Jakarta – Before becoming a unitary state, the region of Indonesia consisted of many large and small kingdoms. According to historical records, the first kingdom in Indonesia existed since the 4th century AD. The kingdoms in the archipelago had different characteristics, namely Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic. The establishment of kingdoms in the past is evidenced by the discovery of inscriptions and manuscripts, as well as written sources from other nations. So, what is the oldest kingdom in Indonesia?
The Oldest Kingdoms in Indonesia
Quoting the book “Sejarah Nasional Indonesia: Masa Prasejarah Sampai Masa Proklamasi Kemerdekaan” by M. Junaedi Al Anshori and the book “Sejarah 2” by Sardiman, here is the list of the first kingdoms that emerged in the Archipelago:
- The Kutai Kingdom
The Kutai Kingdom is believed to be the first kingdom to have existed in Indonesia. Based on inscriptions found around the Mahakam River, Kutai, East Kalimantan, this kingdom has existed since the 4th century AD and is Hindu in nature because it used Pallava script and Sanskrit language.
The first king of Kutai was Kudungga. The throne was then passed down to his son, Aswawarman. The kingdom reached its peak during the reign of Mulawarman, the grandson of Kudungga. He was known as a wise and kind-hearted king. His government and people were also safe and prosperous. - The Tarumanegara Kingdom
Around the 4th and 5th centuries AD, the Tarumanegara Kingdom was established. The existence of this kingdom is evidenced by the discovery of seven inscriptions in several regions: the Ciaruteun Inscription, the Kebon Kopi Inscription, the Jambu Inscription, the Pasir Awi Inscription, and the Muara Cianten Inscription in Bogor, West Java; the Tugu Inscription in Cilincing, Jakarta; and the Munjul Inscription in Lebak, Banten.
The use of Pallava script and Sanskrit language on the inscriptions is believed to indicate that the Tarumanegara Kingdom had Hindu characteristics. On the Ciaruteun Inscription, the imprints of King Purnawarman’s two feet and an inscription stating that he was a brave leader were found.
The description of Purnawarman as a wise king who greatly cared for the prosperity of his people is also inscribed in the Tugu Inscription. This is evidenced by the excavation of the Gomati River, which is 12 km long and was made into a canal to the Bekasi River (Candrabhaga River) to store water and prevent flooding. - The Ancient Mataram Kingdom
The existence of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom is indicated by an inscription found in Canggal Village, Magelang. This Pallava-script inscription dates back to 732 AD and indicates that the kingdom, whose territory was centered in Central Java, was Hindu in nature. The inscription informs that Mataram was located on a rice-rich island called Jawadwipa, ruled by King Sanna. He ruled wisely, prioritized the people’s interests, and his region was fertile and prosperous.
After the passing of King Sanna, the kingdom experienced a decline and the people faced hardships. When the nephew of King Sanna ascended the throne, namely King Sanjaya, Mataram regained its glory. Information about King Sanjaya is contained in the Kedu Inscription or Mantyasih Inscription and the Parahyangan Book. - The Kingdom of Srivijaya
In the mid-7th century, the Kingdom of Srivijaya was established in Sumatra after conquering the Kingdom of Tulang Bawang in South Sumatra and the Malay Kingdom in Jambi. The power of Sriwijaya is evidenced by a number of inscriptions and written sources from China, India, Malacca, and Persia.
The inscriptions that have been found, among others, mention the sacred journey and the success of Dapunta Hyang in conquering several regions, the curse against those who do evil and the conquest of the Tarumanegara Kingdom by Sriwijaya, and the maintenance of the safety of the people who obey the kingdom.
Descriptions from various inscriptions using Pallava script and the Malay language state that Sriwijaya was a great kingdom in the archipelago that became a center for education and the spread of Buddhism, and its life depended on the sea. - The Kingdom of Perlak
In Aceh, the Kingdom of Perlak was established in 840 AD. Evidence of its existence is found in the book Idharul Haqq by Abu Ishak Makarani Al Fasy, the book Tazkirah Thabakat Jumu Sultan As Salathin by Sheikh Syamsul Bahri Abdullah Al Asyi, and the records of Sayyid Abdullah Ibn Sayyid Habib Saifuddin regarding the genealogy of the kings of Perlak and Pasai.
Evidence shows that Sayid Abdul Aziz, who was titled Sultan Alaiddin Saiyid Maulana Abdul Aziz Syah, was the first king of Perlak. Through the Islamic History Seminar in Medan in 1963 and in Banda Aceh in 1978, Perlak was confirmed as the first Islamic-oriented kingdom in the homeland. Perlak experienced a decline caused by governmental instability due to competition among members of the royal family. Finally, many traders redirected their business activities to other regions. - The Samudera Pasai Kingdom
The Samudera Pasai Kingdom was established to replace the Perlak Kingdom, which was on the verge of collapse. The local ruler named Meurah Silu was assisted by Sheikh Ismail from Makkah succeeded in uniting the regions of Samudera and Pasai into a kingdom. - In 1285, Meurah Silu became the first king of Samudera Pasai, titled Sultan Malik Al-Saleh. He married the daughter of the ruler of Perlak, Princess Ganggang Sari or Princess Raihani. Finally, Perlak united with the Kingdom of Samudera Pasai.
- The kingdom experienced rapid progress during the reign of Malik Al-Tahir II. (1326-1348). The relationship with the Islamic kingdoms in India and Arabia was very close through trade activities. Decline was experienced since the reign of Sultan Malik Al-Tahir III. In 1521, Samudera Pasai was finally conquered by the Portuguese.
- The Majapahit Kingdom
Majapahit was founded by Raden Wijaya in 1293 AD, who also became the first king with the title Kertarajasa Jayawardana. The establishment of the kingdom is evidenced by the Prasasti Gunung Butok, Kidung Harsawijaya, Kitab Negarakertagama, and Pararaton.
King Kertarajasa Jayawardana ruled justly, bringing peace and prosperity to his realm. After his passing, his son Jayanegara ascended the throne in 1309. Since his reign, Majapahit began to be troubled by a number of rebellions.
The kingdom reached its peak of glory during the reign of Patih Gajah Mada, almost conquering and uniting the entire archipelago. Progress also occurred in the field of literature with the compilation of several reference books.
Majapahit experienced a decline during the reign of Wikramawardana, the son-in-law of Hayam Wuruk. Civil wars frequently occurred, weakening the government and causing many regions to secede.
