title Syarif Abdurrahman Ibnu Al Habib Alkadrie. Raja Muda of Riau, Raja Mempawah, Landak, Kubu, and Matan were presents in this coronation. Based on the written records, this sultanate was the last kingdom in Kalimantan, and the origin of Pontianak city. After the end of the Kadriah Sultanate, the ruling system of sultanate automatically turned into the governmental system of Pontianak city.

B.     The Kings of the Kingdom

The Kadriah Sultanate was ruled by eight sultans since 1771 to 1950 C.E. that could be depicted as bellow:

1. Sultan Sharif Abdurrahman Al-Kadrie (1771-1808 C.E.)

2. Sultan Sharif Kasim Al-Kadrie (1808-1819 C.E.)

3. Sultan Sharif Osman Al-Kadrie (1819-1855 C.E.)

4. Sultan Sharif Hamid Al-Kadrie (1855-1872 C.E.)

5. Sultan Sharif Yusuf Al-Kadrie (1872-1895 C.E.)

6. Sultan Sharif Muhammad Al-Kadrie (1895-1944 C.E.)

7. Sultan Sharif Thaha Al-Kadrie (1944-1945 C.E.)

8. Sultan Sharif Hamid II Al-Kadrie (1945-1950 C.E.)

C.    The Kingdom Period

The Sultanate had been established for almost two centuries, since 1771 to 1950 C.E. The sultanate was led by eight sultans during its existence. When the sultanate broke up in 1950, with the merger of some districts to Indonesian Republic, the governmental system had been changed to the governmental city of Pontianak. 

In 1943-1945, the patriotists of West Kalimantan, fought shoulder to shoulder against Japanese colonialist in Indonesia. Its summit was the secret meeting on October 16^th, 1943, in Gedung Medan Sepakat Pontianak which presented by prominent figure of different societies. They agreed on the gaining of Japanese colonial authority and established Negeri Rakyat of West Kalimantan which was completed by eighteen ministers.   

On December 8^th, 1943, they fought Japanese colonialist for the second time. Since their fighting had been penetrated by the enemy, on October 23^rd, 1943, many Indonesian, Chinese, Arabian, and Indian leaders were captured by Japan. In the second capture (January 24^th, 1944), Dr. Rubini, together with his wife, Demang Muslim Nataprana, and all West Kalimantan Kings, for instance, Sultan Sharif Muhammad al-Kadrie, Sultan Muhammad Yusuf Al-Kadrie (the Sultan of Pontianak), Muhammad Ibrahim Tsafiuddin (the Sultan of Sambas), Sultan Hamid (Panembahan Ketapang), and so on, were captured by Japan.

When Sultan Sharif Hamid II Al-Kadrie ruled the sultanate (1945-1950 C.E.), he contributed many things for the Republic of Indonesia. After he had appointed as the chief of Bizonder Federal Overlag (BFO) or Federal Conference in 1948, he involved the yielding sovereignty and acknowledgment of Indonesian independence from the Dutch colonial control. Sultan Hamid II was the designer of the state‘s symbol that represented by garuda bird, using shield, encompassing five sila (Pancasila). Through the time, the Kadriah Sultanate then turned into Pontianak city.

According to law no. 25, 1956, West Kalimantan Province was determined as local autonomy with Pontianak as its capital. The local autonomy was valid since the first of January 1957 to 1993. This date considered as the born of West Kalimantan Province. After the Kadriah Sultanate ruined, the written records witnessed that the castle and the mosque of the sultanate are now regarded as the fascinating tourism places in West Kalimantan.

D.    The Kingdom Territory

The authority of the Kadriah Sultanate were the districts which are now called as West Kalimantan Province.

E.     The Socio-Cultural Life

The Kadriah Sultanate was bigger than other kingdoms in Kalimantan‘s territories such as, Sambas and Banjar Kingdoms. The Kadriah Sultanate had rapidly improved by the fairway and trading activities, caused many Nusantara and foreign boats to come to the port for trading commercial commodities. There were commodities these sold here: diamond, gold, candle, rattan, dipterocarpaceae trees (tengkawang), rubber, sago powder, gambier, areca nut, nest of bird, copra, black and white pepper, coconut, and etc. The developing of the sultanate gave impacts on their social life, and brought them to involve in economic, agricultural, and commercial activities.

Many visitors settled on this district. Every new comers, who came from different countries and tribes, were given certain places for residing in this territory. Therefore, the names of districts (villages) indicated to the characteristics of races and entities such as Kampung Bugis, Melayu, Tambelan Sampit, Banjar, Bali, Bangka-Belitung, Kuantan, Kamboja, Bansir, Saigon, Arab, Tanjung, Kapur, Parit Mayor, and so on. Those villages represented compositions of society in the Kadriah Sultanate that contained indigenous people (Malay), Arabian, Chinese, Europe, and etc. The ethnic heterogeneities were the main characteristics of the societal composition in the Kadriah Sultanate (now is recognized as Pontianak).   

The society of Pontianak was socially categorized by ethnic identity, religion, and race. The categorization based on race: the first, Dayak community that dwelled in the interior country. This community was closed community, they gave priority to the sameness and the unity of socio-cultural life. The second, Malay, Bugisnese, and Arabian communities, which were known as Islamic practitioners in this territory, they more paid their attention to social histories as the rulers. The third, Chinese immigrants who dwelled the coastal territory, and renowned as homo economicus that became union of social-economic life.

Besides the ethnicities, Pontianak community had different religions. The Malay were usually embraced Islamic religion, and the most of Dayak people were normally believed in animism teachings, and Chinese immigrants were embraced neither Islam nor animism. The Dayak who had converted to Islam would leave their identity, and turned into Malay personality. This phenomenon was a sign of Islamization process and Malaynization of Dayak non-Moslem community in the district. The further development indicated that the Malay community could confess to be “indigenous people” as well as Dayak people. The relationship between ethnicity and religious belief, in their socio-cultural life, could be concluded that the association of the neighboring inhabitants, and the similar background of language family, would be differed if they entered the community which based on their religious beliefs.         

SAMBAS SULTANATE

A.    History

Most historians traced back the history of Sambas Sultanas through two historical literary works, Asal Raja-Raja Sambas and Salsilah Kerajaan Sambas. Asal Raja-Raja Sambas (the History of Sambas Kings) dates back hundreds of years ago yet clearer data about the origin of the Arabic-Malay lettered manuscript remains unknown, such as about the writer, the original title, and time and place of the creation (Pabali H. Musa, 2003:50).

Sambas Sultanate has a long history. Its existence is related to a number of other kingdoms, such as Brunei Darussalam, Johor, Sarawak, Sukadana, and Hindu Kingdom Ratu Sepudak, or even Majapahit Kingdom from Java. Broadly, Sambas Sultanate history can be divided into four periods, Hindu Era, Islamic Era, Colonial Era and Post-Independence Era.

1.      Old Sambas Kingdom in Hindu Era

Sambas Sultanate is actually a development of Ratu Sepudak Kingdom or also known as Old Sambas Kingdom. This kingdom was subordinate to Johor Sultanate. At that time, Johor Sultanate was on its peak of glory. It controlled a vast area of land and began to match the grandness of Majapahit Empire from Java (Musa, 2003:1).

Johor hegemony over many other kingdoms, thus becoming Majapahit counterpart, is so evident with the fact that Old Sambas Kingdom was previously a Majapahit subject in the era of King Hayam Wuruk (c. 1351-1389 AD) and his prime minister, Mahapatih Gajah Mada. This is stated in Mpu Prapanca’s Negarakertagama, written in 1365 AD (Yudithia Ratih, nd: 62).

The 14th century Majapahit’s Pamalayu Expedition played a big role behind the establishment of Old Sambas Kingdom, which was first ruled by Raden Janur with the capital in an area called Paloh. It started with the arrival of Majapahit men led by Raden Janur in about 1364 AD. After some time of interaction with the local, these men established a new government and enthroned Raden Janur (Ratih, nd: 62).

It went on that the successor of the king was not a Majapahit descendant. Raden Janur did not have a child and passed on his crown to his foster child, Tang Nunggal. The new king was known to be a ruthless person, arousing anxiety in Majapahit about its subject. Therefore after Tang Nunggal passed away, Majapahit recouped the throne of Paloh (Ratih, nd: 62).

In the middle of the 15th century, the seat of government was moved from Paloh to Kota Lama in Benua Bantanan-Tempapan, 36 kilometers west of the now Sambas City. In 1550 AD, the kingdom was led by Ratu Sepudak and later became known as Ratu Sepudak Hindu Kingdom or Old Sambas Kingdom. In ruling the kingdom, Ratu Sepudak was helped by his brother Timbung Paseban (Ratih, nd: 62).

As Islamic influence became stronger in the archipelago, beginning in 1570 AD Mahapahit’s control over Old Sambas Kingdom weakened. On the contrary, Johor Sultanate from Malay Peninsula was in its glorious times. The kingdom began to live its ambition to conquer Majapahit subjects in Sumatra and Kalimantan, including Old Sambas.

Alwazikhoebillah Palace

2.      Establishment of Islamic Sambas Sultanate

The Islamic influence in Old Sambas Kingdom came from Brunei Darussalam Sultanate in the times of Sultan Abdul Majid Hasan (1402-1408 AD). The sultan was childless so that when he passed away in 1408, the throne went to his brother-in-law, Ong Sum Pin, a Chinese descent who had converted to Islam. Ong Sum Pin was the husband of Putri Ratna Dewi, the younger sister of the late Sultan Abdul Majid Hasan. Being a sultan, Ong Sum Pin was given the title of Sultan Ahmad (1408-1425) (Urai Riza Fahmi [ed.], 2003:2).

Sultan Ahmad and Putri Ratna Dewi had a daughter named Putri Ratna Kesuma, who was later married to an Arab nobleman who just came from Mecca, Syarif Ali bin Hasan bin Abi Anami bin Barkat Pancaran Amir Hasan. Some say he was related by blood to Prophet Muhammad. In 1425, Syarif Ali became the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and was entitled Sultan Barkat (1425-1432), succeeding his father-in-law, Sultan Ahmad (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:2).

Afterwards, the successors of Sultan Barkat were respectively as follows: Sultan Sulaiman (1432—1485), Sultan Bolqiah (1485—1524), Sultan Abdul Kahar (1524—1530), Sultan Saiful Rijal (1530—1581), and Sultan Syah Brunei (1581—1582). Having no children, Sultan Syah Brunei was replaced by his younger brother named Pangeran Muhammad Hasan, entitled Sultan Muhammad Hasan (1582—1589). As for the youngest brother of the late Sultan Syah Brunei, Pangeran Muhammad, he was appointed grand vizier (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:2—3).

Sultan Muhammad Hasan had three sons, namely Pangeran Abdul Jalilul Akbar, Pangeran Muhammad Ali, and Pangeran Raja Tengah. According to Urai Riza Fahmi (2003), it was Pangeran Raja Tengah who later brought forth the future kings of Islamic Sambas Sultanate (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:3). In the 16th century, Pangeran Raja Tengah was renowned as an army commander who conquered many kingdoms that became subjects of Brunei Darussalam. In return of his service, Pangeran Raja Tengah was assigned to govern Sarawak. Becoming Sultan of Sarawak since 1599, Pangeran Raja Tengah was entitled Sultan Ibrahim Ali Omar Syah yet often known as Sultan Tengah (Mawardi Rivai, nd: 2—4).

At that time, Brunei Darussalam Sultanate maintained a good relation with Johor Sultanate, especially through marriage bond, involving Sultan Tengah’s aunt who became the consort of Sultan Abdul Jalil of Johor (1570—1571). Once upon a time, on his way home from Johor to Sarawak, Sultan Tengah’s ship was struck by storm and got stranded in the territory of Sukadana Kingdom in West Kalimantan. Sukadana was a Hindu kingdom ruled by Raja Giri Mustika. Sultan Tengah was welcomed merrily by the kingdom, which was looking forward to establishing a good relationship with the brave sultan.

Syeh Syamsudin, an Islamic teacher who just came back from Mecca, helped Sultan Tengah to convert Raja Giri Mustika along with most Sukadana people to Islam. King Giri Mustika even married Sultan Tengah to his sister, Ratu Surya Kesuma. The marriage resulted in three sons and two daughters, respectively Raden Sulaiman, Raden Badarudin, Raden Abdul Wahab, Raden Rasymi Putri, and Raden Ratnawati (Ratih, nd: 63).

From his aunt, who queen of Johor, Sultan Tengah often heard of Old Sambas Kingdom, which at that time was a subject of Johor Sultanate. In Sukadana, Sultan Tengah became more interested to visit Old Sambas Kingdom. So out set they for Kota Lama, Benua Bantanan-Tempapan, where the kingdom sat.

In Kota Lama, Sultan Tengah entourage was welcomed warmly by Ratu Sepudak. The Old Sambas king had two daughters. The first one was Raden Mas Ayu Anom, who married Pangeran Prabu Kencana, the king’s nephew. The second daughter was Raden Mas Ayu Bungsu.

