Indonesian Palaces

Mangkunegaran Revitalisation Funds to be Disbursed in April

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:16:00 +0000

TEMPO Interactive, Surakarta – The Surakarta Spatial Planning Office will revitalize the Mangkunegaran cultural heritage area in the near future.

Funds of Rp 20 billion will be disbursed in April 2010.

“The funds come from the central government,” said the Head of the Surakarta Spatial Planning Office Yob Nugroho yesterday.

Besides the Mangkunegaran revitalization funds of Rp 20 billion, the office will also receive Rp 2.5 billion to help revitalize the Radya Pustaka Museum.

According to Yob, the Mangkunegaran revitalization will involve a team composed of representatives of the Keraton (royalty), the heritage community and the Central Java Archeological Conservation Center (BP3).

“We have already formed the team,” he said.

Right now they already made a priority of the buildings to be repaired in the revitalization process, among them the Pura Mangkunegaran room, the library, the Pamedan Court, and the Kavalerrie-Artilerrie building.

AHMAD RAFIQ

Source: Tempo Interactive

Solo Launch Kirab Boyong Kedaton

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:12:00 +0000

Solo - The "Kirab Boyong Kedaton" (Boyong Kedaton Carnival) to commemorate the 265th birthday of SOlo City, Wednesday, was lavishly received by Solo local community. The crowd gathered along the Slamet Riyadi Street to watch the procession.

The major of Surakarta, Joko Widodo, and the vice major of Surakarta, FX Hadi Ruyatmo, wore Javanese traditional cloth, participated in the procession on horse back. The other participants were dancing along the street. The procession reflected the move of Keraton SUrakarta to the Sala/Solo village and the supreme values of the nation. The procession was started not from Kartasura but from the west bank of the city and ended in the Surakarta City Hall.

A couple of art works was performed at the procession by the students of various schools in Solo, as well as students and lecturers at Institut Seni Indonesia Surakarta and some artists from several art workshops in Solo.

The participants also took Gamelan Sekaten, Gamelan Cara Balen, Gamelan Monggang, Gamelan Kodok Ngorek, and Gamelan Slendro and Pelog. There were also around 80 dancers and 100 santris plaed rebana, shadow puppet and mask dancers. The four sumbols of the Kartasura Palace were also took part in the procession, namely Gunungan Lanang and Wadon, Panggung Songgobuwono, Mahkota Keraton dan Canting Raja Mala. (Is)

Written by Ismanto, from various sources
Photo source: google.com at Kompas.

Ternate Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:35:00 +0000

Ternate Palace has become a museum since the Dutch East Indies colonial government (1916). However, Ternate Palace still function as a palace for the Sultanate of Ternate and Ternate residents even if only symbolically. Traditional ceremonies are often held in this court until now. Ternate residents also still honor the descendants of the Sultan of Ternate, which is considered sacred or having an efficacy that protects people from Gamalama eruption.

In 1976, after extensive renovations with funding from the Department for Education and Culture and the province of Maluku, Sultan Ternate Palace Museum is integrated with the Directorate of Museums. Soon after that, relatives of Ternate Palace occupies the building back. This had been complained of by the Director General of Culture at that time, Dr. Haryati Soebadio, because officially the Sultanate of Ternate no longer exist.

Historical Background

Ternate and the other islands in the Maluku Islands have become the dreams of European sea explorers in the 15th century. At that time the European spice merchants got difficultes to get spices for sale in the European market. Strong Ottoman Empire hamper spice distribution channels through the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and Egypt.

The Spanish and Portuguese authorities are willing to pay for sea explorers to find a sea route to the islands of spice, which was then known as “Maluku” (Molluca Islands) or “Spice Islands” (Spice Islands). The islands were believed to be the production center of clove, nutmeg and pepper. They hoped that with the discovery of sea routes and the production center, the spice trade in Europe did not have to depend on the land route which had been hampered.

On August 10, 1519, five ships led by Ferdinand de Magellan set out from Seville, Spain, in order to sail directly to the Maluku Islands to the west. Magellan had “around the world” by taking the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Magellan finally killed by a native tribe of the Philippines after trying to convert them with violence.

Three of the five ships in the fleet was burned. One of the remaing two Magellan vessels, Trinidad, made it to Ternate under Sebastian del Cano, while the other ship, Victoria, reached Tidore (Hendrik Willem van Loon, 2008:203, 204). Sebastian and Victoria and crew of 18 people safely got home to Spain and gave a report on five islands in the Moluccas, the Ternate, Tidor (Tidore?), Molir, Machiam, and Bachian (Bacan?) (Lord Stanley of Alderley, 2001: 31).

Ternate by Tome Pires

The initial report of Victoria was in accordance with the Tome Pires reports, travelers from the Portuguese who set out from Malaka to Maluku in about 1513. Pires mentioned the name of the fifth island clove producer in North Maluku, namely Ternate, Tidore, Motir (Motes), Machiam (Maqujem), and Bacan (Pacham). Pires also said that among the five islands, the island of Ternate was the most important.

Pires also provides a description of the state of North Maluku at that time. According to Pires, wild clover also encountered at Jailolo port (Jeilolo) on the Jailolo island (Jeilolo). Religion of Islam, which by Pires referred to as “Mohammedanism”, already existed in the region fifty years before the arrival of Pires. The five king of the island had been converted to Islam. The population of the islands are almost always at war with each other (Tome Pires et al., 1990:213).

Not only Portguese people who want to control Maluku. Dutch East India Company tried to conquer the Maluku Islands by using different methodes. One of them is the divide et impera (divide and break-mastered) tactic. With this method, the Company seeks to destroy the local communities by helping one party and ignore the other party. In North Maluku, the Company provided assistance to the Sultan of Ternate who want to expel the Portuguese colonies in the region (Cristina Jayme Montiel & Noraini N. Noor [eds.], 2009:87).

In Ambon, Central Maluku, Duct East India Company had occupied Portuguese’s fort. In Ternate, they managed to buy the right to destroy the clove plant periodically. Soon they managed to control a monopoly in Ternate, Tidore and the other Moluccas islands. The locals tried to fight that bloody war broke, lasted from 1641 until 1646 (Maarten Roy & Dianne Webb, 2005:118).

