Sadurengas Museum

Origins and Founding Period

The building now known as Museum Sadurengas was not originally a museum, but rather the palace where the Sultan of Paser resided. The current building structure was built in the 19th century, precisely during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Khaliluddin. Before becoming a palace, the Pasir Belengkong area had been the center of government for the Paser Sultanate since the 16th century, having moved from its previous administrative center in the interior.

The name "Sadurengas" itself is derived from the name of one of the rivers in the region, which is also often associated with the ancient name of the kingdom before the strong influence of Islam, namely the Sadurengas Kingdom. The transformation of this building into a museum only occurred in the 1970s to 1980s by the local government to save historical assets that began to be neglected after the administrative collapse of the sultanate system within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia.

Distinctive Architecture and Construction Details

One of the main unique features of Museum Sadurengas lies in its architectural style, which is a blend of the traditional stilt house style of the Paser people with colonial and Malay influences. The building is entirely made of ulin wood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) or ironwood, known for its resistance to extreme weather and termite attacks for hundreds of years.

The building structure is a high stilt house to avoid flooding from the Kandilo River, which is located directly in front of it. The roof is a limasan (hip roof) shape with distinctive Paser carvings adorning the eaves and support pillars. One of the most striking physical characteristics is the dominant yellow color that covers the entire exterior walls of the building. In royal traditions in the Nusantara archipelago, including Paser, yellow is a symbol of majesty, glory, and could only be used by noble families or sultans.

The interior of the museum is divided into several main rooms: a spacious reception hall (balairung) for receiving honored guests, the sultan's resting room, and a rear area that once served as the residence for the empress and family. The polished wooden floors and high ceilings provide good air circulation, reflecting local wisdom in adapting to Kalimantan's tropical climate.

Historical Significance and Important Events

Museum Sadurengas is a silent witness to the political dynamics in East Kalimantan. In its golden age, this palace was a center of diplomacy. The Paser Sultanate had complex relationships with the major powers around it, including the Banjar Sultanate, the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate, and influences from the Gowa-Tallo Kingdom in Sulawesi.

The most dramatic event related to this site was the resistance against Dutch colonialism. Sultan Ibrahim Khaliluddin, who built this palace, was known as a steadfast leader. Due to his refusal to fully submit to Dutch regulations, he was eventually exiled to Cianjur, West Java, in the early 20th century. The Sultan's exile marked the weakening of the sultanate's political authority, but the palace building remained as a symbol of resistance and the identity of the Paser people.

Important Figures and Historical Collections

Besides Sultan Ibrahim Khaliluddin, another figure deeply intertwined with the history of this place is Aji Tenggara, who is considered one of the founders of the Paser Sultanate's power. Inside the museum, visitors can see various relics that strengthen this historical narrative.

The unique collections stored within Museum Sadurengas include:

1. Ancient Cannons: Several cannons from Portuguese and Dutch legacies that were once used for harbor defense.

2. Sultan's Throne: The original royal chair, symbolizing supreme authority.

3. Traditional Musical Instruments: Such as the Kelentangan Paser and Gendang used in traditional ceremonies.

4. Ancient Jars: A collection of ceramics from Chinese dynasties that prove the extensive trade network of the Paser Sultanate reaching overseas.

5. Ancient Manuscripts: Copies of handwritten Qur'ans and treaty manuscripts with foreign parties.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Museum Sadurengas cannot be separated from the religious identity of the Paser people. Near the museum complex stands the Jami Nurul Ibadah Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in East Kalimantan, built almost concurrently with the palace. The presence of the palace and mosque in one complex indicates that the Paser Sultanate implemented the concept of "Manunggal" (unity) between leadership (Sultan) and religion (Ulama).

To this day, the museum area often becomes the center for holding traditional ceremonies, such as the "Erau" ritual or the commemoration of Paser Regency's anniversary. For the local community, this building is not just a tourist attraction, but a sacred place that connects them with their ancestors.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a cultural heritage site protected by law, Museum Sadurengas has undergone several stages of restoration. The biggest challenge in preservation is replacing some of the decaying wooden parts without losing their original value. The East Kalimantan Provincial Government and the Cultural Preservation Center regularly maintain the ulin wood structure and re-catalog the museum's collections.

The application of digital technology is now beginning to be used to document every corner of the building, so that its historical value is preserved for future generations. Although improvements have been made to the yard and fence, the core building remains preserved in its original form when it was first built as a royal palace.

Museum Sadurengas stands as a monument to the resilience of Paser culture. Through its sturdy ulin pillars, it tells stories of past glory, the bitterness of the colonial era, and the hope to continue preserving its identity amidst the currents of modernity in East Kalimantan.