Upon the permission of Ratu Sepudak, Sultan Tengah then set up a residence in Kota Bangun, a district not far from Kota Lama, the seat of Old Sambas government. Sadly, shortly after Sultan Tengah decided to stay in Sambas, Ratu Sepudak passed away. Pangeran Prabu Kencana stepped up to the throne and was entitled Ratu Anom Kesuma Yuda. Meanwhile, the second daughter of the late Ratu Sepudak, Raden Mas Ayu Bungsu, was married to Sultan Tengah’s oldest son, Raden Sulaiman. Raden Sulaiman and Raden Mas Ayu Bungsu had a son and two daughters, respectively Raden Bima, Raden Ratna Dewi, and Raden Ratna (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:5).

Shortly after Raden Bima was born, that is in 1055 Hijri, Sultan Tengah decided to get back to Sarawak Sultanate he left long. In the meantime, Raden Sulaiman stayed in Old Sambas and was appointed defense and security minister assisted by three officials, namely Kiai Dipa Sari, Kiai Dipa Negara, and Kiai Setia Bakti (Musa, 2003:1).

Further on, there was a dispute involving Raden Sulaiman and Pangeran Mangkurat, nephew of the late Ratu Sepudak. Pangeran Mangkurat felt Ratu Anom Kesuma Yuda was closer to Raden Sulaiman than him, which was a native of the kingdom. The dispute got worse when Kiai Setia Bakti, one of Raden Sulaiman’s assistants, was found killed by supposedly Pangeran Mangkurat’s men.

To prevent internal conflicts, Raden Sulaiman stepped aside to Kota Bangun, in which Sultan Tengah set up a residence when first came to Old Sambas Kingdom. Old Sambas officials heard about Raden Sulaiman leaving. Nagur, Bantilan, and Segerunding were high officials who later convinced Raden Sulaiman to move to a tributary of Subah River and establish a kingdom in Kota Bandir (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:6). Three years on, Raden Sulaiman moved to a tributary of Teberau River, Lubuk Madung before left for Muara Ulakan the estuary of three rivers, Subah, Teberau, and Sambas Kecil (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:6).

In Muara Ulakan, Raden Sulaiman was enthroned as the Sultan of Sambas with the title of Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin I. Two younger brothers of Raden Sulaiman, Raden Baharudin and Raden Abdul Wahab, were appointed vizier and a high-ranking official and entitled respectively Pangeran Bendahara Sri Maharaja and Pangeran Tumenggung Jaya Kesuma (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:6). With all this, Sambas Sultanate was established in Muara Ulakan, side by side with Old Sambas Kingdom in Kota Lama. It was in Muara Ulakan that Raden Sulaiman built Alwazikhoebillah Palace.

Collection of Sambas Sultanate Royal Palace

3.      Union of Two Sambas Monarchs

Historians have not yet reached an agreement about when exactly Raden Sulaiman set up Islamic Sambas Sultanate, although some manuscripts mention 10 Dzu al-Hijja 1040 Hijri as the day of Raden Sulaiman inauguration as the first sultan of Islamic Sambas (Sri Wulan Rujiati Mulayadi, 1994:17).

A number of historians argue on the date of Sambas Sultanate in Gregorian calendar. Machrus Effendy, for instance, believes it to be 1612 while Mawardi Rivai mentions the year 1622. On the other hand, Brunei Malay Historian Awang Al-Sufri says it is in the year 1631 (Musa, 2003:35), the same year brought up by Yudithia Ratih in her writing Istana Alwatzikubillah – Sambas (Ratih, nd: 65). Despite the difference, it can be concluded that Sambas Sultanate was established in about the first decades of the 17th century. About the death of Raden Sulaiman, the founder of the sultanate, Pabali H. Musa says that it happened in 1669 (Musa, 2003:36).

As Raden Sulaiman passed away, the governance of Old Sambas Kingdom was taken over by Ratu Anom Kesuma Yuda until his death. He was then succeeded by his son named Raden Bekut with the title of Panembahan Kota Balai. Later on, the heir of the Old Sambas throne was Raden Mas Dungun, who turned out to be the last king because not long after inaugurated, Raden Mas Dungun handed his territory to Raden Sulaiman who ruled in Kota Bangun (Ratih, nd: 63).

Tracing back its history, Sambas Sultanate is related to Ratu Sepudak Hindu Kingdom/Old Sambas, Sukadana, Sarawak, and Brunei Darussalam Kingdom. To maintain the good family relation, Sultan Syafiuddin I commanded his first son, Raden Bima, to pay a visit to Brunei Darussalam Sultanate, the origin of Sultan Tengah, father of Sultan Syafiuddin I and grandfather of Raden Bima.

Previously, Raden Bima went to Sukadana to see his grandmother, Ratu Surya Kesuma. The ruler of Sukadana at that time, Sultan Zainuddin, was thinking of marrying his younger sister, Putri Indra Kusuma, to Raden Bima. They married and had a son named Raden Milian, born 2 Rabi al-Awwal 1075 Hijri (Musa, 2003:9).

Raden Bima set out for Brunei Darussalam after getting back in Muara Ulakan for a while to meet his parents along with Putri Indra Kusuma and one-year-old Raden Milian. He was welcomed in a cheerful fashion by the royal family of Brunei Darussalam, which was ruled by Sultan Mahyiddin (1673—1690). The sultan even gave Raden Bima an honorary title, Sultan Anum. Besides, Raden Bima also received many other heirlooms of Brunei Darussalam Sultanate which was still used in traditional ceremonies of Sambas Sultanate nowadays (Musa, 2003:9).

Coming back from Brunei, Raden Bima was enthroned as Sultan of Sambas entitled Sultan Muhammad Tajuddin (1668—1708). After his death, his son Raden Milian was crowned and entitled Sultan Umar Akamuddin I (1708--1732). Raden Milian was later succeeded by Raden Bungsu, wearing the title of Sultan Abubakar Kamaluddin (1732—1762). Later on, the Sultans of Sambas until early of the 19th century were Sultan Umar Akamuddin II (1762-1786), Sultan Achmad Tajuddin (1786-1793), and Sultan Abubakar Tajuddin I (1793—1815) (Ratih, nd:64).

4.      Sambas Sultanate in Colonial Era

In 1609, the Dutch Colonial Government opened trade with Matan Sultanate in West Kalimantan. From there, they heard about Old Sambas Kingdom under the leadership of Ratu Sepudak. They heard the kingdom was rich with forestal resources and gold. However, it was not until 1 October 1696 that the Dutch, through their representative Samuel Bloemaert, tried to make commercial agreements with Sambas Sultanate which had been converted to Islam by then (Ratih, nd:62).

On 24 July 1812, British army attacked Sambas. The aggression took place while Sultan Abubakar Tajuddin I was on his visit to Sarawak. They managed to cope with the attack however. In 1815, Sultan Abubakar Tajuddin I departed and was replaced by Pangeran Anom entitled Sultan Muhammad Ali Syafiudin I (1815—1828) (Ratih, nd: 64).

Since the end of 1823, the Dutch and British colonial government began talking about the share of colonies in the Malay Archipelago and Peninsula. On 17 March 1824, they signed an agreement known as London Treaty. The treaty basically defined the handover of colonies in the Archipelago from British hands to the Dutch. And on the other hand, Britain had the right over Malacca and all its subjects and also Singapore (Netscher, 2002:465—466). This being stated, Sambas Sultanate again fell into the Dutch hands.

Sultan Muhammad Ali Syafiuddin I died in 1828 and was replaced by Raden Ishak, also known as Pangeran Ratu Nata Kusuma. By that time, Raden Ishak had not come of age so the throne had to be handed to the late sultan’s brother, Pangeran Bendahara Sri Maha Sultan, entitled Sultan Usman Kamaluddin (1828-1830) (Ratih, nd:64). Sultan Usman Kamaluddin died in 1831, giving Pangeran Tumenggung Jaya Kusuma, another brother of Sultan Muhammad Ali Syafiuddin I’s brother, a way to take up the throne. He was entitled Sultan Umar Akamuddin II (1830—1845). When Sultan Umar Akamuddin III passed away on 15 December 1845, Pangeran Ratu Nata Kusuma was coronated and given the title of Sultan Abubakar Tajuddin II (Ratih, nd: 64).

Based on the decree issued by the Dutch East Indies government on 17 January 1848, the oldest son of the reigning sultan, Syafiuddin, was inaugurated as crown heir entitled Pangeran Adipati and sent to Java for school. Having a dispute with the colonial government, Sultan Abubakar Tajuddin II was expelled to Cianjur, West Java, in 1855. The Dutch then enthroned Pangeran Ratu Negara, entitled Sultan Umar Kamluddin (1855—1866) (Ratih, nd: 64).

On 23 July 1861, Pangeran Adipati came back to Sambas after finishing school in Java. He was enthroned on 16 August 1866 and given the title of Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II (1866—1922). Under his reign, Sambas Sultanate reached its peak of glory, which materialized with, for example, the construction of Jami Mosque or the Grand Mosque of Sambas in 1877 (Ratih, nd: 64).

Besides building the mosque, in an effort to spread Islamic teachings, Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II set up Madrasah Al-Sultaniyah, a religious school. Before that, in 1872, the sultan had established Maharaja Imam as a highest religious institution in the kingdom. To lead the institution, the sultan appointed an ulama named Hajj Muhammad Arif Nuruddin (Muhammad Rahmatullah, 2003:6).

B.     Jami Mosque of Sambas Sultanate

Advancement in intellectual was at its best during the era of Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II with the establishments of schools and scholarships for high-achieving students to continue their studies in Egypt or Saudi Arabia (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:37). One of the Sambas sons that pursued his study in Egypt was Muhammad Baisuni Imran (1855—1976) who was later appointed Maharaja Imam in 1913. Due to his thoughts and works, Muhammad Baisuni Imran was considered the carrier of Egyptian reformism views in Indonesia (Erwin Mahrus, 2007:5).

Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin made Raden Ahmad his crown prince with the title Pangeran Adipati Ahmad. However, Raden Ahmad, who was known to be so insistent on his stance against the Dutch, passed away at a very young age from illness. With the death of Raden Ahmad, Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II’s second son, Raden Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim was made the crown prince entitled Pangeran Ratu Nata Wijaya.

When Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II felt that he could no longer lead the government while the crown prince had not yet come of age to replace him, the throne was handed to Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II’s son from his concubine namely Raden Muhammad Ariadiningrat as sultan ad-interim entitled Sultan Muhammad Ali Syafiuddin II (1922—1926) (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:39).

Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II died on 12 September 1924. Then on 9 October 1926, it was Sultan Muhammad Ali Syafiuddin II who died of illness. Because the crown prince was not ready to take up the throne due to his age, it was decided that the government of Sambas sultanate was to be controlled by an institution called Bestuur Comissie, consisting of a number of high officials of the sultanate and representatives of the Dutch East Indies government (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:39).

Crown Prince Pangeran Ratu Nata Wijaya was coronated in 1931 and got his name changed into Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin (1931-1943). As the Dutch colonialism in Indonesian Archipelago ended and was replaced by the Japanese military government in 1942, Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin summoned the leaders of sultanates in West Kalimantan to unite against the Japanese. The leaders were to meet in 1943. Unfortunately, the Japanese had smelt it already so that they killed all the leaders of the sultanates, including Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin.

After the Japanese surrendered to the Allies in 1945, Sambas was again controlled by the Dutch. Their crown prince, Raden Muhammad Taufik entitled Pangeran Ratu Muhammad Taufik, was still a little boy at that time. So the Dutch formed Bestuur Commisie. The Dutch finally recognized Indonesia’s sovereignty on 27 December 1945. It was then that Sambas became part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia with its capital in Singkawang (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:42). Pangeran Ratu Muhammad Taufik, the crown prince of Sambas Sultanate who had not yet become a sultan, passed away on 3 June 1984 (Fahmi [ed.], 2003:42).