Current Ternate Palace

Long before the ships of Magellan, Tome Pires and the Dutch East India Company arrived in North Maluku, on the island of Ternate has stood up a kingdom called the Sultanate of Ternate. Ternate at first stood as a kingdom in the year 1257, then turned into the empire that is influenced by Islam in the year 1486. First Sultan was Sultan Zainal Abidin. However, Ternate Palace that can be seen up to now only built in 1810 by Sultan Muhammad Ali.

In the palace built with the European Renaissance style is saved several historic heritage although only a few, among them the hat and shield granted by the Portuguese in 1510, a hat given by Governor-General Jan Pieter zoon Coen in 1618, the baton of command the Sultan of Ternate, and others.

One of the regalia of the most respected by the people of the Sultanate of Ternate is the crown of Ternate. It was said that there is hair in this crown that grew longer each year and should be cut. The crown is now not displayed to the public, but stored in a special room. In the 1980s and 1990s, the visitors often bring water bottle and mat. They do worship outside the room where the crown is stored. After that they brought home the bottle that is believed to have obtained good luck and can cure various diseases (Paul Michael Taylor, 1994:74-77).

The collection of the palace that are opened to the public include three staffs that allegedly sent as tribute by the Sultan of Mindanao, Sulu and Sabah. There is also a banner with a picture of the sovereign moon and stars symbolize male and female. The royal seal on the other side of this standard has been lost. While the guards hats helmets have also gone sultans - allegedly because taken by the relatives of guards.

Bibliografi

Cristina Jayme Montiel & Noraini N. Noor (eds.), 2009. Peace psychology in Asia. New York: Springer.

Hendrik Willem van Loon, 2008. The story of mankind. Charleston: BiblioBazaar, LLC.

Lord Stanley of Alderley, 2001. The first voyage round the world, by Magellan: translated, with notes and an introduction. Boston: Adamant Media Corporation.

Maarten Roy Prak & Diane Webb, 2005. The Dutch Republic in the seventeenth century: the golden age. London: Cambridge University Press.

Paul Michael Taylor, 1994. Fragile traditions: Indonesian art in jeopardy. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.

Tomé Pires, Armando Cortesão, & Francisco Rodrigues, 1990. The suma oriental of Tome Pires: an account of the East, from the Red Sea to China, written in Malacca and India in 1512-1515. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services.

Photo credit: indotim.wordpress.com

Kasepuhan Palace Cirebon

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Cirebon is a border area between two great cultures on the island of Java, the Javanese and Sundanese culture. As a border region, Cirebon culture is a “mixture” of these two great cultures. For example, Cirebon people can understand and communicate with Sundanese and Javanese. However, Cirebon apparently also absorbed influences from other cultures, such as China and the Netherlands (Europe), as shown in several historic buildings in this area.

Assimilation of different cultures makes Cirebon become a dynamic area. Moreover, since the days of maritime trade, Cirebon had held the role as a bridge between eastern and western part of Java Island. Merchant ships in the old days often stop at the port of Cirebon. In fact, Cirebon finally became an important producer region that produces a variety of profitable commodities such as shrimp and rebon (small shrimp).

Cirebon dynamics can not be separated from the factors of leadership in the region. According to the Babad Tanah Sunda, Cirebon has existed since the time of Hindus and was a part of the Kingdom of Siliwangi. The leader then called Ki Gedeng Tapa. After Islam came through the preaching of Sunan Gunung Jati, Cirebon region secede from the empire Siliwangi and was ruled under Prince Cakrabuana.

Center of the new royal government, which also became the center of the spread of Islam, was Pakungwati Palace, which was founded in 1529 by Prince Mas Mochammad Arifin II (one of his great-grandson of Sunan Gunung Jati) (pencil-adventure.com) - even though, according to other sources , the palace was founded by Sunan Gunung Jati (rujakuleg.blogsot.com).

Historical background

If only Sultan Agung Banten Tirtayasa did not interfere with the domestic affairs of the kingdom of Cirebon, the Pangkuwati Palace would remain the only center of government in the region of Cirebon. However, in the 17th century, the Banten Sultanate and the Mataram Sultanate had been competing over the control of the area east of Cirebon. By mastering Cirebon, Banten will then have the fort which was useful if Mataram took the initiative to attack Banten. At the very least, Cirebon will hamper the pace of Mataram forces and give time to prepare for Banten.

So, in 1677, Sultan Agung Tirtayasa crown Prince Wangsakarta to replace the king of Cirebon then just die, Panembahan Girilaya. In addition, Sultan Agung also sent troops to help Trunojoyo whom was at war with Amangkurat I of Mataram. With the help of Trunojoyo, the second son of Panembahan Girilaya successfully freed from Mataram and then returned to Cirebon. Since this period, Cirebon has three leaders, each of whom known as the Sultan Sepuh, Sultan Anom, and Panembahan Cirebon.

The first two leaders were the sons Panembahan Girilaya. His original name is Prince Sultan Sepuh Martawijaya, whereas the original name of Sultan Anom is Prince Kartawijaya. Meanwhile, Cirebon also had Prince Wangsakerta, whom became king of Cirebon with the full support of Sultan Agung Tirtayasa. The three leaders were Cirebon leaders. Each of them ruled in the center of their respective governments.

Although divided by foreign intervention, it seems that the leaders still respected the royal lineage that they gave the throne Pangkuwati Palace, the oldest seat of government in Cirebon, to the eldest son of the late Panembahan Girilaya, namely Prince Martawijaya. Because Prince Sultan Martawijaya assumed the title as Sultan Sepuh, then the name of the palace where he lived is called the Kasepuhan Palace.

Parts of the palace

The first impression when we enteris Kasepuhan area is an old building that is not well maintained. There is a lot of damage that had not been repaired. For example, roof tiles that sloping and not placed correctly, hanging in the roof timber, garbage is still visible in some places, the window that was already obsolete, and others (haribowo.multiply.com).

