Pelalawan Sultanate Wing Palace

Origin and Periodization of Establishment

The historical roots of the Wing Palace cannot be separated from the lineage of the Pekantua Kingdom founded by Maharaja Indera in the 14th century. However, the identity of the Pelalawan Sultanate formally began to strengthen after the fall of the Malacca Kingdom, where local rulers began to consolidate their power in the Kampar region.

The Wing Palace we know today was built during the reign of Sultan Syarif Hasyim II (1892–1930). He was the 11th sultan of the dynasty that ruled Pelalawan. The construction of this palace began in 1906 and was completed in 1910. The name "Sayap" (Wing) was given because the building structure has two additional buildings on the left and right sides of the main building that resemble the wings of a bird in flight. The philosophy behind this shape is the sultan's protection and care for his people.

Architecture and Construction Details

The Wing Palace is a masterpiece of Riau Malay architecture, heavily influenced by Dutch colonial style and touches of Islamic ornamentation. The main structure is a stilt house built using the best quality forest woods such as kulim, tembesu, and rasak, known to be durable for hundreds of years.

The building consists of three main parts:

1. Main Hall (Balai Balairung): Located in the center, it served as a place for deliberation, traditional ceremonies, and the sultan's throne.

2. Right Wing (Istana Hilir): Served as the residence of the sultan and his immediate family.

3. Left Wing (Istana Hulu): Functioned as the royal administrative office and a place to receive important guests.

Its architectural uniqueness lies in the "Pucuk Rebung" (bamboo shoot) and "Awan Larat" (drifting clouds) carvings that adorn the eaves and windows. The roof is pyramidal with "Selembayung" (a decorative motif) soaring towards the sky, symbolizing the connection between humans and the Creator. Yellow dominates the building, symbolizing the greatness and nobility of the Malay aristocracy, combined with green accents symbolizing fertility and Islamic values.

Historical Significance and Key Events

The Wing Palace became the nerve center of politics and economy in the Kampar region during the early 20th century. One of the most crucial historical events was the role of Sultan Syarif Hasyim II in safeguarding his territory's sovereignty from direct intervention by the Dutch East Indies colonial government. Despite being under political treaty pressure, the Pelalawan Sultanate managed to maintain its customary law traditions based on syarak (Islamic law).

This palace also bore silent witness to the transition of power from a monarchy to a republic. After the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945, the last Sultan of Pelalawan, Sultan Syarif Harun, declared his allegiance to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), following the footsteps of Sultan Syarif Kasim II of the Siak Sultanate. This handover of power marked the end of the era of sovereign rule at the Wing Palace, but began a new chapter as a national cultural heritage.

Key Figures and Lineage

The most central figure in the physical history of the Wing Palace is Sultan Syarif Hasyim II. He was known as a visionary leader who loved knowledge. Under his leadership, Pelalawan experienced administrative modernization without abandoning its cultural roots. Furthermore, the name Sultan Syarif Harun is also highly respected for his patriotic stance in fully supporting Indonesian independence, even though it meant relinquishing his status as sultan.

The lineage of Pelalawan rulers has close blood ties with the Siak Sri Indrapura Sultanate. This is evident from the title "Syarif," which indicates an Arab-Malay lineage that held a respected position in the social structure of Riau society.

Cultural and Religious Meaning

For the people of Pelalawan, the Wing Palace is the "Hulu" (source) of all customs and traditions. It was here that the "Togak Tonggol" (traditional flag-raising ceremony) and various Islamic religious rituals were held. The palace served as a fortress to defend Malay values against the currents of modernization. The principle of "Adat Bersendi Syarak, Syarak Bersendi Kitabullah" (Custom is based on Sharia, Sharia is based on the Book of Allah) was truly implemented in every aspect of life within the palace environment. The presence of an old mosque not far from the palace emphasizes that the center of government and the center of worship are inseparable in the urban planning concept of the Pelalawan Sultanate.

Conservation and Restoration Efforts

This site suffered a major disaster in 2012, when the main building of the Wing Palace was destroyed by fire due to a short circuit. This fire consumed many invaluable original artifacts and historical documents. However, the Pelalawan Regency government, along with traditional leaders, immediately took reconstruction steps.

The restoration was carried out very carefully to restore its original form. Using old photographs and the memories of traditional elders, the palace was rebuilt with similar materials. Currently, the Wing Palace stands majestically again and has been designated as a cultural heritage site protected by law. Preservation efforts are now focused on re-collecting artifacts belonging to the sultan scattered among the community, as well as strengthening the historical narrative for the younger generation through information digitalization.

Unique Historical Facts

One rarely known unique fact is that within the palace complex, there are ancient cannons left by the Dutch and Portuguese that are still well-maintained. Furthermore, the original construction of the palace in 1906 did not use iron nails, but wooden pegs designed in such a way that the building remained flexible against vibrations yet very strong in bearing loads. The palace also had a natural ventilation system that was very advanced for its time, allowing for cool air circulation despite being in a hot tropical climate.

The Pelalawan Sultanate Wing Palace is now not only a historical tourist destination but also a symbol of the resurgence of Malay pride in Riau. Its existence reminds every visitor that on the banks of the Kampar River, there once stood a civilization that upheld law, religion, and extraordinary architectural aesthetics.