According to Yudithia Ratih in her writing called Istana Alwatzikubillah – Sambas, the genealogy of Sambas sultans are as follows:

1.      Ratu Sepudak Hindu Kingdom/Old Sambas Kingdom:

2.      Raden Janur (sekitar tahun 1364 M).

3.      Tang Nunggal.

4.      Ratu Sepudak (1550 M).

5.      Pangeran Prabu Kencana bergelar Ratu Anom Kesuma Yuda.

6.      Raden Bekut bergelar Panembahan Kota Balai.

7.      Raden Mas Dungun.

8.      Kesultanan (Islam) Sambas:

9.      Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin I (1631 – 1668 M)

10.  Sultan Muhammad Tajuddin (1668 – 1708 M)

11.  Sultan Umar Akamuddin I (1708 – 1732 M)

12.  Sultan Abubakar Kamaluddin I (1732 – 1762 M)

13.  Sultan Umar Akamuddin II (1762 – 1786 M)

14.  Sultan Achmad Tajuddin (1786 – 1793 M)

15.  Sultan Abubakar Tajuddin I (1793 – 1815)

16.  Sultan Muhammad Ali Syafiuddin I (1815 – 1828)

17.  Sultan Usman Kamaluddin (1828 – 1831)

18.  Sultan Umar Akamuddin III (1831 – 1845)

19.  Sultan Abubakar Tajuddin II (1845 – 1855)

20.  Sultan Umar Kamaluddin (1855 – 1866)

21.  Sultan Muhammad Syafiudin II (1866 – 1922)

22.  Sultan Muhammad Ali Syafiuddin II (1922 – 1926)

23.  Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin (1931 – 1943)

As according to various sources resumed on Wikipedia, after merging with the Republic of Indonesia, the position of sultan still exists in Sambas, yet with authority as the Head of Sambas Sultanate for Domestic Matters. Among the sultans are:

1.      Pangeran Ratu Muhammad Taufik (1944 – 1984)

2.      Pangeran Ratu Winata Kusuma (2000 – 2008)

3.      Pangeran Ratu Muhammad Tarhan (2008 – present)

SANGGAU KINGDOM

Sanggau is the name of a regency in West Kalimantan, not far from Pontianak. Before becoming as it is, Sanggau was a Malay kingdom that had existed since the 4th century. The name was given after plants that grew at the banks of Sekayam River, where the kingdom sat.

A.    History

Sanggau is the name of a regency in West Kalimantan, not far from Pontianak. Before becoming as it is, Sanggau was a Malay kingdom that had existed since the 4th century. The name was given after plants that grew at the banks of Sekayam River, where the kingdom sat. In J.U. Lontaan’s Sejarah Hukum Adat dan Adat Istiadat Kalimantan Barat, it is mentioned that Sekayam River was where the entourage of Dara Nante, a noble woman from Sukadana Kingdom, Ketapang, stopped over during their search for her husband, Babai Cinga (J.U. Lontaan, 1975:170). However, there is another opinion that says “Sanggau” was taken from the name of Dayak Sanggau Ethnic Group, a Dayak clan from which Babai Cinga originated (Primaswolo in www.kr.co.id).

1.      Early Period of Sanggau Kingdom

On their way sailing Sekayam River, Dara Nante’s entourage encountered two groups of Dayak Mualang people led by Patih Bardat and Patih Bangi. The Dayak Mualang processions were seeking for a place called Tampun Juah. The three groups joined up and sailing the river together. It turned out that Sekayam River had two affluents. The big entourage took one of the two branch streams, which was called Entabai River. It was a right decision because they finally found Tampun Juah in the upper course of the river. Fortunately, Dara Nante also met Babai Cinga in the place.

Tampun Juah was a way station as well as one of the places where Dayak people from different clans assembled when migrating. After staying for some time in Tampun Juah, Parih Bardat and Patih Bangi’s groups continued their journey for the upper course of Kapuas River. Later on, Singa Patih Bardat’s group generated Kematu, Benawas, Sekadau, and Melawang people while Patih Bangi’s brought forth Dayak Melawang people, from whom Sekadau Kings derived their origins (www.pontianakonline.com).

Dara Nante did not stay forever in Tampun Juah. She decided to head home for Sukadana through Sekayam River. On their way, however, in a place known as Labai Lawai, Dara Nante’s entourage decided to discontinue their journey to stay and set up a new kingdom which was later recognized as Sanggau Kingdom. The entourage had stayed there before when they found Babai Cinga.

Until today, the remnants of Sanggau Kingdom are still there. There are two sacred stones named Dara Nante Stone and Babai Cinga Stone. The stones lie on the ground and are covered with one meter high square yellow cloth. People still preserves an annual traditional rite of giving offerings for the sanctified stones (www.harianberkat.com).

Today’s descendants of Sanggau Kingdom believe that their kingdom was founded on April 7th 1310 AD, the day when Dara Nante was inaugurated as its first ruler. For that, on July 26th 2009, representatives of the three prevailing ethnic groups, namely Malay, Dayak, and Chinese, agreed on the decision to make April 7th the anniversary day of Sanggau, although it was only a declaration and not yet a government decree. The effort to get it promulgated by the government is still going up to now (www.borneotribune.com).

Sanggau Kingdom underwent a hard time when Dara Nante entrusted the throne to her confidant, Dakkudak. Apparently, Dakkudak was not up to the task. There were many cases that he could not deal with. In a crisis and inopportune situation, Dakkudak left Sanggau Kingdom for Semboja and Senggarong areas (Lontaan, 1975:171).

Dakkudak’s departure resulted in the government of Sanggau Kingdom being held up. The record about Sanggau Kingdom’s throne after Dakkudak’s tenure was yet to be clear, but in 1485 AD, Dayang Mas Ratna (1485-1528 AD), a woman who was connected by relationship of blood with Dara Nante, was appointed ruler of Sanggau. Dayang Mas Ratna’s first act as Queen was moving the seat of government from Labai Lawai to Mengkiang, a place near the estuary of Sekayam River. In her governance, Dayang Mas Ratna was helped by her husband, Nurul Kamal, also known as Abdurrahman, a descendant of Kyai Kerang from Banten (Lontaan, 1975:172). Although Nurul Kamal was presumed to be a Muslim, it remains unknown if Sanggau Kingdom had become an Islamic monarchy since Dayang Mas Ratna’s reign.

The successor of Dayang Mas Ratna was also a woman, named Dayang Puasa, who wore the title Nyai Sura (1528-1569 AD). In ruling the kingdom, Dayang Puasa was assisted by her husband, Abang Awal, a noble from Embau Kingdom in Kapuas Hulu. During Nyai Sura’s tenure, Sanggau Kingdom established an affinity with Sintang Kingdom, which was then ruled by King Juhair or Jubair. This shows that there was a familial relation between the kings of Sanggau and the kings of Sintang (Syahzaman & Hasanuddin, 2003:32).

Afterwards, Sanggau Kingdom was ruled by a king named Abang Gani who entitled Pangeran Adipati Kusumanegara Gani (1569-1614 AD). In this era, Sanggau Kingdom was in dispute with Matan Kingdom (Tanjungpura). The problem came up from the marriage of Dayang Seri Gemala, a Sanggau princess, with the King of Matan Kingdom. Several years after the marriage, it was said that the King of Matan got married again, resulting in the royal family of Sanggau Kingdom wanting to take Dayang Seri Gemala home. After a number of negotiations between both sides, Dayang Seri Gemala finally returned to Sanggau in peace. The people of Sanggau welcomed their princess cheerfully (Lontaan, 1975:172).

As King Abang Gani died in 1614 AD, the throne of Sanggau Kingdom was inherited by the crown prince, Abang Basun, who was entitled Pangeran Mangkubumi Pakunegara (1614-1658 AD). Pangeran Mangkubumi’s governance received total supports from his brother, Abang Abon entitled Pangeran Samabaya, and his cousin, Abang Guneng (A. Roffi Faturrahman, et.al., nd: 97).

Beringin Palace of Sanggau Sultanate

2.      Sanggau Sultanate Period

Succeeding Pangeran Mangkubumi, Abang Bungsu (Uju) was on the throne since 1658 until 1690 AD. Abang Bungsu was the son of Pangeran Mangkubumi Pakunegara from his third wife who came from Tanah Silat, Kapuas Hulu. Abang Bungsu was crowned as Pangeran Mangkubumi did not have any other son from his previous two wives. Abang Bungsu was inaugurated to be King of Sanggau entitled Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin Kusumanegara. From Abang Bungsu’s name and title, it is now apparent that Sanggau monarchy had turned into a Muslim kingdom. The name Sanggau Kingdom was then changed to Sanggau Sultanate in accordance with its Islamic government.

Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin moved the seat of his government from Mengkiang to a place now the city of Sanggau. However, there were many of Abang Bungsu descendants that preferred staying in Mengkiang. Today, people believe that Abang Bungsu and Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin once paid a visit to Cirebon Sultanate in West Java. From there, Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin brought home three cannons named Bujang Juling, Dara Kuning, and Dara Hijau (Lontaan. 1975:173).

In 1690 AD, Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin passed away. The throne was inherited by his oldest son, Abang Kamaruddin or Abang Saka who was entitled Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin (1690-1722 AD). In governing, Sultan Akhmad was assisted by his younger brother, Panembahan Ratu Surya Negara. The two sons of the late Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin worked hand in hand to develop Sanggau Sultanate. Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin acted as head of government and wore the title Gusti, while Panembahan Ratu Surya Negara, who was entitled Ade, was appointed counselor of the sultanate and also ruler of the waters or coastal areas (Faturrahman, et.al., nd: 98).

There was time when Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin got ill, Panembahan Ratu Surya Negara called on him many times, urging the sultan to hand him the throne. At first, the request was not seriously considered by Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin, but Panembahan Ratu Surya Negara put pressure on the sultan until he finally granted what he wanted. In 1722 AD, Panembahan Ratu Surya Negara was inaugurated as Sultan of Sanggau entitled Sultan Zainuddin (1722-1741 AD). Besides, because he asked his brother everyday as to when he could become king, he was dubbed also as Abang Sebilang Hari (Lontaan, 1975:174).

After Sultan Zainuddin passed away, there was a little change in the succession procedure of Sanggau Sultanante. From then, the throne was held in turn between the children of Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin and children of Sultan Zainuddin. Moreover, they occupied different palaces, namely Beringin Palace (land area) for Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin’s descendants, and Kuta Palace (coastal area) for Sultan Zainuddin’s descendants.

The successor of Sultan Zainuddin (who was from Kuta Palace of the coastal area) was Abang Tabrani from the land area, entitled Pangeran Ratu Surya Negara (1741-1762 AD), who resided in Beringin Palace. At this time, Sanggau Sultanante maintained a very good relation with Kadriah Pontianak Sultanate. It was shown with the bestowal of a cannon named “Gentar Alam” from Kadriah Pontianak Sultanate to Sanggau Sultanate. In return, Pangeran Ratu Surya Negara sent blocks of iron woods which are still well kept in the palace of Kadriah Pontianak Sultanate (Faturrahman, et.al., nd: 98).

The relation between the two sultanates began to crack in 1778 AD. The ruling sultan of Kadriah Pontianak Sultanate had ambitions to expand his territory (Hasanuddin, 2000:17). Then, Kadriah Pontianak Sultanate conquered Sanggau Sultanate and took control of the trade route in Kapuas River. To legitimate his authority over Sanggau area, the Sultan of Kadriah Pontianak constructed a fort named Jambu Basrah in Simpang Labi Island, which belonged to Sanggau Sultanate (Ansar Rahman, 2000:81).

Pangeran Ratu Surya Negara died in 1762 AD. After that, t, the authority of Sanggau Sultanate was back to Kuta Palace and taken over by Panembahan Mohammad Thahir I Surya Negara (1762-1785 AD). Next, Sanggau Sultanate was ruled by Pangeran Usman (of Beringin Palace), entitled Panembahan Usman Paku Negara (1785-1812 AD). During his tenure, Sanggau Sultanate still established a familial relation with Sekadau Kingdom through marriage. Ratu Godok, the daughter of Panembahan Usman Paku Negara, got married with Sekadau King (Lontaan, 1975:174). Meanwhile, in 1812, there was a dispute between Sanggau Sultanate and Kadriah Pontianak Sultanate. This time, Sanggau Sultanate managed to cope with Kadriah Pontianak Sultanate’s attack (Lontaan, 1975:174).

After the era of Panembahan Usman Paku Negara, the throne was assumed by Panembahan Mohammad Ali Surya Negara (1812-1823 AD) of Kuta Sultanate. Panembahan Mohammad Ali Mangku Negara’s reign ended in 1823, and was succeeded by a representative of Beringin Palace, namely Sultan Ayub Paku Negara, who ruled Sanggau Sultanate until 1828. During his reign, Sultan Ayub initiated the construction of Jami’ Syuhada Mosque which was finished about 1826. Besides, according to a piece of a series of articles entitled “Melihat Perkembangan Sanggau dari Masa ke Masa”, Sultan Ayub moved the seat of his government to Kampung Kantuk (Bassilius, in Pontianak Pos, September 28th 2004).

Sultan Ayub’s brother, Ade Makhmud, was crowned Sultan of Sanggau entitled Panembahan Mogammad Kusuma Negara. The appointing of Ade Akhmad, who was from Beringin Palace, was due to the crown prince from Kuta Palace being underage. As Ade Akhmad or Panembahan Mogammad Kusuma Negara passed away in 1860, it was the turn of Kuta Palace representative to rule and so crowned Panembahan Mohammad Thahir II (1860-1876 AD). Panembahan Mohammad Thahir II once settled the legal territorial borders between Sanggau Sultanate and Brunei Sultanate. However, the bordering marks have not been traced and discovered as yet (Lontaan, 1975:175). 