However, the tour guide at the Palace whom is also the Kasepuhan courtiers will be happy to accompany visitors and explain everything about this tourist attraction. This palace stores treasures accumulated since the 15th century, including weapons, porcelain, ceramics, furniture, and golden train Singo Barong (mypotret.wordress.com).

When we enter the courtyard, we have to going through the gates which are made of ornamented ceramics. These Ceramics were gifts from China. On the other yard, there is a hall-hall for the king, lord of war, religious leaders and a place to rest. Going deeper, there are two lion statues in the middle of a lace called Bunderan. Both statues symbolize that Cirebon is the successor kingdom of Pajajaran (wisatamelayu.com).

To see the deepest part of the palace, we will have to pass the gate, made of white walls. The door was decorated with Delft ancient-style, Netherlands (white-blue color), and Chinese (the dominant motif of green dragon). Interestingly, there is an inscription at the wooden part of this gate, “Buk Bacem". "Bacem" is a process of soaking the wood for building materials to measure its quality. In addition, this process is also useful for strengthening the texture of the wood. After soaking, then the wood is dried in the sun and carved or engraved. In accordance with its making, the wooden doors are named “Buk Bacem” (wikimu.com).

Inside the palace, there are some spaces (wards) for meeting of the court nobles. In addition to the king’s throne, in these wards are also stored replicas of the scarf that amounted to nine, which represents the number of Walisongo. One interesting artifact is an ornamented ceramics about the story of 25 apostles, in addition to the story of Cirebon Sultanate relationship with other kingdoms both in the nusantara Archipelago and other continents (rujakuleg.blogspot.com).

Current state palace

At the time of Indonesian independence, the Sultanate of Cirebon region became an integrated part of the Republic of Indonesia. In general, the areas in the Sultanate of Cirebon City include Cirebon city and Cirebon regency. Cirebon Sultanate no longer the center of the development of the central government and the Islamic religion. Nevertheless, the royal courts are still carrying out its role as a cultural center especially in Cirebon and nearby areas (Dani Prasetyo, 2009:76).

Reading list

Deni Prasetyo, 2009. Know the archipelago kingdom. Jakarta: Penerbit Pustaka Widyatama

Day, 2008. "Kasepuhan Cirebon", downloaded on December 15, 2009, available at http://hariwibowo.multiply.com/photos/album/40/Kasepuhan_Cirebon

Kasmidi, 2009. "Tour de Cirebon episode 2", downloaded on December 15, 2009, available at http://rujakuleg.blogspot.com/2009/01/tour-de-cirebon-episode-2.html

nn, nd, "Kasepuhan Keraton Cirebon", downloaded on December 15, 2009, available at http://www.potlot-adventure.com/2009/03/01/keraton-kasepuhan-cirebon/

Ton6312, 2009. "Cirebon", downloaded on December 15, 2009, available at http://mypotret.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/cirebon/

Ukirsari, 2007. "Baceman, not just for knowing Ian tempe", downloaded on December 15, 2009, available at http://www.wikimu.com/News/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3566

Photo credit: Potlot-adventure.com

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:05:00 +0000

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Maimoon Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:26:00 +0000

The Malay dynasty that once ruled the Sultanate of Deli was never recognized by the government of Republic Indonesia, nor it is cancelled by the law. During the restless time of the Indonesian Revolution (1945 – 1950), almost all of the royal family was slain by the mass. Among them was Amir Hamzah, the king poet of Pujangga Baru, one of the first literary movement in Indonesia. However, the dynasty’s pride, and once the symbol and the center of their existence, still remains.

Maimoon Palace stands on the east bank of Deli River and facing east. Its total estate is 217 x 200 m (approximately 2772 km2). Today it is a part of Aur Village, Medan Baru District, Medan City, 3 km from Polonia Airport and 28 km from Belawan Harbor. Stores and houses stretched along its southern side, while its northern side was bordered by Brigjen Katamso Street, an artery road of Medan City. The other artery road is Tanjung Meriam which stretched at the direction of the Deli River.

This palace is a landscape worth viewing. Little is changed with the palace’s architecture. The palace was dominated by yellow, a color associated with the throne among the Malays. 1 meter high iron fences surround Maimoon Palace. Before it stands, as is with the palaces of the Malays, a royal mosque, Al Masahun/Al Makmun Mosque. The mosque is also known as Mesjid Raya Medan (Medan Grand Mosque).

It was Sultan Ma’mun Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah, who was on the throne during 1873 – 1924, that built Maimoon Palace. The architect was an Italian (some says the architect was a Dutch named Th Van Erp) and the construction was finished in 26 August 1888. His Majesty’s reign was a historical period when Deli attracted many tobacco planters and businessmen. Deli tobacco was well-known for its high quality at the tobacco trading center in Dresden, Germany. Money and poured over the royal family of Deli, in contrast with the poverty of the laborers (known as coolie – kuli).

Parts of the palace
Maimoon palace consists of two floors and was divided into three parts, which are the main building, left wing and right wing. It has 40 rooms. There are 20 rooms over the court room and another 20 below the court room. The other rooms are toilets, buildings, kitchens, and underground prison. Its architecture is a combination of Islamic, Malays, Moghul, Middle Eastern, and European style.

The court, a 412 m2 hall in the main building, used to be the place of crowning ceremony of the sultan and the other custom ceremonies. On its walls are lines of the photos of the sultans and queens. This ornamented hall, most of which are Malay engravings, also stores regalia, such as kris, swords, royal umbrella, spears, tepak sirih (mug for chewing betel leaf) and so on.

This hall is also used by the sultan to accept honor by his people, royal family members, and envoys. Chandeliers lights the throne in the court room are signs of European influence. European influence also appears in the presence of chairs, toilet tables and cupboard as well as the rolling doors heading to the court and the tiles. In addition, the Dutch style was visible on the wide doors and windows, along with Spanish styled doors. Moreover, an epigraphy at the front part of the palace is written in Latin characters and uses Dutch language.

