Berau

History

History of Berau Regency: Traces of Sultanates on the Northern Coast of Kalimantan

Origins and Era of Sultanate Glory

The history of Berau in East Kalimantan began with the existence of the Berau Kingdom, founded around the 14th century. According to historical records, the first ruler who unified this region was King Raden Surya Nata Kesuma, who reigned from approximately 1377 to 1426. The center of his government at that time was in Sungai Lati. Berau possessed unique geopolitics due to its strategic location on the northern coast, making it an important trading port for bird's nest commodities, forest products, and gold.

In the 18th century, a significant political fragmentation occurred. Due to internal conflicts and the influence of colonial politics, this large kingdom was divided into two sultanates in 1810: the Sultanate of Gunung Tabur and the Sultanate of Sambaliung. Sultan Muhammad Zainal Abidin ruled Sambaliung, while Sultan Muhammad Khalifatullah Kaharuddin led Gunung Tabur. This division left an architectural legacy that still stands today, namely the Sambaliung Palace and the Gunung Tabur Palace, separated by the Segah and Kelay Rivers.

Colonial Era and People's Resistance

The presence of the Dutch in Berau began to strengthen after the signing of a political contract in 1834. The Dutch were highly interested in Berau's natural resources, especially the coal potential in the Teluk Bayur region, which began to be massively exploited by the company Steenkolen Maatschappij Parapattan (SMP) in 1913. The presence of this mining industry changed Berau's demographics with the influx of labor from Java and Sulawesi.

During the Japanese occupation (1942-1945), Berau experienced a dark period. However, the spirit of nationalism continued to burn. Local figures like Sultan Muhammad Aminuddin of Sambaliung were known for their firm stance against the colonizers. Berau's connection to national history became closer as local figures began to align their movements with the independence struggle in Java.

Independence Era and National Integration

Following the Proclamation of 1945, there were political dynamics in Berau regarding its territorial status. Through diplomatic and military struggles, both sultanates eventually declared their union with the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Based on Emergency Law No. 3 of 1953, the special region status was abolished, and Berau officially became Berau Regency under the Province of East Kalimantan. This transition period was led by the first regent, Jayadi, who laid the foundation for modern administration.

Cultural Heritage and Modern Development

Berau possesses exotic cultural wealth, such as the traditional ceremony of Be’mbe and the ritual of Buang Nahas. The coastal communities of Berau are also known for their traditional martial arts and the Dalling dance, which reflects the cultural assimilation of the Dayak, Banjar, and Bajau tribes. Besides the palace sites, the existence of royal burial complexes in Gunung Tabur serves as a silent monument to past glories.

Today, with an area of 21,214.42 km², Berau has transformed from a mining center into a world-class marine tourism destination. Its long history as a coastal region open to the outside world has made the people of Berau inclusive, yet they remain steadfast in holding onto the traditional roots of the Batiwakkal Sultanate in building the future of northern Kalimantan.