During the reign of Panembahan Mohammad Thahir II, the Dutch set foot in Sanggau Sultanate. At the beginning, the Dutch arrival was welcomed by people and the royal family. However, they made use of the people’s hospitality to ask for permission to stay in Sanggau. Their request was granted by Panembahan Mohammad Thahir II. Thereafter, the Dutch stayed and started to exert influence in the sultanate.

Panembahan Mohammad Thahir II passed away on March 23rd 1876. He was replaced by Ade Sulaimen (of Beringin Palace) entitled Panembahan Haji Sulaiman Paku Negara (1876-1908). It was since then that the Dutch took much control of the government of Sanggau Sultanate, including inaugurating, dethroning, and replacing a sultan. There were also signed a number of agreements between the sultanate and the colonial.

In 1877, for example, there was a contract for land rent between the sultanate and the Dutch signed by Governor General of Dutch-Indies J.W. van Lansberge (1875-1881) and Panembahan Muhammad Saleh (Mangkubumi), Pangeran Ratu Mangku Negara (king of Semerangkai), Pangeran Mas Paduka Putera (king of Balai Karangan), and Pangeran Adi Ningrat (minister of Sanggau Sultanate). In the sultanate, it was settled that Tanjung Sekayam was rented to the Dutch (Basilius, in Pontianak Pos, September 28th 2004).

After Panembahan Haji Sulaiman Paku Negara passed away in 1908, coronated as sultan was Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Ali Surya Negara (of Kuta Palace) who ruled up to 1915 (Faturrahman, et.al., nd: 98). Then, the next Crown of Sanggau Sultanate was Pangeran Gusti Mohammad Said Paku Negara (of Beringin Palace). The era of Pangeran Gusti Mohammad Said Paku Negara ended in 1921 as he was dethroned by the Dutch. The Dutch, who had managed to get into every matter of the sultanate, coronated Panembahan Thahir III Surya Negara (of Kuta Palace). The reign of Panembahan Thahir III Surya Negara lasted until 1941. He was replaced by Gusti Mohammad Arif Paku Negara from the family of Beringin Palace.

In 1942, the Dutch surrendered to the Japanese. It was the beginning of Japanese occupation in Indonesian archipelago, including in Sanggau Sultanate. Gusti Mohammad Arif Paku Negara only ruled for a year because in 1942, he was captured and killed by the Japanese army. After that, under the influence of Japanese authority, Ade Marhaban Saleh was appointed the Head of Adat of Sanggau Sultanate (Faturrahman, et.al., nd: 98). Like the previous sultan, Ade Marhaban Saleh was from Beringin Palace. This abnormality was then understandable because it was indeed pressure from the Japanese. Ade Marhaban Saleh was replaced by Panembahan Gusti Ali Akbar, still from Beringin palace, in 1944. Panembahan Gusti Ali Akbar assumed the position of the Head of Adat of Sanggau Sultanate in the last years of Japanese occupation in Indonesia.

On August 15th 1945, the Japanese surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. Two days later, Indonesia declared its independence. However, in September 1945, the Dutch, who were one of the winning allies in World War II, came back to Indonesia to regain their control, including over Sanggau Sultanate. Therefore, the Dutch then sent their representative named Riekerk to hold the position as Residential Assistant in Sanggau. Riekerk, who came in Sanggau along with full-armed troops, dethroned Panembahan Gusti Ali Akbar and inaugurated Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Taufik Surya Negara as a replacement (Lontaan, 1975:177). Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Taufik Surya Negara was from Kuta Palace.

Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Taufik Surya Negara governed until Sanggau was changed into a swapraja (autonomous area) under Indonesian government. Thus, Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Taufik Surya Negara was the last Sultan of Sanggau (Basilius, in Pontianak Pos, October 3rd 2004). On May 2nd 1960, a takeover of the position of Head of Sanggau Government to M. Th. Djaman, Head of the Second Level Region of Sanggau, took place. From this point, the continuation of Sanggau monarchy got bogged down as it underwent a status change to becoming the capital of Sanggau Sultanate in West Kalimantan Province.

After 49 years of suspended animation, on July 26th 2009, Sanggau Sultanate revived despite not having any political control and holding power only in cultural matters. On that day, Pangeran Ratu H. Gusti Arman Surya Negara was coronated as Sultan of Sanggau. The grand ceremony was attended by a number of prominent figures, such as Sultan Iskandar Machmud Badarudin from Palembang Darussalam Sultanate, Pangeran Ratu Gusti Suryansyah from Ismayana Palace, and Sanggau Regent, Ir. H. Setiman H. Sudin  (www.equator-news.com).

Kuta Palace in Sanggau Sultanate

B.     Lineage

Below is a list of rulers of Sanggau Kingdom/Sultanate as can be found in J.U. Lontaan’s Sejarah Hukum Adat dan Adat Istiadat Kalimantan Barat and in an article entitled “Kesultanan Sanggau” written by A. Roffi Faturrahman, et.al. (nd) included in the book Istana-istana di Kalimantan Barat:

1.      Dara Nante (1310)

2.      Dakkudak

3.      Dayang Mas Ratna (1485-1528)

4.      Dayang Puasa or Nyai Sura (1528-1569)

5.      Abang Gani entitled Pangeran Adipati Kusumanegara Gani (1569-1614)

6.      Abang Basun entitled Pangeran Mangkubumi Pakunegara (1614-1658)

7.      Abang Bungsu (Uju) entitled Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin Kusumanegara (1658-1690)

8.      Abang Kamaruddin entitled Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin (1690-1722)

9.      Panembahan Ratu Surya Negara entitled Sultan Zainuddin (1722-1741)

10.  Abang Tabrani entitled Pangeran Ratu Surya Negara (1762-1785)

11.  Pangeran Usman entitled Panembahan Usman Paku Negara (1785-1812)

12.  Panembahan Mohammad Ali Surya Negara (1812-1823)

13.  Sultan Ayub Paku Negara (1812-1828)

14.  Panembahan Mohammad Kusuma Negara (1812-1860)

15.  Panembahan Mohammad Thahir II (1860-1876)

16.  Panembahan Haji Sulaiman Paku Negara (1876-1908)

17.  Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Ali Surya Negara (1808-1915)

18.  Pangeran Gusti Mohammad Said Paku Negara (1915-1921)

19.  Panembahan Thahir Surya Negara (1912-1941)

20.  Gusti Mohammad Arif (1941-1942)

21.  Ade Marhaban Saleh (1942-1944)

22.  Panembahan Gusti Ali Akbar (1944-1945)

23.  Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Taufik Surya Negara (1945)

24.  Pangeran Ratu H. Gusti Arman Surya Negara (2009-…)

The Lineage of Sanggau Sultanate until 1945

C.    Governmental System

The governmental system of Sanggau Kingdom in the beginning or since first founded by Dara Nante in 1310 was based on local traditional rules and laws. The temporary successor of Dara Nante, Dakkudak, apparently did not manage Sanggau Sultanate well. Dakkudak could not enforce traditional laws as it was supposed to be. This failure made Dakkudak decide to leave Sanggau Kingdom.

The successor of Dakkudak was Dara Nante’s descendant named Dayang Mas Ratna (1485-1528). Since then, the throne of Sanggau Kingdom was held by people who were related by blood. In governing, Dayang Mas Ratna was assisted by her husband, Nurul Kamal. This happened also during the governance of Dayang Puasa or Nyai Tua who succeeded Dayang Mas Ratna. During his regime in Sanggau Sultanate, Dayang Puasa was assisted by her husband, Abang Awal (Faturrahman, et. al., nd: 97).

Since the end of Dayang Puasa’s tenure, Sanggau Kingdom was always ruled by men. Usually, the King or Sultan of Sanggau was helped by a counselor entitled Ade. Some these counselors were even crowned as ruler of Sanggau. Some of them are Panembahan Ratu Surya Negara (1722-1741) who succeeded Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin (1690-1722) and Panembahan Mohammad Ali Surya Negara (1812-1823) who succeeded Sultan Ayub Paku Negara (1812-1828). “Ade” title holders were usually relatives of the incumbent ruler of Sanggau Sultanate.

After the reign of Ratu Surya Negara or Sultan Zainuddin (1722-1741), there was a change in the succession process. Since then, the throne was taken on in turn by the descendants of Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin and Sultan Zainuddin—both of them were the sons of the previous ruler, Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin Kusumanegara (1658-1690). Moreover, they occupied different palaces, namely Beringin Palace (land area) for Sultan Akhmad Kamaruddin’s descendants, and Kuta Palace (coastal area) for Sultan Zainuddin’s descendants. This succession method went on until Sanggau Sultanate merged and became a part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia—of course there were exceptions due to special cases, for example, the sultan-in-turn had not come of age or bad political situation.

Sanggau Sultanate recognized laws based on traditional and Islamic laws. However, since the Dutch excreted influence in the sultanate, every policy had to be first approved by the Dutch-Indies authority. Sanggau Sultanate also had Mahkamah Syariah (Court of Sharia) or Raad Agama which was led by haji Muhammad Yusuf or Pangeran Tumenggung Suria Igama and Ade Ahmaden Baduwi or Raden Penghulu Suria Igama (Basilius in Pontianak Pos, October 1st 2004). The establishment of this Raad Agama was actually the Dutch’s strategy to intervene in religious matters (Islam) which had used to be under the absolute authority of Sanggau Sultan.

On October 30th 1932, there were amendments to the traditional laws that prevailed in Sanggau Sultanate. The laws which contained 34 articles were increased to 70 articles. In the new laws was mentioned that any religious matter was not only settled by the Sultan of Sanggau, but also by Raad Agama. Furthermore, Raad Agama also took care of other matters such as marriage, divorce, marital reconciliation, will and testament, Ramadan determination, fardlu kifayah (communal religious duty), as well as imam, khatib (preacher), and bilal (caller to player) assignment (Basilius, in Pontianak Pos, October 1st 2004).

The Dutch tried to take control of Sanggau Sultanate government. The most obvious instance was in the succession process, wherein the Dutch had a major say. For example, they inaugurated Panembahan Gusti Mohammad Ali Surya Negara (1808-1915) as replacement for Panembahan Haji Sulaiman Paku Negara (1876-1908).  Those who refused the coronation, one of them was Pangeran Dipati Ibnu, were exiled to Java by the Dutch. Their intervention in the process of succession of Sanggau head went on until 1941.

After the Dutch recognized the sovereignty of Indonesia in 1949, Sanggau Sultanate no longer had political power, because of the integration with the new republic, and became an autonomous region. Since May 2 1960, Sanggau Sultanate changed into the regent government of Sanggau Regency which was situated in West Kalimantan Province (Lontaan, 1975:177). After a long rest for 49 years, on July 26th 2009, Sanggau Sultanate was revived, although no longer possesses authority in politic and only deals with traditional matters. On that day, Pangeran Ratu H. Gusti Arman Surya Negara was inaugurated as the Sultan of Sanggau (www.equator-news.com).

The Inauguration of Pangeran Ratu H. Gusti Arman Surya Negara

D.    Territory

Since first established by Dara Nante in 1310, the Kingdom/Sultanate of Sanggau had undergone capital movements several times. In the beginning, the seat of government of Sanggau Kingdom was in Labai Lawai near Sekayam River. Then, during the era of Dayang Mas Ratna (1485-1528), a descendant of Dara Nante, the seat of government was moved from Labai Lawai to Mengkiang in the estuary of Sekayam River. The government of Sanggau Kingdom/Sultanate in Mengkiang lasted until the reign of Abang Bungsu or Sultan Mohammad Jamaluddin Kusumanegara (c. 1658-1690), who moved the kingdom’s capital from Mengkiang to a place that is now known as the city of Sanggau (Lontaan, 1975:173).

According to a series of articles entitled “Melihat Perkembangan Sanggau dari Masa ke Masa”, it was mentioned that Sultan Ayub Paku Negara (1823-1828) moved the kingdom’s seat of government to Kampung Kantuk (Basilius, in Pontianak Pos, September 28th 2004). Meanwhile, Lontaan (1975) mentioned that during the tenure of Panembahan Mohammad Thahir II (1860-1876), there were settled territorial borders between Sanggau Sultanate and Brunei Sultanate although the boundary marks have not been discovered yet (Lontaan, 1975:175).

Besides, although it was not a big monarchy, there were some subordinate areas occupied by Sanggau Sultanate. In each of the area, a sultanate representative was appointed by the Sultan of Sanggau. Some of the areas were Semerangkai, Balai Karangan, Tanjung Sekayam (Basiliius, in Pontianak Pos, September 28th 2004).

Generally, the territory of Sanggau Kingdom/Sultanate was not really different with that of current Sanggau Regency in West Kalimantan. It was apparent in the fact that Sanggau Regency’s territory was based on that of Swapraja Sanggau which was a transformation of Sanggau Kingdom/Sultanate. Sanggau Sultanate was a region in the middle north of West Kalimantan. In the North, Sanggau borders with Serawak (Malaysia), in the South with Ketapang Regency, in the West with Landak Regency, and in the East with Sintang and Sekadau Regencies.