The Sultanate of Deli, however, was an Islamic-Malay kingdom, so that the presence of Islamic still is dominant. Islamic influence is visible with the presence of arcades at some parts of the palace’s roofs. This arc is known as “perahu terbalik” (stumbled boat) of Persian arc. This style is well-known throughout the Middle East, Turkish and India.

Socio-cultural value
The cultural value of this palace does not merely lies on its architecture but also on its layout. The palace was integrated with the mosque and the square. There are no walls dividing the palace with outside world except the low iron fences. It is believed that this integration was based on the mutual faith between the sultans and his people. The sultans believe that there would not be any harm to them from the people. This made the governance of the sultans more like cooperation with the people.

A sultan in Malay culture was recognized as merely a human being. However, there is a saying in Malay, “Sultan ditinggikan seranting dan didahulukan selangkah” (the sultan was heightened as tall as a branch and allowed to step a step before others). It means that the sultan, however a human being he is, still has to be respected and honored.

The myth around the palace
Just as Yogya Palce has its Ratu Laut Kidul (Queen of the South Sea) myth, so do the Maimoon Palace. The myth says that there was once a princess named Putri Hijau (Green Prince). The king of Aceh fell in love with her. He proposed a marriage but denied by the princess’ brothers. Soon a war broke. During the war, the brothers, Mambang Yazid and Mambang Khayali, each transformed into a dragon and a canon. The canon fired continuously toward the Aceh soldiers until it was broken into three parts. The three pieces still exist now and saved in Maimoon Palace, Sukanalu Village (Karo Land), and Deli Tua or Deli Serdang (Old Deli).

The myth was so popular among the locals that Maimoon Palace is also known as Istana Puteri Hijau (Green Princess Palace), while the canon is saved in a Karo styled house at the front right of the palace and considered as sacred.***

Photo credit: top-depart.com

Dalam Loka Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Sumbawa Island which is located at West Nusa Tenggara Province had been a dwelling place for mankind since Glacial Age (1 million years ago). It began its historical period since 14th century AD after establishing a relationship with the great kingdom Majapahit—ruled at that time by King Hayam Wuruk.

At the time, it was known that there existed a Hindu kingdom called Dewa Awan Kruing. This kingom had vassals, namely Jereweh, Taliwang, and Seran. The last Hindu king was Dewa Majaruwa, whom later converted to Islam after establishing a relation with the first Islamic kingdom in Java, Demak sultanate.

In 1623, Dewa Awan Kuning was conquered by Goa kingom from South sulawesi. The relationship between the two kingdoms was strengthened by marriages. In 24 December 1650, the king of Sumbawa, Mas Dini, married the princess of Tallo kingdom. In 29 June 1684, Mas Bantam, the founder of Dewa Dalam Bawa dynasty entitled as Sultan Harunnurasyid I (1674-1702), married the princess of Goa. The second son of Sultan Harunnurasyid I, Mas Madina, whom later was enthroned as king entitled as Sultan Jalaluddin Muhammad Syah I (1702-1723), married another princess of Goa. This cross-marriage might be considerd as political marriage between Goa kingdom, a powerful kingdom, and Sumbawa kingdom.

The Sumbawan king who built Dalam Loka Palace is Sultan Muhammad Jalaluddin Syah III (1883-1931), whom was the 16th sultan of the Dewa Dalam Bawa dysnasty. His Majesty was established as the ruler of Sumbawa with an act of the colonial government of Nederland Indie October 18th 1885. Since then the imperialism was hovering over Sumbawa.

Parts of the palace
The Sumbawa kingdom’s territory, according to Lange Politick Contract 1938, is appriximately 844km2, which geographically was a part of Sumbawa Island. The Dalam Loka Palace as its governmental center was considered to be located at the sekotong Village, Kota Sumbawa Besar, implies that the region had been long time a center for economic and governmental activities.

The Dalam Loka Old Palace was build at the time of Sultan Muhammad Jalaluddin Syah III in 1885. Before it stood, however, the Sumbawa kingdom had changed its palaces, some of which are Gunung Setia Palace, Bala Galong Palace, and Bala Sawo Palace. The Dalam Loka Palace served, besides placing the king in a high place, as a replacement for the Bala Sawo Palace which was burned down by an explotion.

Most of the materials for the Dalam Loka Palace came from the countries around the palace. Big teak woods were particularly came from the teak forest in Timung, while its zinc roofs came from Singapore. The leader for the construction was Imam Haji Hasyim.

Bala Rea (Graha Besar – Grand Court) which is located inside the palace complex was a twin stilt house supported by 99 teak pillars which symbolizes 99 names of Allah (Asma’ul Husna). Bala Rea faces straight to the town square at the south and the Sampar hill which is a cemetery of the royal ancestors. At the west of the square was the royal mosque, Nurul Huda Mosque, which preserves until now, and at the east is the Brang Bara River.

Bala Rea has many rooms with each has different function. Some of which are:

1. Lunyuk Agung, at the front part, is a place for meeting, reception, and other important rotal events.

2. Lunyuk Mas, is the special room for the queen, the wives of the ministers, and the other royal officials in the time of custom ceremony. It is located near Lunyuk Agung.

3. The west Ruang Dalam, consisted of long rooms from south to north as Repan (the king’s bedroom). They were separated from the praying room by mosquito nets. At the north of this room is a private room for the queen and her attendants.

4. The east Ruang Dalam, consisted of four rooms. They belong to the king’s sons and daughters that had married. At the north side is the maid’s room.

5. Court Room, located at the north part (at the back) of the Bala Rea. At night it is changed into a bedroom for the maids.

6. Kitchen, located near the dining room.

7. Bathroom, located outside the main room. It is a long room parallel with the king’s and the queen’s bedrooms.

8. Bala Bule, located right in front of the queen’s guest room (Lunyuk Mas). It is shaped as two story house. The basement which parallels Bala Rea is used to be the playing room for the sons and daughters of the king, while the first floor is used to be the place where the queen and the wives of the nobilities watch the event performed at the royal square.

There were the other places important for the palace, but none of them are still remaining, such as Keban Alas (the royal garden), Bala Buko (gates of the palace), and Bale Jam (the clock house), a special place where the royal bell was stored.

