Matan Tanjungpura Palace

Matan Tanjungpura Palace: A Silent Witness to Civilization's Glory in Ketapang

Matan Tanjungpura Palace, located in Mulia Kerta Village, Benua Kayong District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, is more than just an old wooden building standing on the banks of the Pawan River. This site is a physical representation of one of the oldest kingdoms on the island of Kalimantan, the Tanjungpura Kingdom, whose traces have been recorded since the era of the Singasari and Majapahit Kingdoms. As the center of government for the Sultanate of Muhammad Jamaluddin, Matan Palace became a symbol of sovereignty, a center for the spread of Islam, and a hub for inter-archipelago trade on the west coast of Kalimantan.

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Historical Origins and Founding Period

Historically, the Tanjungpura Kingdom experienced several shifts in its center of government due to political dynamics and external attacks. The name "Matan" itself refers to the period when the center of power shifted from Sukadana to the Matan region. The current palace, also known as the Mulia Kerta Palace, was built during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Jamaluddin (1845–1924).

The construction of this palace marked an era of power stabilization after a long period of conflict with the Dutch colonialists and competition among local kingdoms. The choice of location on the banks of the Pawan River was not arbitrary; the river was the lifeline of transportation and trade, connecting the interior of Kalimantan with international maritime routes. This palace succeeded previous buildings that were destroyed or abandoned in the old Tanjungpura and Sukadana areas.

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Architecture and Construction Details

The architecture of Matan Tanjungpura Palace embodies the traditional coastal Malay style with subtle colonial influences. The building is dominated by the use of ulin wood (ironwood), known for its exceptional strength and resistance to tropical weather and termite attacks. The structure is a stilt house, an adaptation to the riverbank environment prone to flooding.

The color yellow dominates the facade, which in Malay tradition symbolizes glory, majesty, and the sultan's authority. One unique characteristic is the presence of the "Nine Gates" and intricate carvings of plant tendrils on the ventilation and pillars, combining Islamic aesthetics with local wisdom. Inside the palace, there is a main hall called the Balairung, where the sultan received distinguished guests and held traditional ceremonies. The roof construction uses neatly arranged wooden shingles, giving an impression of grandeur while maintaining a cool interior.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Matan Palace played a vital role in the political map of West Kalimantan in the 19th century. This site witnessed the signing of various diplomatic treaties, including complex relations with the Dutch East Indies government. One of the most remembered events was Matan Palace's role in safeguarding the region's sovereignty from foreign expansion through clever diplomacy.

Furthermore, this palace was a meeting point between the Dayak culture of the interior and the Malay culture of the coast. This harmonious relationship is reflected in the kingdom's governance system, which often involved local figures from various ethnic groups in its traditional structure. The "Sultan's Coronation" event was always a crucial moment that united all the people in Ketapang Regency, marking a sacred regeneration of leadership.

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Important Figures and Royal Regalia

The name Sultan Muhammad Jamaluddin is the figure most associated with the physical existence of this palace. He was known as a visionary and religious leader. Besides the sultan, figures like Gusti Muhammad Saunan also made their mark in history as one of the successors who attempted to modernize the kingdom's administration before Indonesia's independence.

Within the palace, various artifacts and regalia of high historical value are preserved. Among the most unique are ancient cannons from the past, gamelan sets, and a gold-plated throne. There are also ancient manuscripts and the genealogy of the Tanjungpura kings, which serve as primary references for historians in reconstructing the history of West Kalimantan. One of the most revered heirlooms is the royal regalia, which is only displayed during specific ceremonies.

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Preservation and Restoration Status

As a Cultural Heritage Site, Matan Tanjungpura Palace has undergone several restoration efforts by the local government and the Cultural Heritage Preservation Center. Given that its primary material is wood, the biggest challenges in preservation are natural decay and the threat of river erosion.

The restorations carried out so far have maintained the authenticity of the structure and ulin wood material. Although some parts have been replaced, the building's form and layout have been kept according to its original blueprint. Currently, the palace functions as a living museum and a center for cultural activities. Tourists and researchers frequently visit to learn about the legendary genealogy of the Tanjungpura Kingdom.

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Cultural and Religious Importance

Matan Palace is not just a tourist attraction but a spiritual center for the Malay community of Ketapang. Islam is the main foundation of life in the palace, evident from its proximity to the oldest congregational mosque in the area. Every year, traditions like "Rabu Kasan" or joint prayer rituals often originate from or involve the palace family.

For the local community, the palace is a symbol of identity. Its existence instills pride in their strong historical roots as descendants of a great kingdom once respected in the archipelago. Traditional ceremonies such as royal family weddings or the commemoration of Islamic holidays within the palace grounds always attract public enthusiasm, proving that traditional values are still alive amidst modernization.

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Unique Fact: Connection with Majapahit

One rarely known unique fact is the historical claim that the Tanjungpura Kingdom (the parent of Matan) was once a subordinate territory or strategic partner of Majapahit, as mentioned in the Negarakertagama manuscript. The influence of this can still be found in some royal title terms and ancient artifacts discovered around the old Tanjungpura site before its move to Matan. Furthermore, Matan Palace is considered the legitimate successor to Tanjungpura's greatness, making it one of the oldest historical sites still physically existing in West Kalimantan.

With all its grandeur and history, Matan Tanjungpura Palace continues to stand strong as a guardian of Ketapang's collective memory. It is a bridge connecting Kalimantan's glorious maritime past with a future where young generations can learn about their identity.