MEMPAWAH SULTANATE

A.    History

“Mempawah” derived from “Mempauh”, the name of trees that grow on the upper course of a river that was later called also as Mempawah River (J.U. Lontaan, 1975: 125). As time goes by, Mempawah has become associated with the name of a kingdom/sultanate that emerged in West Kalimantan. The history of Mempawah traditional administration splits into two periods: the era of Hindu-based administration of Dayak Kingdom and the era of Islam-influenced administration or sultanate.

1.      Mempawah in Kingdom Period (Dayak/Hindu)

The origin of Mempawah Kingdom is closely related to the history of some previous kingdoms, such as Bangkule Sultankng and Sidiniang. Bangkule Sultankng was a kingdom of Dayak Ethnic Group which was set up by Ne’Rumaga in a place called Bahana (Erwin Rizal, n.d: 39).

Karlina Maryadi, in her article entitled “Menguak Misteri Sebukit Rama (Unravelling the Mystery of Sebukit Rama)” states that Ne’Rumaga’s administration was succeeded by Patih Gumantar (Karlina Maryadi, www.indonesiaindonesia.com). However, there is also an opinion saying that the Dayak Kingdom whose king was Patih Gumantar was a different administration and it had existed since 1380 A.D. Located in Sidiniang Mountains, near Sangking, Upper Mempawah, the kingdom is better known as Sidiniang Kingdom (Musni Umberan, et. al, 1996-1997:12).

It is believed that by then Patih Gumantar had established relations with Gadjah Mada from Majapahit Kingdom as part of the effort to unite states in the archipelago under the power of Majapahit. Some say that Patih Gumantar and Gadjah Mada once went to Thailand to block the attack of Khubilai Khan from Mongolia. According to Lontaan, there is an evidence of the relations between the two kingdoms, i.e. a keris that was bestowed to Patih Gumantar. The keris is still kept in Upper Mempawah and by the locals, it is called Keris Susuhunan (1975: 120).

The kingdom of Sidiniang was not free from threats, however. One of them was an attack from Suku Biaju Kingdom. In the year of 1400 A.D., there was an outbreak of head-cutting war or kayau-mengayau, in local language, that caused the death of Patih Gumantar (Lontaan, 1975: 120). With the leader dead, the story of Sidiniang Kingdom came to an end. Some say that Patih Gumantar was succeeded by his son, Patih Nyabakng. However, the administration of Patih Nyabakng did not last long due to the clash with Lara Kingdom, whose center was on the great river of Negeri Sambas (Maryadi, in www.indonesiaindonesia.com). There are not yet further records of Sidiniang Kingdom after Patih Nyabakng’s leadership.

Two hundreds years after, in about 1610 A.D., emerged a new kingdom in an area of Sidiniang Kingdom’s ruins. It has not been unveiled as to what was the relation between the founder of the new kingdom with Patih Gumantar. Various sources only states that the leader of the new kingdom was Raja Kodong or Kudung (Rizal, tt:39; Umberan, et.al., 1996-1997:13). Raja Kudung then moved its center of administration from Sidiniang to Pekana (Umberan, et.al., 1996-1997:13).

In about the year of 1680 A.D., Raja Kudung died and was buried in Pekana (Umberan, et.al., 1996-1997:13). His successor was Panembahan Senggaok, also known as Senggauk or Sengkuwuk, who reigned since the same year with Raja Kudung’s bereavement. The name Panembahan “Senggaok” began to be used as the center of administration was relocated from Pekana to Senggaok, an area in the upper course of Mempawah River (Lontaan, 1975: 121). He married the daughter of Raja Qahar from Baturizal Indragiri Kingdom from Sumatra, Putri Cermin. The couple had a daughter named Utin Indrawati (Lontaan, 1975: 121). Putri Utin Indrawati was married to Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin from Matan Tanjungpura Kingdom (Rizal, tt: 39). They had a daughter from the marriage, named Putri Kesumba (Umberan, et. al, 1996-1997:14). It is this princess that later married Opu Daeng Menambun who was a pioneer in bringing in Islam influence to Mempawah.

2.      Mempawah in Sultanate Period (Islam)

Opu Daeng Menambun was originally from Luwu Bugis Sultanate from South Sulawesi. Raja Ali Haji in his book Tuhfat Al-Nafis wrote a story about Opu Daeng Menambun’s father, Opu Tendriburang Dilaga, who is told to have travelled from Sulawesi to various states in Malay domain. Opu Tendriburang Dilaga was the son of Opu La Maddusilat, the first Bugis king to embrace Islam (Raja Ali Haji, 2002: 18). Opu Tendriburang Dilaga had five sons whom he brought along in his Malay journey, namely Opu Daeng Menambun, Opu Daeng Perani, Opu Daeng Celak, Opu Daeng Marewah, Opu Daeng Kemasi (Gusti Mhd Mulia [ed.], 2007: 18). Their arrival to the lands of Malay became one of the migration phases of Bugis people that conducted in the 17th century (Andi Ima Kesuma, 2004: 96). Opu Tendriburang Dilaga and his five sons played an important role in Malay Peninsula and Kalimantan, particularly in spreading Islam (www.ilagaligo.com; Rizal, n.d: 40).

Opu Daeng Menambun’s arrival in Kalimantan was actually at request of Sultan Matan (Tanjungpura), namely Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin (1665-1724), who asked for help to take back the throne of Matan Sultanate that had been seized by force by Pangeran Agung, Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin’s brother (Umberan, et. al., 1996-1997:14). Opu Daeng Menambun and his brothers, who were in Johor Sultanate, headed to Tanjungpura right away to help put down the upheaval. With their help, the throne could be saved (Mulia [ed.], 2007: 18). Opu Daeng Menambun was later married to Ratu Kesumba, Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin’s daughter. Not long after, Opu Daeng Menambun and his brothers decided to go back to Johor Sultanate.

Without Opu Daeng Menambun present, an internal conflict broke out again in Matan Sultanate. This time, Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin’s sons disagreed as to who deserved to be their father’s successor. The Sultan once more asked help from Opu Daeng Menambun, who had arrived in Johor. Opu Daeng Menambun was willing to help and left for Tanjungpura for the second time without his four brothers because their presences were needed in Johor Sultanate (Umberan, et.al, 1996-1997:15).

With the help of Opu Daeng Menambun, the dispute could be solved peacefully. To thank him, Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin deigned to confer him an honorary title, Pangeran Mas Surya Negara. Opu Daeng Menambun himself decided to stay in Matan Sultanate with his wife. They had six children, namely Putri Candramidi, Gusti Jamiril, Syarif Ahmad, Syarif Abubakar, Syarif Alwie and Syarif Muhammad (Syarif Ibrahim Alqadrie, 2005, in http://syarif-untan.tripod.com).

In 1724 A.D., Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin died. His heir was Gusti Kesuma Bandan whose title was Sultan Muhammad Muazziddin. Meanwhile, 13 years later in Mempawah, Pangeran Senggaok died.  Since Panembahan Senggaok did not have any son, the throne of Mempawah was given to Sultan Muhammad Muazzudin, who was Panembahan Senggaok’s grandson, the child of Puteri Utin Indrawati and Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin. However, a year later or precisely in 1738 A.D., Sultan Muhammad Muazzuddin departed and was replaced by his son, Gusti Bendung or Pangeran Ratu Agung who bore the title Sultan Muhammad Tajuddin. He was the 3rd Sultan of Matan.

In 1740 A.D., the authority over Mempawah, which had been held concurrently with Matan Sultanate, was given to Opu Daeng Menambun whose name later changed to Pangeran Mas Surya Negara, a title given by the late Sultan Muhammad Zainuddin, the first Sultan of Matan. While his wife, Ratu Kesumba, wore the title Ratu Agung Sinuhun (Rizal: 40). It is his tenure that Islam was made the kingdom’s official religion. In accordance, the term “kingdom” was replaced with “sultanate”. Opu Daeng Menambun moved the center of his administration to Sebukit Rama, an area that was fertile, prosper, strategic and busy with merchantmen’s visits (Umberan, et. al., 1996-1997: 16).

Islam influence in Mempawah during the era of Opu Daeng Menambun became even stronger with the intervention of Sayid Habib Husein Alqadrie, a voyager from Hadramaut or South Yemen (Mahayudin Haji Yahya, 1999: 224). Husein Alqadrie himself had been a supreme judge in Matan Sultanante during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Muazzudin. Husein Alqadrie was married to the daughter of Sultan Muhammad Muazzudin whose name was Nyai Tua (Alqadrie, 2005, in http://syarif-untan.tripod.com). In Matan Sultanate, Husein Alqadrie served until the administration of the 4th sultan, namely Sultan Ahmad Kamaluddin, who succeeded Sultan Muhammad Tajuddin in 1749 A.D. However, in 1755 A.D., Husein Alqadrie had a disagreement with the Sultan in death sentence matter.

Knowing such situation, Opu Daeng Menambun offered Husein Alqadrie to stay in Mempawah. Husein accepted the offer and then moved into Opu Daeng Menambun’s palace. He was appointed patih (chief minister to a Sultan) and at the same time, Grand Mufti of Mempawah. An area, called Kuala Mempawah (Galah Herang), was given to him to be made a center for Islam religious teachings. To tighten the bond of Husein Alqadrie’s family and Mempawah Sultanate, Husein’s son, Syarif Abdurrahman Alqadrie, was married to Opu Daeng Menambon’s daughter, Putri Candramidi (Muhammad Hidayat, n.d.: 21). Anon in 1778 A.D., Syarif Abdrurrahman Alqadrie established Kadriah Sultanate in Pontianak.

In 1761 A.D., Opu Daeng Menambun died and was buried in Sebukit Rama (Umberan, et. al, 1996-1997: 16). To be crowned as sultan was the son of Opu Daeng Menambun, Gusti Jamiril, whose title was Panembahan Adiwijaya Kusumajaya (Umberan, et. al. 1996-1997: 17). Under the power of Panembahan Adiwijaya, Mempawah expanded its territory and made its name as a hectic port of commerce.

3.      Mempawah Sultanate during Colonial Era

Not long after their arrival at Mempawah circa 1787 A.D., the Dutch were engaged in a war with Mempawah Sultanate. The Dutch persuaded Syarif Kasim, the son of Syarif Abdurrahman Alqadrie, the Sultan of Kadriah Sultanate in Pontianak, to join the attack on Mempawah. Panembahan Adiwijaya then moved away to Karangan in Upper Mempawah to make plans (Umberan, et. al., 1996-1997-16). In 1790 A.D., however, Panembahan Adiwijaya died before launching a counterattack. He left 8 children from two wives. 

In about 1794 A.D., the feud between Mempawah Sultanate and Kadriah Sultanate was aggravated by the Dutch’s success in persuading Syarif Kasim to expand his territory up to the upper course of the river, an area bordering on Mempawah Sultanate. As a result, the war broke out over again, this time Kadriah Sultanate was helped by the Chinese people who lived in Pontianak, and Mempawah Sultanate, having not yet had a new sultan to replace Panembahan Adiwijaya, got supports from Dayak people and Singkawah Sultanate. But since Kadriah Sultanate was fully backed by the Dutch, they could defeat Mempawah Sultanate (www.asiawind.com).

Afterward, the Dutch colonial appointed Syarif Kasim as the head of Mempawah. He was entitled Panembahan Mempawah (Hidayat, n.d: 22).  Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Alqadrie, Syarif Kasim’s father, did not agree with the appointment because Mempawah and Kadriah had actually a very close relation. His wife, Puteri Candramidi, was the daughter of Opu Daeng Menambon. The appointment of Syarif Kasim as Panembahan was written down in the treaty dated 27 August 1787 (Ansar Rahman, et. al., 2000: 109-110).

Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Alqadrie died in 1808, followed with the Dutch appointing Syarif Kasim as the head of Kadriah Sultanate, bearing the title Sultan Syarif Kasim Alqadrie. He was then abdicated by his brother, Syarif Hussein. However, Syarif Hussein’s tenure did not last long as the Dutch power was getting more unstable due to the attacks mounted by two sons of Panembahan Adiwijaya, Gusti Jati and his brother, Gusti Mas. After shoving the Dutch away from Mempawah, Gusti Jati was enthroned as the Sultan of Mempawah (Umberan, et. al., 1996-1997: 18). The Dutch then stepped out from Kadriah Sultanate under Sultan Syarif Kasim Alqadrie’s protection.

Gusti Jati ascended the throne in about the year of 1820 and was entitled Sultan Muhammad Zainal Abidin. Gusti Mas stayed with his brother to help develop the life and security of Mempawah people (Lontaan, 1975: 126). By Sultan Muhammad Zainal Abidin, the center of administration was moved to the bank of Mempawah River, precisely in Pulau Pedalaman. It is in this era that Mempawah Sultanate got its fame as a center of commerce and as having a strong fortress. Knowing the sultanate was getting bigger and stronger, the Dutch colonial prepared a strategy. They would now try peaceful approaches in dealing with the Sultan. Meanwhile the armed force of Kadriah Sultanate was ready to hit Mempawah anytime they eased their awareness.