The palace now
The palace is had been turned into a museum named Museum Dalam Loka and being restored.***

Surosowan Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:26:00 +0000

One can only see this palace’s shape through archeological reconstruction. The building is no longer complete. The only parts remaining are the ruins of its walls and traces of its square rooms’ foundation. Long time ago, this palace was the most important place for Banten people. Here lived the sultans of Banten, since Sultan Maulana Hasanudin (1552) to Sultan Haji who was on throne in 1672-1687.

It was the second sultan, Sultan Maulana Hasanudin, who ordered the building of this palace in 1526. At first, the palace was called Kedaton Pakuwan. In the next years, it was said that the Surosowan Palace was rebuilt three times because it had been destroyed in wars. However, data from the excavation shows that there were two reconstruction phases (Permana, 2004).

The first destruction was in the time of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (1680). The palace was burnt down when the sultanate fought against the Dutch. The palace was rebuilt in 1680-1681 (R. Cecep Eka Permana, 2004). In 1808, the Surosowan Palace was destroyed by the Nederlandshe Indische colonial administration along with other palaces including Kaibon Palace where the mother of the sultan lived. It began when Du Puy, the General Governor Herman Daendels ordered Sultan Syafiudin to continue the construction of historic Anyer-Panarukan highway and the Dutch naval base in Teluk Lada in Labuhan. The Sultan firmly rejected. His Majesty even beheaded Du Puy and gave his head to Daendels. The Governor, in great anger, then destroyed Banten Palaces.

Historical bakcground

The main evidence for the existence of Banten Sultanate was ancient manuscript by Pangeran Wangsakerta of Cirebon, dated 17th century. The other evidence was two envoys from Banten Sultanate, Kiai Ngabehi Wira Pradja and Kiai Abi yahya Sendana, to London.

In 16th and 17th century, Banten was growing rapidly. Its port, 2 kilometers away from the government center in Old Banten, was one of the routes for merchants from Gujarat (India), Chinese, Malay, Portuguese, and the Dutch. When Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa was on the throne, Banten was known as pepper exporter. The spices attracted many merchants from different countries who then came and even stayed in Banten. It was evident that here, there are many old building, most of them more than a hundred year of age, such as temples, Old Banten mosque, and traces of Arabian, Indian, and Chinese villages.

Reconstruction of Surosowan Palace

Surosowan Palace lies near the Banten Grand Mosque at Banten Village, Kasemen district, Serang Regency. The mosque itself is a pilgrimage tourism destination.

Surosowan Palace has double meanings. It was a dwelling place for the sultan and his family and also the other royal-related persons as well as the center of the kingdom. In line with the city planning in Javanese culture, Surosowan Palace was the center of the city of Banten. As such, the town square was stretched on the north of the palace, the Grand Mosque was on the west, the Karangantu Market was in the east, and the port was on the north (Permana, 2004).

Surosowan Palace was looked like a strong Dutch fortress with bastions (corner of a diamond-shaped fort) at its four corners. Its total territory was approximately 3.8 acres. The walls were standing 2 meters high surrounding the palace. The three stairways at the front were made of red bricks and rocks, with red parallelogram tiles. There were also a barrack for the royal officers that was called Gedong Ijo.

This palace was equipped with a bath pool for the princess, known as Roro Denok. It still has water now. In the middle of the pool was a resting placed called Bale Kambang. The architect was apparently familiar with clean water filtering technique. It was supposed that there was six water tap at the back of the palace. The taps was made of yellow copper so that they acquired the name of Pancuran Mas (Golden Fountain). While Roro Denok was a bathing place for the princess, Pancuran Mas was for the royal officers.

The palace’s water source was Tasik Ardi Spring, 2.5 kilometers away. Before the water was used for drink, it had to pass three filtering (pengindelan). There were three processes, each was known as Pengindelan Putih, Pengindelan Abang, and Pengindelan Mas. The spring is now still extant and has been one of the tourist attractions at Old Banten, even though its debit is much smaller. However, parts of the terracotta pipes made of clay are covered with soils and streets.

It appears that the palace was connected with the sea by canals because there was a Jembatan Rante at the front of the palace, north of the Grand Mosque. This hydraulic bridge was stretched over the now narrowed canal. The bridge was probably served as a checking point for the ships that traveled in and out to the palace. The bridge was hauled over when a ship passes.

The palace now

The Surosowan Palace is almost completely buried under the ground. Its bricks and rocks are covered with mosses and the rooms only left the traces of their foundations. However, the Roro Denok still functions even though no longer the princess that bathing in the now dirty water, but kids who make it as their playing ground. Most of the parts are still buried. It was only a small part that had been resulted from some excavations by the Direktorat Perlindungan dan Pembinaan Peninggalan Sejarah dan Purbakala in 1967 (Permana, 2004).

Reading:

Anita Yoshihara, 2008. “Banten Lama, Tak Sekadar Ziarah”, dalam Kompas, 17 Mei 2008. available at http://www.kompas.com/read/xml/2008/05/17/14583674/banten.lama.tak.sekadar.wisata.ziarah and http://www.bantenbiz.com/visitbanten/50-banten-lama-lebih-dari-sekadar-wisata-ziarah.html retrieved at 28 Oktober 2009

Anita Yoshihara, 2008. “Kisah perlawanan dari Keraton Surowasan” available at http://cetak.kompas.com/read/xml/2008/09/26/01121864/kisah.perlawanan.dari.keraton.surosowan retrieved at 29 Oktober 2009

Anonim, 2008. “Situs Bersejarah Banten Lama”, available at http://www.koranbanten.com/2008/03/11/situs-bersejarah-banten-lama/ retrieved at 28 Oktober 2009

R. Cecep Eka Permana, 2004. “Kajian arkeologi mengenai keraton Surosowan Banten Lama, Banten. In Makara, Jurnal Sosial Humaniora, Vol. 8, No. 3, Desember 2004, available at http://www.google.co.id/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CAYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournal.ui.ac.id%2Fupload%2Fartikel%2F04_KAJIAN%2520ARKEOLOGI_Cecep.pdf&ei=TnrpSrbuJ9CNkAW5wN2JDw&usg=AFQjCNEKw_zucoXClPcsieA2NKZdDa36JA. retrieved at 28 Oktober 2009

