Malige Palace

Malige Palace: The Grandeur of Architecture and Symbol of Buton Sultanate's Sovereignty

Malige Palace is one of the most iconic historical heritages in Bau-Bau City, Buton Island, Southeast Sulawesi. As the former official residence of the Sultan of Buton, this building is not just an ordinary wooden structure, but a physical manifestation of the philosophy, social structure, and civilization's progress of the Buton Sultanate in its era. Standing firmly in the Buton Keraton area, Malige Palace is a silent witness to the transition of power and the resilience of the Buton people's culture in facing the currents of colonialism.

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Historical Origins and Construction Period

The Malige Palace that stands today on Jalan Putih Melati, Bau-Bau City, is a replica and representation of the former palaces of the Sultan of Buton. The construction of the structure we see now is specifically linked to the reign of the 37th Sultan of Buton, Muhammad Hamidi (1928–1937). However, historically, the concept of "Malige" has existed for centuries as a center of government.

The name "Malige" itself originates from the local language, meaning "Mahligai" or palace. Unlike palaces in Java which often use stone or brick materials, Malige Palace maintains the maritime and agrarian traditions of the Buton people by using wood as the primary material. Its construction reflects the glory of the sultanate that was able to unite various ethnic groups in the Southeast Sulawesi region under the "Martabat Tujuh" law, an ancient constitution that governed the administration and community life.

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Architectural Uniqueness: A Nail-Free Marvel

One of the most captivating aspects of Malige Palace is its construction technique. The building is constructed entirely without the use of iron nails. Traditional Buton craftsmen and architects use a system of interlocking "pasak" (pegs) and "pen" (tenons). This technique not only demonstrates technical intelligence but also provides structural flexibility against the frequent earthquake tremors in the region.

Malige Palace is a three or four-story stilt building, depending on the interpretation of its roof structure. The main materials used are high-quality teak wood and rumbia wood. Visually, the building is rectangular and elongated, symbolizing a sailing ship—a tribute to Buton's identity as a seafaring nation.

The building's structure is divided into three main parts that reflect the anatomy of the human body: the feet (support pillars), the body (living space), and the head (roof). The palace's support pillars are not planted into the ground but are placed on stone pedestals, which aim to prevent wood rot due to soil moisture.

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Construction Details and Symbolism

Every element in Malige Palace has symbolic meaning. The number of support pillars, reaching dozens, reflects the number of settlement units or districts under the Buton Sultanate. On the roof, there are "Dragon" and "Pineapple" ornaments. The pineapple symbolizes independence and the ability to grow anywhere, and its thorny skin protects its sweet flesh—a symbol of the Buton people's defense. Meanwhile, the dragon symbolizes power, grandeur, and diplomatic relations with foreign empires, including influence from China.

The palace interior is divided into several rooms with very specific functions. The first floor is usually used for receiving general guests and as an open meeting room. The second floor is a private space for the sultan's family, while the third floor is used as a place for meditation, storage of heirlooms, or a room for the sultan's daughters undergoing the "Posuo" period (seclusion).

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Historical Significance and Related Figures

Malige Palace is closely associated with Sultan Muhammad Hamidi. He is known as a visionary leader who was able to maintain a balance between the sultanate's traditions and the demands of the Dutch colonial era. Under his leadership, Malige Palace became a center of diplomacy. The Buton Sultanate has a unique history because it was never physically colonized by the Dutch through warfare, but rather through relatively equal political agreements, thus preserving the original government structure until the mid-20th century.

Historical events often associated with this location include the inauguration ceremony of the Sultan and important meetings of the "Sara Kidina" (Religious Council) and "Sara Pangka" (Government Council). It was here that the Martabat Tujuh law was enforced, stipulating that a Sultan could be dismissed if he violated the constitution, indicating that Buton had a parliamentary democratic system long before the modern concept entered the archipelago.

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Cultural and Religious Importance

The Buton people highly uphold Islamic values, and this is reflected in the spatial arrangement of Malige Palace. The orientation of the building and the arrangement of its spaces always consider values of modesty and privacy according to Sharia. The palace also serves as a central point for various traditional ceremonies, such as "Pekande-kandea" (a communal feast) celebrating the return of heroes or distinguished guests.

The existence of this palace affirms Bau-Bau's identity as the "City of Fragrance" (Prosperous, Charming, Friendly, Clean, Safe, Memorable). For the local residents, Malige is not just a tourist attraction, but the "soul" of their identity pride as descendants of a sovereign nation.

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Preservation and Current Status

Currently, Malige Palace has been designated as a national Cultural Heritage site. The Bau-Bau City Government, along with the Cultural Heritage Preservation Center, regularly undertakes conservation efforts. Given that its primary material is wood, the biggest challenges are decay and termite infestation. The last major renovation was carried out to ensure the building's structure remains stable without losing its original material authenticity.

Today, Malige Palace functions as a museum housing various sultanate artifacts, ranging from ceremonial equipment, traditional attire, to historical photographs of the Sultans of Buton. Visitors can directly witness the past's magnificence and feel the atmosphere of the Buton nobility's life.

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Unique Facts about Malige Palace

One rarely known unique fact is that the design of Malige Palace does not have ceilings in some parts to allow for natural air circulation, yet it remains cool even in the hot coastal region. Additionally, the placement of its windows is arranged in such a way that the Sultan could observe the situation outside without being clearly visible from below, an effective traditional security strategy.

With all its grandeur and philosophical value, Malige Palace stands as a monument to local intelligence. It is a reminder that Nusantara architecture possesses a depth of meaning equivalent to magnificent buildings in other parts of the world, built with local wisdom to harmonize humans, nature, and God.