The Dutch went well with their tactic. When the high officials of Mempawah Sultanate were stirred with their peace offer, Kadriah Sultanate army attacked Pulau Pedalaman. The evidence of the aggression can still be seen in the ruins of the defense strongholds built in the right and left sides of Istana Mempawah (Lontan, 1975:126). Consequently, Sultan Zainal Abidin was forced to move back to Sebukit Rama to soup up power. His counterattack went well, his army could defeat Kadriah Sultanate’s. However, Sultan Zainal Abidin did not come back to Pulau Pedalaman. He chose to go into seclusion at the upper course of Mempawah River (Lontaan, 1975: 126).

There was another vacancy in the leadership of Mempawah Sultanate, and again, the Dutch took the chance by naming Sultan Zainal Abidin, whose real name was Gusti Amin, as the Sultan of Mempawah entitled Panembahan Adinata Krama Umar Kamarrudin (Rizal, n.d: 41; Johan Wahyudi in Borneo Tribune, December 2007). In 1831, Mempawah Sultanate was running out of power because of the Dutch’s interference. From then on, every succession on the leadership of Mempawah Sultanate was a political game played by the Dutch. What is worse is that the sultanate had to obey the regulations the Dutch colonial constituted.

After the death of Gusti Amin in 1839, the Dutch colonial enthroned Gusti Mukmin, entitled Panembahan Mukmin Nata Jaya Kusuma. Afterward, in 1858, it was Gusti Makhmud who ascended the throne, bearing the title Panembahan Muda Makhmud Alauddin. J.U. Lontaan in his book entitled Sejarah Hukum Adat dan Adat-Istiadat Kalimantan Barat (1975) states that the year of 1858 also saw Gusti Usman enthroned as the Sultan of Mempawah (Lontaan, 1975: 129). According to the book, it is possible that Gusti Makhmud died not long after he was crowned. Gusti Usman, the son of Gusti Mukmin, was named Sultan of Mempawah ad interim. Such interpretation was likely to be true because when Gusti Usman passed away in 1872, his heir was Gusti Ibrahim, entitled Panembahan Ibrahim Muhammad Syafiuddin, who was the son of Gusti Makhmud (Rizal, n.d: 41).

When Gusti Ibrahim died in 1892, the crown prince, Gusti Muhammad Thaufiq Accamuddin, was not yet considered as having come of age to replace his father. For this reason, Gusti Intan, the elder sister of Gusti Muhammad Thaufiq Accamuddin, was appointed traditional leader of Mempawah Sultanate ad interim was (Wahyudi, December 2007). He was crowned in 1902. By the year of 1922, he built The Palace Amantubillah Wa Rusuli Allah in Pulau Pedalaman. Sultan Muhammad Thaufiq Accamuddin reigned until the Japanese arrived in Indonesia in 1942.

The Japanese’s arrival brought along tragedy to the kingdoms of West Kalimantan, including Mempawah Sultanate. In 1944, Sultan Muhammad Thaufiq Accamudin was put in prison by the Japanese army and died a prisoner. Until now, the body or grave of the Sultan has not been found (Lontaan, 1975: 130). That time, the crown prince, Gusti Jimmi Muhammad Ibrahim, was not yet adult and instead the Japanese appointed Gusti Mustaan as the guardian of the Panembahan of Mempawah Sultanate. He held the position until 1955. However by then, Gusti Jimmi Muhammad Ibrahim was unwilling to be enthroned due to his ongoing education in Yogyakarta. Therefore, it is assumed that the last Sultan of Mempawah is Sultan Muhammad Thaufiq Accamuddin (Umberan, et. al. 1996-1997: 20).

After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, with the Dutch recognizing Indonesia’s full sovereignty in 1949, there were significant changes in administration system, including that at regional level. This happened as well in West Kalimantan. With the establishment of the Republic, authorities that of the Special Region of West Kalimantan were given back to the new-born state (http://kalbar.bps.go.id).

Nevertheless, at the insistence of the people and traditional leaders of Dayak and Malayo-Bugis, Gusti Jimmi Muhammad Ibrahim was finally willing to be inaugurated as head of adat (tradition) of Mempawah Sultanate. Having joined and being part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, the leadership of Gusti Jimmi Muhammad Ibrahim, who was entitled Panembahan XII of Amantubillah Mempawah Sultanate, did not cover political authority.

On 12 August 2002, due to persistent illness, Panembahan Gusti Jimmi Muhammad Ibrahim handed over the authority of Mempawah Sultanate to his son, Pangeran Ratu Mulawangsa Mardan Adijaya Kesuma Ibrahim, who was later appointed Panembahan XII of Amantubillah Mempawah Sultanate and is still reigning nowadays. In 2005, Panembahan Jimmi Muhammad Ibrahim died at 73 and was buried with traditional honors of Mempawah Sultanate (http://riaulingga.blogspot.com).

B.     Genealogy

Below is the genealogy of the Kings/Sultans/Head of Adat of Mempawah that is compiled from various sources, including: Sejarah Hukum Adat and Adat-Istiadat Kalimantan Barat of J.U. Lontaan (1975), Kerajaan-kerajaan di Kalimantan Barat of Musni Umberan, et. al. (1996-1997), and Erwin Rizal’s article entitled “Kesultanan Mempawah dan Kubu” which is included in a book entitled Inventarisasi Istana-istana di Kalimantan Barat.

1.      Hindu Dayak (Kingdom) Period:

a.       Patih Gumantar (± 1380)

b.      Raja Kudung (± 1610)

c.       Panembahan Senggaok (± 1680)

2.      Islam (Sultanate) Period:

a.       Opu Daeng Menambon entitled Pangeran Mas Surya Negara (1740 – 1761)

b.      Gusti Jamiril entitled Panembahan Adiwijaya Kesuma (1761 – 1787)

c.       Syarif Kasim entitled Panembahan Mempawah (1787 – 1808)

d.      Syarif Hussein (1808 – 1820)

e.       Gusti Jati entitled Sultan Muhammad Zainal Abidin (1820 – 1831)

f.       Gusti Amin entitled Panembahan Adinata Krama Umar Kamaruddin (1831 – 1839)

g.      Gusti Mukmin entitled Panembahan Mukmin Nata Jaya Kusuma (1839 – 1858)

h.      Gusti Makhmud entitled Panembahan Muda Makhmud Alauddin (1858)

i.        Gusti Usman entitled Panembahan Usman (1858 – 1872)

j.        Gusti Ibrahim entitled Panembahan Ibrahim Muhammad Syafiuddin (1872 – 1892)

k.      Gusti Intan entitled Ratu Permaisuri (1892 – 1902 )

l.        Gusti Muhammad Thaufiq Accamuddin (1902 – 1944)

m.    Gusti Mustaan (1944 – 1955); appointed by the Japanese

n.      Gusti Jimmi Muhammad Ibrahim entitled Panembahan XII (s/d 2002)

o.      Pangeran Ratu Mulawangsa Mardan Adijaya Kesuma Ibrahim entitled Panembahan XIII (2002- now)

C.    Administration System

The administration system and pattern of the predecessors of Mempawah Sultanate, namely the Bangkule Sultankng Kingdom and Sidiniang Kingdom, were based on local traditions, i.e. the customary laws prevailing in Dayak society (Umberan, et. al., 1996-1997: 18). The traditional government system was closely related to rituals and supernatural belief that were inherent in the life of the Hindu kingdom.  

During the tenure of Panembahan Senggaok, the traditional government system was still preserved albeit Islam teachings have entered into the Kingdom’s life. The influence of Islam in Mempawah became stronger in the era of Opu Daeng Menambun who reigned since 1740 and was originally came from Luwu Bugis Sultanate that had been long enough an Islamic kingdom.

Opu Daeng Menambun’s government in Mempawah Sultanate combined old customary laws with the Muslim’s sharia. However, Islamic influence became stronger with the efforts of Sayid Habib Husein Alqadrie, the Muslim missionary (Yahya, 1999: 224).

Opu Daeng Menambun created a democratic government in Mempawah Sultanate. It is seen in the fact that there were various cross-ethnic figures who voluntarily and willingly supported the Sultanate, especially those of the Chinese and Dayak. This made it easier for Opu Daeng Menambon to run his administration.

The government system’s sovereignty was getting smaller after the arrival of the Dutch in about 1787. Although the Sultan at that time, Panembahan Adiwijaya Kusumajaya and later replaced by Sultan Muhammad Zainal Abidin, could fight back and even almost defeat the Dutch, which obtained backing from Syarif Kasim from Pontianak’s Kadriah Sultanate, Mempawah Sultanate finally fell in the grip of Dutch colonial. From then on until the arrival of the Japanese in 1942, the government system of Mempawah Sultanate was controlled by the Dutch in many aspects, from economy, defense, politic, to even internal matters. One concrete example was how the Dutch dictated the successions of Sultans.

After the Dutch’s defeat in the Pacific War, followed with the Japanese taking over Indonesian Archipelago from their hand, the government order and system of Mempawah Sultanate were changed again to meet the demand of the Japanese. During Japanese occupation (1942-1945), Mempawah was one of the 12 autonomous districts in West Kalimantan under the authority of a Japanese-formed institution called Borneo Minseibu Cokan (Lontaan, 1975: 259). Since late December 1942, Mempawah was under the authority of a Bun Kei Kai Ri Kan, a position equal to a wedana (head of a district) (www.kalbar.bps.go.id).

When the Japanese authority ended as Indonesia declared its independence in 17 August 1945, Mempawah Sultanate proclaimed integration with Indonesia and became an area in the administrative territory of the province of West Kalimantan. Mempawah Sultanate has not had political authority to run its government from then on, but the sultanate still practice some traditional rituals/ceremonies, for example Robo-robo, Naik Tojang, etc.

D.    Territory

Throughout its history, either when it was still a Dayak Kingdom or after it changed into an Islamic one, the center of administration of Mempawah Kingdom/Sultanate was moved several times in some places in Upper and Lower Mempawah, which are now located in the province of West Kalimantan. Some of the places are Bahana, Sidinian (Sangking), Pekana (Karangan), Senggaok, Sebukit Rama, Kuala Mempawah (Galah Herang), Sunga, and Pulau Pedalaman.

BERAU KINGDOM

A.    The History

The Berau Kingdom is different from other Kingdoms as its establishment was inspired by the common consciousness among the society to have their own Kingdom. Since the 13^th century, several settlements  which was called Banua had already existed in the Berau region. Every Banua was headed by a tribe leader who was responsible for several issues such as governance, tribal and religious matters. In the 14^th century, all leaders of Banua reached an agreement to unite under one Kingdom which will be ruled by one King. Thus, all Banua begun preparing for establishing a Kingdom. Name “Berau” was chosen from the name of region where the Kingdom was established.   

The Kingdom established in the Lati River, Gunung Tabur sub-district. The first King installed was Addit Dipattung with title  Aji Raden Suryanata Kesuma. He was married to Baddit Kurindan with title Aji Permaisuri. Aji Raden was popularly known among Berau people for his wisdom and caring toward the condition of his people. He ruled the Kingdom for 32 years, from 1400 A.D to 1432 A.D. During his era, he made a significant move by uniting several Banua such as Banua Merancang, Banua Pantai, Banua Kuran, Banua Rantau Buyut, and Banua Rantau Sewakung. His name was used as part of Rayon Military command of VI/TPR, which is Korem 081 Aji Suryanata Kesuma (ASN) that centers in Samarinda.   

By the 17^th century, the Dutch colonialist invaded the Berau Kingdom. The Dutch used traders of VOC (Verenigde Oost Indische Compagnie) for entering the land. As a result of the political system “devide et impera” (political disunity), the Berau Kingdom was divided into two parts, Gunung Tabur Sultanate and Sambaliung Sultanate. The coming of Islam to the Kingdom through the prominent Ulama, Imam Sambuayan, also marked its division. The center of Islam was in Sukan Village. The articles on the two aforementioned Sultanates will be presented in different sections. 

B.     The Kings of Kingdom

As mentioned above, the first king who ruled the Berau Kingdom was Aji Raden Suryanata Kesuma. His rule lasted for 32 years beginning from 1400 A.D to 1432 A.D. Unfortunately, the data on the Sultans who had ever became in the top position of the Berau Kingdom do not suffice. 

C.    The Kingdom Period

In its development, through the Indonesia parliamentary decision in 1960, the two Sultanates, Tabur and Sambaliung were dismissed. Then, both are included in the parts of the Berau District. The last Sultan of Sambaliung, Sultan Muhammad Aminuddin, was installed as the first regent of Berau. The Berau district is part of East Kalimantan province. The central government of Berau is in Tanjung Redep, located along the Berau River. This region is 32.700 km² in width and populated by about 75.000 people. The native tribe of Berau district is Banua tribe who mostly live in Bangun and Bebanir village.  