Sulastri Soetrisno, 2007. “Sejarah Banten – indahnya peninggalan masa lalu.” available at http://www.indonesiamedia.com/2007/03/mid/sejarah/banten.htm retrieved at 28 Oktober 2009

Susi Ivvaty, 2004. “Menengok sisa kejayaan Kasultanan Banten”. available at http://www.indonesiamedia.com/2004/09/mid/budaya/budaya-0904-banten.htm retrieved at 29 Oktober 2009

Balla Lampoa Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:02:00 +0000

Balla Lampoa Palace was formerly the palace of the king of Gowa Kingdom. The palace was located at Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province. It has a big rumah panggung (raised stand) shape. In fact, in Makasaresse Balla Lampoa means big house or grand house. It was made entirely of woods which gives an impression of dominant brown color. However, this old palace still looks firm.

Historical background

Balla Lompoa Palace was built in 1826 at the time of the 33rd King of Gowa, I Mangngi-mangngi Daeng Matutu. There were two kings that lived in the palace, I Mangngi-mangngi Daeng Matutu and the 34th king, A Idjo Daeng Mattawang Karaeng Lalolang Sultan Muhammad Kadir Aidir. Before the building of this palace, the former king, Andi Makkalau, used his dwelling place in Kumala street, Makassar, as a palace. When I Mangngi-mangngi was on the throne, all of the kingdom regalia were transferred from Andi Makkulau’s palace to the new palace.

The royal kingdom now no longer has control over their ancestor’s heritage. Kompas (8/11/2008) reported that the descendants of the 36th king of Gowa were forced to leave by the city police. This was considered as a disrespect action. While the Regent of Gowa contended that custom house Balla Lompoa belongs to the Regency of Gowa, there is no official transfer from the royal family to the government.

Becoming Museum

The Balla Lompoa Palace is 1 acre complex that was bordered by high walls. The entire building was made of ulin woo or besi wood as well as its roof. Hence, the palace was strong against climatic changes. The main building’s architecture was that of Bugis, a stage house, with more than 2 meters stairways to ascend unto the terrace. The terrace was used to be the place to welcome guests or chat. Another Bugis builing characteristic is the many windows which this palace also has, 0,5 x 0,5 in each window.

The palace is now has been transformed into a museum. The interior was ivied into two main parts, i.e. the 60 x 40 meters court and the 40 x 4.5 meters terrace. There are three rooms, 6 x 5 each, in the court. The first room was the private room of the king, where a throne was place in the middle of it. The second served as storage for regalia, such as crown, the king’s umbrella, clothes, royal flag, an so on, and the last one is the royal room, while the other room at the back is the room of the queen’s and her family.

Curiously: if a visitor enters this palace, he will be welcomed with a dinner table covered with red cloth. However, there is nothing behind the red cloth, because there is only a blank white dish. In the past, the table was used to receive guests.

Some of the collection in this palace are crown, necklace, keris, and other items which were usually made of pure gold an furnished with diamond, ruby, or pearl. The average weight of the collections was 700 grams, and some even can reach 1 kilogram. Beside the jewelry, there are 10 lances, keris, 7 lontar manuscript, and two Al-Qurans written in 1848.

There is actually another palace locate in the complex, that is Tamalate Palace. It was located next to Balla Lompoa Palace. However, it is not the original palace left by the former king, but the replica of the mythical Tamalate Palace which was said to exist in 13th century and had been the first king’s palaces. Now, it serves as a public building.

Source:

Kompas & Kompas

Matan-Tanjungpura Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:35:00 +0000

Matan place is one of the four palaces in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan Province. The other three palaces are Sukadana Palace (Sukadana District), Simpang Palace (teluk Mlano District), and kendawangan Palaces (Kendawangan Palace). Matan Palace itself located at Muliakerta Village. Generally, the palaces sites in Ketapang Regency were not complete sites. The sites of Matan Palaces were formerly a complex of Matan Palace, big house and the Cemetery of the kings of Tanjungpura.

The Sultanate of Matan was the ancestor of the later Sultanate of Tanjungpura. The history of the Sulnatane of Matan can be divided into two periods, Hindu period and the periode after the coming of Islam.

Hindu Periode

At the time of King Brawijaya reigned in Majapahit, the crown prince of Majapahit, Prabu Jaya, was exiled by his brothers to Kandang Kerbau in Matan. The crown prince was then married a Dayak princess, Dayang Putung, and build a kingdom in Kuala Kandang Kerbau. They had three sons:

Pangeran Prabu, titled Raja Baparung, the founder of the Sultanate of Sukadana (circa 1400 AD)
Gusti Likar, enthroned at Meliau
Prince Mancar, enthroned at the Sultanate of Tayan

After Raja Baparung died, his son, karang Tunjung, was enthroned in 1431. The life pattern of this sultanate at that time is agriculture and the sultanate was known as the Sultanate of Tanjungpura. In 1501, King Karang Tunjung died and was succeeded by his son, Panembahan Kalahrang. In the reign of this king, the Sutanate of Matan widened its territory so that it consisted of Tanjung Datuk, Tanjung Putting, Sintang, and Karimata, and had even made a trade relation with Majapahit.

In 1502, Panembahan Bandala was on the throne and the people’s life pattern had changed into maritime pattern. His successor was Sibiring Mambal, titled Pangeran Dibarok, because the crown prince, Giri Kesuma, was at that time still under age. Pangeran Dibarok ruled between 1538 – 1550 AD.

Islamic period

In 1550, at the time of Pangeran Giri Kesuma, who was the husband of Ratu Mas Jintan, the princess of the Sultanate of Landak, Islam was spreading across the Sultanate of Matan. The missionary was Syeh Husein. Pangeran Giri Kesuma then gave a title to the son of syhe Husein, Syarif Hasan, as Sultan Aliuddin. After Pangeran Giri Kesuma died, Ratu Mas Jintan was enthroned as a female queen titled Ratu Sukadana (Queen Sukadana).

