Amantubillah Palace

Origins and Period of Establishment

Amantubillah Palace boasts a long history rooted in the 18th century. The name "Amantubillah" itself is derived from a phrase in Arabic meaning "I believe in Allah." This naming reflects the sultanate's religious identity, deeply intertwined with Islamic values.

The current palace is not the original structure. The initial palace was built during the reign of Panembahan Adijaya Kesuma Jaya (1761–1787). However, the palace we see today is the result of reconstruction during the reign of Panembahan Gusti Muhammad Amin (1902–1943) after the old building was damaged by a fire in the 1880s. This reconstruction was completed in 1922, giving it an architectural style that blends traditional Malay elements with the colonial influences popular in the early 20th century.

Architecture and Construction Details

Visually, Amantubillah Palace is dominated by ivory yellow and green, colors traditionally associated with nobility in West Kalimantan Malay culture. The building is divided into three main sections: the right pavilion (housing the library and armory), the left pavilion (the sultan's and family's resting quarters), and the central section (the audience hall or throne room).

The main construction of the palace uses belian wood (ironwood), renowned for its exceptional strength and resistance to tropical weather and termite attacks. Its stilt structure is designed to anticipate river floods while also ensuring air circulation beneath the building. A unique feature is the presence of large jalousie-style windows that allow natural light to enter the spacious rooms without causing excessive heat.

Inside, the royal throne is adorned with intricate floral carvings, showcasing the local craftsmanship of its time. In the front courtyard, ancient cannons from the colonial and royal eras are still well-maintained, reinforcing the palace's past function as a defense center.

Historical Significance and Key Events

Amantubillah Palace served as the center of government for the Mempawah Sultanate, playing a strategic role in the trade routes along the west coast of Kalimantan. One of the most prominent historical events was the role of the Sultan of Mempawah in resisting Dutch colonial expansion and the influence of pirates in Kalimantan's waters.

The palace also witnessed the transition of power from a traditional system to a modern administrative system under the Dutch East Indies, where the Sultan retained customary and religious authority despite his limited political power. During the Japanese occupation, the palace faced difficult times, with many Mempawah nobles falling victim to the Mandor incident, including Sultan Gusti Muhammad Amin himself.

Important Figure: Opu Daeng Manambon

Discussions about Amantubillah Palace are incomplete without mentioning Opu Daeng Manambon. He was a Bugis nobleman from the Luwu Kingdom who arrived in Mempawah in the 18th century. His arrival brought significant changes to the social and political structure. Opu Daeng Manambon succeeded in uniting the local community and strengthening the Islamic foundation in Mempawah.

Although he did not rule in the current building, his legacy of governance and cultural values lives on within the walls of Amantubillah Palace. Every year, the palace becomes the center for the "Robo-Robo" celebration, a tradition commemorating Opu Daeng Manambon's arrival at the mouth of the Mempawah River, which has now been designated as a national Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB).

Cultural and Religious Functions

For the people of Mempawah, Amantubillah Palace is the cultural heart. It is here that traditional royal investiture ceremonies, royal family weddings, and Islamic holiday commemorations are performed with deeply traditional customs. The palace functions as a guardian of Malay customary norms based on Islamic law (Adat bersendi Syara’, Syara’ bersendi Kitabullah – Custom is based on Sharia, Sharia is based on the Book of Allah).

Within the palace complex, various historical artifacts are preserved, such as keris (daggers), ceremonial attire, traditional musical instruments, and ancient manuscripts. The presence of these items makes the palace a living museum, educating younger generations about their historical roots.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As a Cultural Heritage Site, Amantubillah Palace is under government protection. However, the biggest challenge is the decay of wood due to age and climate. In recent decades, several renovations have been carried out to repair the increasingly fragile roof and floor sections.

The sultan's family, in collaboration with the Mempawah Regency Government and the Cultural Preservation Center, continues to synergize to maintain the authenticity of the building's structure. Restorations are carried out with great care to preserve the original carving details and maintain the use of belian wood, which is now increasingly rare.

Conclusion: A Symbol of Identity Resilience

Amantubillah Palace is more than just a historical tourist attraction; it is a symbol of the resilience of Mempawah's identity amidst the currents of modernization. Its existence evokes memories of the golden age of sailing and trade in West Kalimantan, as well as the inter-ethnic harmony (Malay, Bugis, and Dayak) that has been forged over centuries under the sultanate's patronage.

With its magnificent architectural beauty and profound historical value, Amantubillah Palace stands tall as a guardian of the nation's collective memory, inviting everyone to visit and learn from the wisdom of the past for a more civilized future.