KUTAI KARTANEGARA SULTANATE

History

Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura is a sultanate located in area known as Tenggarong, East Kalimantan Province. It is estimated to stand in the 1300s AD (14th century) and has been removed in 1960. However, the Sultanate was back to exist in 2001 with appointing the King who holds the title of Sultan Haji Aji Muhammad Salehuddin II.

A.    Historical Interaction with Majapahit Kingdom

The history of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate can not be separated from the establishment of Kutai Kingdom. The existence of Kutai Kingdom has been known by discovering seven inscriptions (stone pillar) called yupa in East Kalimantan. All those yupa written in Sanskrit and used Pallawa letters that were commonly used in the 5th century AD in the commandment of King Mulawarman. Comparing between the letters in inscriptions of Kutai Kingdom with the Pallawa letters originating from India it predicted that Kutai Kingdom had established in 4-5th century AD.

Henceforth, scientific and comprehensive study that focused on the relationship between Kutai Kingdom and Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom - now known as Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate - has never been finished. There is missing link between the establishment of the kingdom which laid adjacent to each other and become hot topic among archaeologists and historians. However, both the archaeologists and historians agreed that there are many historical correlations between Kutai Kingdom and Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom.

Kutai kingdom is located at the side of Mahakam river, to be precisely at Muara Kaman, while the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom is on more to its estuary or known as Kutai Lama near Samarinda city. The location is chosen due pragmatic issues and logical choices. Firstly, Kutai Lama is an area which traversed by Mahakam River which functionally as a trade route. Secondly, the area of ​​Muara Kaman (Kutai Lama) is widely known for its fertile soil for agricultural aspect.

The period of the establishment of the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom is still being debated among archaeologists and historians. According to the historical records, it could be identified that the first reign of King that ruled Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom was between in 1300-1325 AD. Eiseuberger in Amir Hasan Kiai Bondan’s book, Suluh sejarah Kalimantan in Soetoen (1975), stated that the first King ruled Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom was between in 1380-1410 AD. On the other hand, its name was written in the book of Negarakretagama in 1365 AD. Finally, Ibn Batuta wrote on his notes that Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom has existed in 1304-1378. According to these records, the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom should have been founded in the 14th century AD.

The name “Kutai” comes from the Chinese language "Kho Thay" which means “a big country”. While “Kartanegara” means "to have the rules". So the meaning of Kutai Kartanegara is "big country has the rules". At the first, the name of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate is Kutai Kartanegara kingdom. The name of Kutai Kartanegara kingdom was used to differentiate from Kutai Kingdom. The founder of Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom was Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti, a young man from the area which known as Jaitan Layar.

Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti had been ruled until 1320 AD. After his death, the King of Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom was Aji Batara Agung Paduka Nira (1320-1370 AD). He had 7 children, 5 male and 2 female. Of the five male, only two of them who seem most prominent, Maharaja Sakti (the eldest boy) and Maharaja Sultan (the fifth boy).

After Aji Batara Agung Paduka Nira died, the reign of Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom was not handed over his eldest son, Maharaja Sakti, but handed over Maharaja Sultan. The decision of appointing Maharaja Sultan as the King of Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom was a collective decision of seven brothers. On the other hand, all his brothers were still in charge as the ministers of kingdom.

Maharaja Sultan had ruled the kingdom in 1370-1420 AD. In this reign, he attempted to make a close relationship with Majapahit Kingdom in Java. Maharaja Sultan and Maharaja Sakti made their visit to Majapahit Kingdom to learn about its customs and procedures of the system of government.

Majapahit Kingdom which was ruled by Hayam Wuruk welcomed the arrival of Maharaja Sultan and Maharaja Sakti. The two sons of Borneo were treated like guests and been taught about the customs and procedures to manage Royal government. When learning Majapahit Kingdom was finished, the two siblings were returned to Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom to apply their knowledge from Majapahit Kingdom.

The interaction between both kingdoms were led to a relationship which affected to each other. On one side, Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom had the Hinduism effect from Majapahit kingdom. On the other hand, the Majapahit Kingdom got its own position in Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom as the capital, and Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom is a conquered country. To emphasize this recognition, Majapahit kingdom put a governor as a representation of the recognition of their power over Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom. Therefore, the Hindu religion influenced the environment and became the official religion in Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom.

B.     The presence of Islamic religion in Kutai kingdom

In the reign of Aji Raja Mahkota (1525-600 AD), Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom had an arrival by two Islamic scholars from Makassar, Tuan Ri Bandang and Tunggang Pararang. As it was told in Salasilah Kutai , the intention of their arrival was to spread Islamic religion by inviting Aji Raja Mahkota to embrace Islam. At first their invitation was rejected by Aji Raja Mahkota under statement that the official religion in Kutai Kartanegara is Hindu.

Because the diplomatic way by inviting Aji Raja Mahkota to embrace Islam has been rejected, Tuan Ri Bandang finally decided to go back to Makassar and leave Tunggang Pararang in the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom alone. As the final way, Tunggang Pararang offered a challenge to Aji Raja Mahkota to complain if Aji Raja Mahkota lose, then he had to embrace Islam. However, if he won then Tunggang Pararang would devote his life to his Kingdom.

Aji Raja Mahkota approved the challenge. Finally, there was held supernatural power combat between Aji King Crown and Tunggang Pararang. As the result, Aji Raja Mahkota was defeated. In addition, for the consequence of the defeat, he eventually converted to Islam. Since he converted and became Muslim, the influences which affected through interaction with Majapahit Kingdom was fade and changed slowly with the new influences of Islamic Religion. Most of people who still choosed to embrace Hinduism were eliminated and gradually moved to the suburbs of the kingdom area.

C.    From Kingdom to Sultanate

The development of Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom located near to Kutai Kingdom and much older than Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom in Muara Kaman did not initially cause significant friction. However, when the kingdom was controlled by Aji Pangeran Sinom Panji Mendapa ing Martadipura (1605-1635 AD), there was a major war between these two kingdoms. At the end of the war,  these two kingdoms merged into one kingdom with the name Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Kingdom. The first King of this new kingdom is adalah Aji Pangeran Sinom Panji Mendapa ing Martadipura (1605-1635 AD).

In the reign of Aji Pangeran Sinom Panji Mendapa ing Martadipura, the influence of Islam which had been signed since the reign of Aji Raja Mahkota (1525-1600 AD) has deep roots. Islam was very influential in the government system of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura kingdom. The indication of Islamic influence reflected by creating the Constitution known as "Panji Salaten" which consists of 39 chapters and also the rules which called "Undang-Undang Beraja Nanti" which contains 164 articles. Both of the laws contain rules which was based on Islamic law.

The first King who used the title "sultan" is Aji Sultan Muhammad Idris. He was the son in law of Sultan Wajo La Madukelleng, a nobleman from Bugis in South Sulawesi. At that time, the people of Bugis were fighting against VOC (Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie), Sultan Wajo La Madukelleng were asking the help from Aji Sultan Muhammad Idris and it was granted. Some contingent by Aji Sultan Muhammad Idris was departed to South Sulawesi to help Sultan Wajo La Madukelleng. In that effort, Aji Sultan Muhammad Idris died.

During the leaving of Aji Sultan Muhammad Idris to South Sulawesi, the throne of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate was held by the trusteeship council. But when he was died, there was a sudden seizure of power between two princes of Aji Sultan Muhammad Idris, Prince Aji Imbut and Prince Aji Kado.

In the early struggle for the throne, Prince Aji Imbut was pressured by Prince Aji Kado and ran to Sulawesi, to the land of his grandfather, Sultan Wajo La Madukelleng. Prince Aji Imbut gathered strength to attack Prince Aji Kado which now occupy the capital of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate located in Pemarangan, because the capital of the Sultanate has been moved from Kutai Lama to Pemarangan since 1732.

Prince Aji Imbut finally attacked Prince Aji Kado in Pemarangan. Supported by the people of Wajo and Bugis, Prince Aji Kado has been defeated and the throne of the Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate was occupied by Prince Aji Imbut with the title Aji Marhum Muhammad Muslihudin (1739-1782 AD). While Prince Aji Kado was sentenced to death and buried at Jembayan island.

D.    Colonial Influence in Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate

Around the 16th century, Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate has been conquered by Banjar Sultanate who led by Prince Samudera (1526-1545 AD). Its status as the region under Banjar Sultanate delivered Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate into Vassal region of Dutch East India Company colonies. The transition of power occurred in 1787 after Sultan Tamjidillah II signed the transition of power over the regions conquered by Banjar Sultanate as the compensation for the Dutch as they their help to fight Prince Amir.

The content of the agreement between Sultan Tamjidillah II with Dutch Government were, "The Sultan of Banjar kingdom to hand over all the land to the Dutch Government, among them will come back as a loan. What remains to Dutch Government, are: Bumbu Land, Pagatan, Pasir, Kutai, Berau, Bulongan, and Kotawaringin". Through this agreement, Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate became one of areas conquered by Netherlands since 1787 in a de facto . The transition power under Banjar Sultanate to Netherlands was happened when Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Kingdom under the reign of Aji Sultan Muhammad Salehudin (1782-1845 AD).

The transition over Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate from the Banjar Sultanate to the Government of Netherlands, is basically still de facto (not de jure) considering the sultan of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate has never involved into direct sign of the transition. Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate only accepted the transition of authority as Banjar Sultanate conquered consequence.

In 1825, as the effort of G. Muller, resident of Banjarmasin, Sultan Aji Muhammad Salehudin was officially signed an agreement with the Government of Netherlands (1782-1845 AD). The content of the agreement stated that the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate recognizes Government of Netherlands as his lordship, the sultan should hand over his court affairs, custom office, tax from Chinese, gold mining tax, and others. As the compensation, the Government of Netherlands gives 8000 gulden per year to the sultan. Since the signing of this agreement, the Government of Netherlands put a civiel gezaghebber (civil authority), H. van Dewall, in Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate.

In 1871 the central government of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate moved from Pemarangan to Tenggarong when it was ruled by Aji Sultan Muhammad Muslihuddin. The reason of this moving was the security threats, as the pirates from Sulu began to disrupt the territorial waters of Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate.

Dutch influence lasted until Japanese came in 1942. During the Japanese occupation there were not significant changes in the Sultanate government system. Japan still maintained the form of self-government of Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate in which it was ruled by Aji Sultan Muhammad Parikesit (1920-1960), the Sultan chosed to cooperate with Japanese. This was based on Japan's brutal acts by killing around 300 people of Pontianak Sultanate family as they did not cooperate with the Japanese.

E.     Abolition of Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate

End of Japanese colonial rule was marked by the Proclamation of Independence of Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 1945. In 1947, Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate whose status of autonomous regions inserted into the territory of the Federation of East Kalimantan, together with Bulungan, Sambaliung, Mount Tabur, and Pasir by forming Sultanate Council. On December 27, 1949, the Sultanate Council incorporated into the Republic of Indonesia. Then in 1953, the Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate converted into Kutai Special District through the Emergency Law No. 3 of 1953 become autonomous district level.

Under Law no. 27 of 1959 on "Establishment of Level II Areas of Borneo", the Special Region of Kutai was divided into 3 Kutai regencies, namely:

1.      Regional Level II Kutai with the capital of Tenggarong

2.      Municipality of Balikpapan with the capital of Balikpapan

3.      Municipality of Samarinda with the capital of Samarinda.

On January 20, 1960, APT Pranoto as the Governor of East Kalimantan, on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs of Republic of Indonesia inaugurated three person as the head of the Regional Level II, one of them is Raden Aji Padmo as the District Head of Level II Kutai. One day later, January 21, 1960, at the Hall of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate in Tenggarong, held Special Session of the Provincial House of Representatives of Kutai Special Region. The main purpose of this event is transferring the government from the Head Chief of the Special Region of Kutai, Sultan Aji Muhammad Parikesit to Raden Aji Padmo as the District Head of Level II Kutai, Captain Soedjono (Mayor of Samarinda), and AR Sayid Mohammad (Mayor of Balikpapan). With the transfer of government means the Government of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate under Sultan Aji Muhammad Parikesit was ended.

F.     The Awakening Era

In 1999, the regent of Kutai Kartanegara, Syaukani Hasan Rais made an effort to revive the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate. This effort was pursued with the reason to promote tourism as well as to keep the cultural heritage. This effort was succeed in 2001, due the Government of Republic of Indonesia whose President Abdurrahman Wahid allowed and recognized re-establishment of Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate with the appointment of the Prince, H. Aji Pangeran Praboe Anoem Soerya Adiningrat. Later on September 22, 2001, H. Aji Pangeran Praboe Anoem Soerya Adiningrat was appointed as the sultan of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate with the title of Sultan Haji Aji Muhammad Salehuddin II.