The Dutch came to Sukadana in 1604 and fought a war with Queen Sukadana until the queen was replaced by another Queen, Panembahan Air Mala. In this periode also Adipati Kendal with his Mataram Expedition, attacked Matan (1622). Panembahan Air Mala was replaced by Sultan Aliuddin who also known as Sultan Muhammad Syarifuddin. Sultan Aliudin was the ancestor of the kings whom ruled the Sultanate of Matan-Tanjungpura afterward, namely:

Sultan Zainuddin (1830-1846)
Pangeran Mangkurat/Sultan Dirilaga (1846-1855)
Sultan Zainuddin II/Iradilaga
Pangeran Jaya Anom (1833-1845)
Haji Mohammad Sabran (1876)
Gusti Busrah
Pangeran Saunan (1924-1943)

Upheavals

At the time of Sultan Zainudin, Islam had been spreading fast all over the sultanate. Hence, His Majesty was called Amirulmukminin. His Majesty established relationships with the sultans of Brunei and Johor. However, his younger brother, Pangeran Agung, whom helped him operates the administration, once launched a coup d’etat so that the sultan had to flee to Banjar.

Other upheavals occurred in 1822, at the time of sultan Muazzin. The Dutch, in collaboration with the king of Siak and led by C. Muller, attacked Tanjungpura. His Majesty removed the capital Martalaya (now Tanjungpura).

At the time of Japanese occupation, the ruler of the Sultanate of Matan-Tanjungpura was Pangeran Mas. His Majesty, who had been schooling in other city, had modernized the palaces. But he was captured and his rule was over. The Japanese also abducted and killed many of the other royal family in West Kalimantan. This was known as Peristiwa Mandor (Manor Tragedy). Most of the kingdoms, including the Sultanate of Matan-Tanjungpura, were in the state of power vacuum until the creation of Swapraja government.

At the first years of the Physical Revolution (1945 – 1950), the Sultanate of Matan-Tanjungpura was governed by three princes who later transformed to be Majelis Pemerintahan Kesultanan Matan. At the time of BFO (the federation government of ex-Nederlandsch Indische), the Sultanate of Matan was subsumed to the Resident of West Kalimantan.

The Swapraja government later transformed into a kinship relation known as IKRAMAT (Ikatan Keluarga Kraton Matan).

Parts of the palace

In the beginning, the complex of Matan Palace was consisted of:

The Palace of Panembahan Gusti Muhammad Saunan: During the renovation by the Government of West Kalimantan Province, some elements were added into this palace. Its original roofs were made of coconut leaves of good quality, but the new roofs were considered too thin so that they will not last long.
Resident’s House: This building now serves as the office of Mulia Kerta Village Government.
Outside Post: This building is now gone.
Inside Post: This building is now gone.
Machine House: Only the floor is still exists.
The King’s Car Garage: This building now serves as the dwelling place of one of the royal family.
The Antelope Stable: It was a wired fenced surrounding the complex, but now is gone.
Prison: Now serves as storage for the woods used for the renovation.
Rice Barn: Near the garage, now is gone.
The Kings’ Bathroom: The trenches were bad and this building is gone.
The Town Square: During the renovation, the fences were added with elements different from the originals.
Kopel: This building had been renovated.
Rumah Bola: Now is gone.
Tennis Field: Now is gone, but the renovator built a new tennis court newar the town square.
Pillars: The remaining part is only the main pillar, while the supporting elements are gone.
The Gates of Matan Palace Complex: The remaining part is only the foundations.

There were also other sites outside the complex, namely Rumah Besar (Big House) and the Cemetery of the Kings of Tanjungpura. Rumah Besar was formerly the dwelling place of the king’s family, but now it looks rusty, while the cemetery had been renovated.

Source: R. Puspito Harimurti, ST., Istana-istana di Kalimantan Barat, n.d., no city, no publisher.

Palace in Diplomacy

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:46:00 +0000

Eight women and four men in Javanese costume danced to fast-tempo gamelan, (Javanese traditional music) played by musicians also wearing Javanese costume. Indonesia Channel 2009, a dance and music festival, was performed by 50 students from 31 countries who were granted 2009 Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarships from the Foreign Ministry.

The performance took place in the Mangkunegaran Palace, or Pura Mangkunegan, courtyard in Pamedan, Surakarta, Central Java, and was well-received by its audience on Sunday night. The artists performed at least nine Balinese, Sundanese and Javanese traditional dances accompanied by traditional music also played by the foreign students.

The performance - titled "One World, Diverse Culture, One Destiny"- showcased what the students had learned over nearly three months at various art workshops in Yogyakarta, Denpasar, Bandung and Surakarta.

Besides learning more about culture, dance and music, the students were also taught how to make batik and other crafts such as pottery.

"I can now make five batik motifs and six pottery objects," said a student from Azerbaijan, Leyla Haziyewa.

A student from South Africa, Moses Seemise, said his stay in Indonesia for the past three months had been an extraordinary experience.

"It has made me realize the importance of culture, and therefore I can appreciate my African heritage more," he said.

In his keynote speech, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said the event was a program developed to promote Indonesia's cultural wealth.

"Building international bonds through cultural activitie is very effective," Hassan said about the program.

The event was attended by 11 ambassadors and diplomatic staff from participating countries, as well as Indonesia's Foreign Ministry officials and the mayor of Surakarta.

The students also played the angklung and performed Michael Jackson's well-known "Black or White", encouraging the audience to join in. The students came from countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Singapore and other countries, however some people commented their costumes made them look very Indonesian. They also performed the Sundanese drum performance, Rampak Gendang, and displayed exceptional skill when playing Sundanese percussion instruments.

They also performed the Balinese Kecak dance and sang the Java-nese song, "Gambang Suling", with Balinese musical instrument accompaniment.

During their time in Indonesia, the 50 students were taught in a number of studios, such as the Mang Udjo Angklung studio in Bandung, Soerya Sumorat dance studio in Surakarta, Sekar Setaman studio in Yogyakarta and Semarandana arts studio in Denpasar.

