Sambaliung Palace

Sambaliung Palace: The Grand Traces of a Sultanate on the Banks of the Kelay River

Sambaliung Palace is not merely an old building standing on the banks of the Kelay River; it is a living monument that records the ebb and flow of power, colonial diplomacy, and the local wisdom of the Berau people in East Kalimantan. As one of the most prominent historical sites in Berau Regency, this palace stands as a silent witness to the division of power in the land of Batiwakkal and the perseverance of its leaders in safeguarding sovereignty amidst the pressure of European influence.

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Historical Origins and the Division of the Berau Kingdom

The history of Sambaliung Palace cannot be separated from the significant event in the 19th century: the division of the Berau Sultanate. Before 1810, the Berau region was ruled by a single sultanate. However, due to internal political dynamics and the "divide and conquer" (devide et impera) political influence exerted by the Dutch East Indies government, the Berau Sultanate was eventually split into two political entities: the Gunung Tabur Sultanate and the Sambaliung Sultanate.

The Sambaliung Sultanate officially stood as an independent entity with its first ruler, Sultan Alimuddin, better known by the title Raja Alam. The palace that stands today in Sambaliung District was the center of government built to assert the existence of this new sultanate. Its strategic location at the confluence of rivers facilitated the monitoring of trade routes and water transportation, which were the lifelines of the people of Kalimantan at that time.

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Architecture: A Blend of Ulin Wood and Malay-Coastal Aesthetics

Architecturally, Sambaliung Palace exhibits strong characteristics of traditional Kalimantan wooden buildings, yet it bears touches of colonial and Malay influences. The primary material used is ulin wood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), also known as ironwood, renowned for its resistance to extreme weather and water. The use of ulin ensures the building's structure remains robust despite being over a century old.

The palace is built in a stilt house style with high supporting pillars, a clever adaptation to the flood-prone geographical conditions of the riverbanks. Its roof is a hip roof, a characteristic feature of noble buildings in the Nusantara. One of the most striking details is the presence of fine carvings on the eaves and windows, which combine typical Dayak floral motifs with Malay geometric patterns.

The color yellow dominates the exterior of the building, symbolizing the glory and dignity of the royal family in Malay-Nusantara tradition. At the front of the palace, a wide wooden staircase leads directly to the main reception hall or balairung, where the sultan once received honored guests and held customary meetings.

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The Important Role of Raja Alam and Resistance Against the Colonizers

The name Sambaliung Palace will always be synonymous with the figure of Sultan Alimuddin, or Raja Alam. He was known as a local hero who fiercely opposed Dutch interference in the internal affairs of the sultanate. Raja Alam rejected various treaties that were deemed detrimental to the people of Berau, especially concerning the monopoly of trade in forest and sea products.

As a result of his resistance, Raja Alam was exiled by the Dutch to Makassar in 1834. However, his spirit was not extinguished. His courage in defending Sambaliung's sovereignty made him a symbol of the Berau people's resistance. The palace also served as a base for consolidating strength for his loyal followers during times of conflict with the colonial government. The presence of wooden inscriptions written in Arabic-Malay script within the palace complex serves as authentic evidence of the lineage and legitimacy of power of the Sambaliung Sultans.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

For the people of Berau, Sambaliung Palace is a spiritual and cultural center. As devout Muslims, the sultans used the palace as a center for spreading religion. Around the palace, Islamic values blended harmoniously with local customs. One tradition that is still preserved today is the Manutung Jukut (fish burning) ceremony and the celebration of Berau Regency's anniversary, which always involve customary processions at this palace.

Inside the palace, various valuable artifacts with sacred significance are kept. There is the sultan's throne, ceremonial attire woven with gold thread, traditional weapons such as kris and spears, and antique household items made of Chinese and European ceramics. This collection demonstrates the extensive trade and diplomatic networks that the Sambaliung Sultanate forged during its golden age.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Sambaliung Palace has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site by the Indonesian government. Given its primary material is wood, the main challenges in its preservation are decay and termite infestation. Several restoration efforts have been undertaken by the local government in collaboration with conservation experts to ensure the original structure remains unchanged.

Although it has transitioned into a museum, the palace is still inhabited by the sultan's descendants who act as custodians of tradition. This adds value for tourists, as they can interact directly with the royal family and hear historical accounts firsthand. The surrounding environment of the palace is also arranged with beautiful gardens, making it a leading educational historical tourist destination in East Kalimantan.

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Unique Facts and World Heritage

One unique fact about Sambaliung Palace is the presence of preserved crocodiles within the palace complex. According to local legend, there is a mystical connection between the sultan's family and the rulers of the river (crocodiles), reflecting local wisdom in maintaining the balance of nature between humans and river predators.

Overall, Sambaliung Palace is a representation of the identity of the Berau people. It is not just a magnificent ulin wood building, but a symbol of the resilience of a cultural identity that has endured through the royal era, the colonial period, to the modern era of today. Visiting this palace means retracing the almost forgotten traces of maritime and diplomatic glory on the northern coast of Kalimantan.