KUTAI MARTADIPURA, THE FIRST KINGDOM IN KALIMANTAN (BORNEO)

History

Kutai Martadipura is patterned Hindu kingdom in the archipelago which has the oldest historical evidence. The kingdom was located in Muara Kaman, East Kalimantan, precisely in the Mahakam river upstream. Kutai name is taken. Kutai name given by experts to take from place names found inscriptions indicating the existence of the kingdom. There are no inscriptions that clearly mentions the name of this kingdom, and indeed very little information can be obtained.

The yupa (inscription)

The information is obtained from Yupa / inscription in the sacrifice that comes from the 4th century. There are seven pieces yupa which became the main source for experts in interpreting the history of the Kingdom of Kutai. From one of these yupa known that the king who ruled the kingdom of Kutai time was Mulawarman. His name is recorded in yupa because of his generosity menyedekahkan 20,000 cows to the Brahmins.

King Mulawarman

Mulawarman are children of Aswawarman and grandchildren of Kundungga . Name Aswawarman and Mulawarman are very thick with the influence of Sanskrit when viewed from the way of writing. Kundungga is the magnifying of the Kingdom of Campa (Cambodia) which came to Indonesia. Kundungga itself allegedly have not embraced Buddhism.

King Aswawarman

Aswawarman is probably the first king who figured Hindu Kingdom of Kutai. He is also known as the founder of the dynasty of the Kingdom of Kutai Wangsakerta so given the title, which means forming a family. Aswawarman has 3 sons, and one of them is Mulawarman. Son Aswawarman is Mulawarman. From yupa known that during the reign of Mulawarman, Kingdom of Kutai its moment of glory. Territory covering almost the entire region of East Kalimantan. People Kutai prosperous and affluent life.

Socio-economic life of the Kingdom of Kutai

Judging from the location of the kingdom of Kutai in trade and shipping route between the West and East, the trading activity seems to be the main livelihood. People Kutai has been actively involved in international trade and trade of course they also get to the waters of the East Java Sea and Indonesia to look for merchandise that sold well in the International market. Thus, Kutai has included a stopover area of international trade, namely the Straits of Malacca, Java Sea-Makassar Straits-Kutai - China, or vice versa.

Culture & Beliefs Kingdom of Kutai

Kutai community cultural life is closely related to belief / religious affiliation. Yupa is one of the Kutai culture, which is a stone monument which is the ancestral heritage of Indonesia from the Megalithic era, namely the form of menhirs.
One yupa it mentions a sacred place by the name Waprakeswara (place of worship of Lord Shiva). It can be concluded that the community's religious Kutai is Shiva (Hindu).

The ended of this kingdom

Kutai kingdom of ends when the King of Kutai named Maharaja Setia Dharma killed in battle at the hands of King aquatic mammal to-13, Aji Prince Panji Mendapa Anum. Keep in mind that this Kutai (Kutai Martadipura) differs from aquatic mammal kingdom whose capital was first located in Kutai Lama (Cape Kute). Kukar is, in the year 1365, mentioned in the Java literature, Negarakertagama . Kutai Kartanegara further into the Islamic empire called the Sultanate of Kutai Kartanegara (Kesultanan Kutai Kartanegara).
Kingdom of Kutaias if it did not appear again by the outside world because of lack of communication with foreign parties, until very little is heard of him.

The name and culture affect

Name of Maharaja Kundungga interpreted by historians as the original name of the Indonesian people who have not been affected by the name of culture India. Meanwhile, son named Asmawarman alleged to have affected the culture of Hindu. This one is based on the fact that the word comes from the language Sangsekerta. Word 'Warman' is typically used to the last names of people or inhabitants of South India.

THE SULTANATE OF GUNUNG TABUR

1.      The History

The Sultanate of Gunung Tabur was a part of Berau Kingdom. The Sultanate of Gunung Tabur, together with Sambaliung Sultanate, had united under the control of Berau Kingdom. The origin of disharmony dates back to the seventeenth century, when the Ducth colonialists penetrated to the Berau Kingdom and passed off as trader of VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie). In 1810 C.E., the Dutch colonialist implemented “devide et empera” system (political disunity) that brought Berau Kingdom into pieces. The devastation of this kingdom was in line with the coming of Islamic religion to Berau that brought by Imam Sambuayan. The center of Islamic spreading was taken place on Sukan village, Berau district, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. 

The Sultanate of Gunung Tabur was located on Berau district, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The historical records that proved the existence of the sultanate was Gunung Tabur`s palace. The design of the palace had been ruined actually since world war II. But, the structure of the palace could be acknowledged from its historical traces. This palace was taken place in front of the Sambiliung palace; the Gunung Tabur`s palace was situated on the edge of Sagan River while the Sambaliung`s palace was located on the edge of Kelay River.

The archeological remains, besides the palace, are Gunung Tabur`s Keraton (a kind of palace). This keraton faces Sambaliung Keraton that separated by Berau River. This place turns out to be museum of Batiwakkal that could be reached around 20 minutes through Segah bridge or three minutes by ketinting. This museum was constructed in 1990 and had been legitimated in 1992. This museum stores 700 valuable collections: historical heritage, ceramics, archeological remains, ethnographies, and manuscripts. Recently, this museum become an interested tourism object that visited by many tourists. All visitors are also permitted to see the resident of Putri Keraton Gunung Tabur.

2.      The Kings of the Kingdom

The Sultans of Gunung Tabur Sultanate read as follows:

1.      Zainul Abidin II bin Badruddin (1820-1834 C.E.)

2.      Ayi Kuning II bin Zainul Abidin (1834-1850 C.E.)

3.      Amiruddin Maharaja Dendah I (1850-1876 C.E.)    

4.      Hasanuddin II Maharaja Dendah II bin Amiruddin (1876-1882 C.E.)

5.      Si Atas (1882 C.E.- ...)

6.      Maulana Ahmad (...-1921 C.E.)

7.      Muhammad Khalifatullah Jalaluddin (1921-1951 C.E.)

8.      Aji Raden Muhammad Ayub (1951 – 1960 C.E.)

Note: There were a number of sultans with their ruling periods that could not be written here because no written record survived to this time.

  

3.      The Kingdom Period

The Sultanate of Gunung Tabur had been founded since it was taken apart from Berau Kingdom (1820 C.E.) and reunited to Berau governmental district in 1960 C.E. It means that the sultanate had been existed for nearby one and half centuries. In 1960 C.E., the Gunung Tabur Sultanate, together with Sambaliung Sultanate, eliminated by Indonesian parliamentary decision. After that, the Gunung Tabur Sultanate turned into Gunung Tabur sub-district, Berau district, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The system of the government was not based on the sultanate models, but changed into Indonesian governmental system.

4.      The Kingdom Territory

Before being part of Berau district, the authority of Gunung Tabur Sultanate territories covered the districts that are now known as Gunung Tabur sub-district.

SAMBALIUNG SULTANATE

1.      The History

Gunung Tabur was part of Berau Kingdom. The origin of disunity dates back to the seventeenth century, when the Ducth colonialists penetrated to the Berau Kingdom and passed off as trader of VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie). In 1810 C.E., the Dutch colonialist implemented “devide et empera” system (political disunity) that brought Berau Kingdom into pieces. The rupture of this kingdom was in line with the coming of Islam to Berau brought by Imam Sambuayan. The center of Islamic spreading was located on Sukan village, Berau district, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. 

The first Sultan who ruled the Sambaliung Sultanate was Raja Alam with his title “Alimuddin” (1830-1836 C.E.). Before the founding of this sultanate, Raja Alam was actually the first sultan of Batu Putih Sultanate that founded in 1830 C.E. By 1834/1836 C.E., the name of Batu Putih had turned into Tanjung, and finally in 1849 C.E. changed for the second time into Sambaliung. Even though the historical founding of the sultanate was beginning in 1830 C.E.

In the ninth generation of Berau Sultanate (no written records can be founded), Aji Dilayas had two sons with different mothers; the first son was recognized as Pangeran Tua and the second son was known as Pangeran Dipati. Since that time, Berau Sultanate had been ruled in succeeding by the Pangeran Tua and Pangeran Dipati‘s descendants. In history, these facts were sources of different opinions that, some times, filliped into dispute. Based on that genealogy, Raja Alam was grandson of Sultan Hasanuddin and great-grandson of Pangeran Tua, or the thirteenth generation of Aji Surya Nata Kesuma (the first King of Berau Kingdom).

Raja Alam was acknowledged as the fighter of the sultan toward Dutch colonialists. In September, 1834 C.E., he led his troops to fight against the Dutch colonialists at sea nearby Batu Putih. The Dutch claimed that Raja Alam was an accessory with the sailors of Bugis and Sulu from South Mindanao which was brought to instability of Makkasar strait. As a result, during years 1834 to 1837 C.E., he had been captured and exiled to Makassar. Under his alienation, the authority of  Tanjung (Batu Putih) Sultanate was given to Sultan Gunung Tabur by the Dutch, and the executor of the sultanate was Pangeran Muda from Kutai, a family member of Raja Alam‘s wife. On September 15, 1836, Raja Alam came back to Berau, after the demanding of Aji Kuning Gunung Tabur had approved by Dutch.

After returning from the alienation, Raja Alam still had an ambition to fight against the Dutch colonialists. In fact, the Dutch had been persuading him for seven years to change his mind and stop his struggling against colonialism, but the persistency of Raja Alam was strongly enough. The Dutch then backed down. In 1844 C.E., the Dutch acknowledged the existence of Tanjung Sultnate. However, Raja Alam refused this declaration. According to him, the acceptance of Dutch‘s declaration signed that the sultanate was ready to be controlled by the Dutch colonialists. He believed that Islamic jurisprudence had prohibited to appoint the infidels (Dutch Government Colonialism) as his leader.

As an honor of his struggle and meritorious service,  Raja Alam‘s name was used as Battalion‘s name of 613 that located on Tarakan city. Through presidential decree No.007/TK/1999 of Augustus 13, 1999, the Indonesian president determined him as national‘s prominent figure who had right to achieve award “bintang jasa” of Indonesian  government. But, his award as national hero is still hard-fought by the local government of East Kalimantan in order to be approved soon by the central government. 

The written records could prove the existence of the sultanate and the castle of Sambaliung which was located on the edge of Kelay River, Sambaliung sub-district, East Kalimantan Province. This palace is now becoming a museum which recognized as one of the interested tourism places in East Kalimantan. This museum recorded historical heritages of Sambaliung Sultanate. There was also unique collection: two poles of ulin carved by original letter of Bugis tribe that placed in front of the yard of museum. This collection was believed as heritage of the followers of Raja Alam who came from the Bugis Wajo descendants. The letter that written on the wooden pole was the rules of the people when they passed through the palace.

2.      The Kings of the Kingdom

In succeeding years, the list of Sambaliung Sultans, even thought the data of their rules were not completed yet, read as follows:

1.      Raja Alam (1830-1836 C.E.)

2.      Bungkoh (18...-18...C.E)

3.      Muhammad Jalaluddin bin Alam (18...-1849 C.E.) 

4.      Muhammad Hasyik Sharifuddin bin Alam (1849-1869 C.E.) 

5.      Muhammad Adil Jalaluddin bin Muhammad Jalaluddin (1869-1881 C.E.) 

6.      Abdullah Muhammad Khalifatullah (1881 C.E.-...) 

7.      Bayanuddin bin Muhammad Jalaluddin (1881 C.E.-...)

8.      Datuk Ranik (...-1921 C.E.) 

9.      Muhammad Aminuddin (= Datuk Ranik) (1921-1960 C.E.) 

3.      The Kingdom Period

The authority of Sambaliung Sultanate was founded since 1830 to 1960 C.E. It means that the sultanate had been established for nearly one and half centuries. In 1960 C.E., the Sambaliung Sultanate, together with Gunung Tabur Sultanate, was obliterated by Indonesian parliamentary decision. After that, the Sambaliung Sultanate turned into Sambaliung sub-district, Berau district, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The ruling system of Gunung Tabur was not based on the sultanate models, but changed into Indonesian governmental system.

4.      The Kingdom Territory

Before being part of Berau district, the authority of Sambaliung Sultanate territories covered the districts that are now known as Sambaliung sub-district.  

5.      The Socio-Cultural Life

When Raja Alam controlled the sultanate, the social life of Sambaliung Sultante was peaceful, secure, and there were no social conflicts triggered by tribes, ethnics, and races. Since that time, actually, the Sambaliung society consisted of various tribes such as Banuwa (Berau), Basap, Bajau, and Bugis. Raja Alam had succeeded to unify these tribes. In addition, all tribes that settled in Sambaliung, including Dayak Kenyah, Modang, and Punan in Kelay River, had united and fought to defend their territory from Dutch‘s attack.

According to the census of  population 2005, the population of Sambaliung sub-district was 22.279 people. Every year, the population of Sambaliung increased 1,4 percent in average. The 40 percents of these population were new comers, while the rest of them were the inhabitants of Sambaliung. The large number of new comers was caused by the plenitude of natural resources such as mine coal, agriculture, plantation, fishery, and forestry harvests. Therefore, some of Sambaliung population occupied those livelihoods to this time.