A film producer who attended the event expressed his admiration for the performers.

"I couldn't believe they performed so well after only around three-months training. They could have been professionals they were so good," he told The Jakarta Post.

Yogyakarta Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:29:00 +0000

One of the well-known palace in Indonesia is Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat). Together with Solo Palace, it has been considered as the main pillar of Javanese culture, although “Javanese” here was a term still contested among many part of the Island.

Historic palace

The history of Yogyakarta Palace stretched back to 13 February 1755, when two factions of the Mataram kingdom sign Giyanti Treaty. The treaty decided that the kingdom was to split into two parts. Areas on the east side of Opak River would be Surakartan's and the wes side would belong to a new kingdom called Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. The first king of the kingdom was Pangeran Mangkubumi, who reign as Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. The two palaces (later they were split again into four palaces) develop cultures unique of their own and some said that they are actually contesting their cultures.

It is said that Pangeran Mangkubumi built his palace on the remnant of a pesanggrahan (a kind of castle). This pesanggarahan was used to be a resting place for funeral parade of the kings of Mataram that would be buried in Taman Makam Raja-raja Imogiri (The Mataram Royal Cemetery). Another version said that the kraton’s location was then a spring named Umbul Pacethokan which was located in a forest called Beringan. Before the completion of the building, Sultan Hamengkubuwon resided in Pesanggrahan Ambar Ketawang in the west side of the present kraton.

What often makes Yogyakarta people proud of their king’s palace is the fact that the palace played an important role in the Indonesian Independence struggle in 1945-1950. While Solo Palace clearly stood on the Dutch side, Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, then the king of Yogyakarta, issued Maklumat No. X 5 September 1945, recognizing that Yogyakarta is a part of newly born Republic of Indonesia. This is one factor why Yogyakarta’s place is important in Republic of Indonesia. After the Independence, Yogyakarta became a centre of learning (in fact, the city was known as students city) and culture city. The RI government also recognized Yogyakarta’s role and granted the kingdom a special status as Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta.

Parts of the palace

Yogyakarta Palace has seven main complex, namely Siti Hinggil Ler (North Court), Kamandhungan Ler (North Kamandungan), Sri Manganti, Kedhaton, Kamagangan, Kamandhungan Kidul (South Kamandungan), and Siti Hinggil Kidul (South Siti Hinggil) (hanomantour.blogspot.com). Each part has its own philospohy and history.

Siti Hinggil played an important role in the education history of Indoneisa. Siti Hinggil was the first campus for Universitas Gadjah Mada, the oldest university belonging to Republic of Indonesia. However, its main and traditional function is for the crowning of Sultan Pisowanan Agung, where Sultan will “sungkem” (pay tribute) on the big days such as Gerebek and Syawal. Here too lies Bangsal Manguntur Tangkil that bear the throne of the king, Dampar Kencono. The Dampar Kencono was placed in a straight line with Tugu on the north direction. It means that when the Sultan sit on his throne, he always remember his kawula (people).

Curiously: It is said that there is a secret room in the palace that only Sultan himself can enter. In this room, Sultan will communicate with Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the wife of all the sultan of Yogyakarta as well as the queen of the South Sea (Indian Ocean).

Outside the palace are stretched Alun-alun (field), both at the north and south side. Each was known according to each location. Therefore, Alun-alun lor is located at the north side. Wayang performance was held at regular time at the South Siti Hinggil. Each Alun-alun has their own beringin tree with its own name and was considered as the guardian of the Alun-alun.

Yogyakarta Palace also has another cultural heritage such as ceremonies, rituals, and historic and antique artefacts.

Kutai Kartanegara Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Indonesian Palaces) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:03:00 +0000

Since established in the 13th century, the Kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara had moved its capital for three times, and so did its palace. However, there is no record for the first and second capital, Kutai Lama and Pemarangan. Only in the 18th century did a Norwegian, Carl Bock, explored the Mahakam inland. In 1879, he drew an illustration of the court of Sultan A.M. Sulaiman palace. The palace was pictured as made of ulin wood with modest shape.

In 1936, the old palace was demolished and replaced by a stronger concrete building. For a time, though, Sultan Parikesit and his family stayed in the old palace. The contractor for the new palace was HBM (Hollandsche Beton Maatschappij) with architect Estourgie. Four years later, the palace was ready, but Sultan and his family moved there in 1938.

From royal palace to museum

After the Kingdom of Kutai government was ended in 1960, the new palace, 2.270 m2 total, Sultan resided there until 1970. In 25 November 1971, Sultan Sulaiman transferred his palace to the government of East Kalimantan, whom in turn transferred it to the Education and Culture Agency. Since then, the palace had been a museum named Mulawarman Museum.

The front part of the museum is guarded by Lembuswana sculpture, the royal emblem. Mulawarman Museum presents cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Kutai, such as the throne, sculptures, jewels, war equipment, royal bed, gamelan from Yogyakarta, ancient ceramics from China, and so on. Many of the collections were wrapped in yellow—colour related to royalty in many parts of the Malay culture: the throne and bed were yellow.

Curiously: Yupa epigraphy, a replica of the original Yupa in National Museum, Jakarta. Yupa is an epigraphy that was found in Brubus Hill, Muara Kaman district. Written in Pallawa scripts and Sanskrit language, this epigraphy is the first written evidence of Indonesian history.

In the palace complex too lied a cemetery for the kings and their family. Many of deceased’s Jirat, or tombstone, were made of besi wood which is a durable wood and decorated with Arabic scripts. Some of the sultan rest here are Sultan Maslihuddin, Sultan Salehuddin, Sultan Sulaiman, and Sultan Parikesit. It is only Sultan Alimuddin that had been buried outside, at his personal property in Gunung Gandek, Tenggarong.

The palace these days

In 22 September 2001, the crown prince H. Aji Pangeran Praboe Anum Surya Adiningarat was enthroned as the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara with title Sultan H.A.M. Salehuddin II. The re-establishing of the kingdom was an effort to preserve cultural heritage of the the Kutai kingdom as the oldest kingdom in Indonesia.