Kadriyah Palace

Origins and Historical Foundation

The establishment of Kadriyah Palace cannot be separated from the figure of Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie, the son of the great Arab scholar, Habib Husin Alkadrie. After his father's death in Mempawah, Syarif Abdurrahman embarked on a journey along the river, arriving at the confluence of three river branches (Little Kapuas River, Big Kapuas River, and Landak River) on October 23, 1771 (14 Rajab 1185 H).

According to local legend, this area was once inhabited by spirits known as Kuntilanak (female ghosts). Syarif Abdurrahman fired a cannon to ward off these disturbances and simultaneously determine the location for the palace's construction. It was at the spot where the cannonball landed that Kadriyah Palace began to be built. This construction marked the establishment of the Pontianak Sultanate, with Syarif Abdurrahman being crowned the first sultan with the title Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Ibnu Habib Husin Alkadrie in 1778.

Architecture: Harmony of Belian Wood and Islamic Symbolism

Visually, Kadriyah Palace showcases the luxury of Kalimantan's distinctive wooden architecture combined with Malay, European, and Middle Eastern influences. The main structure of the building is dominated by belian wood (ironwood), an indigenous Kalimantan material known for its increasing strength when exposed to water.

The color yellow dominates the entire facade and interior of the building, symbolizing greatness and glory in Malay tradition. One of the most prominent architectural features is the presence of a watchtower structure at the top of the building, used to monitor ship traffic on the Kapuas River.

The main entrance to the palace is adorned with intricate traditional carvings, while its interior features high ceilings for optimal air circulation in the tropical climate. In the main hall or reception area, visitors can see the well-preserved throne (puade). Uniquely, the building's structure is elevated on stilts to adapt to the swampy terrain and the river's tidal fluctuations.

Artifacts and Historical Significance

Kadriyah Palace houses various valuable collections that bear silent witness to the political and cultural dynamics of the past. One of the most iconic artifacts is the Kaca Pecah Seribu (Thousand Broken Mirrors), a large mirror gifted by the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, as a form of diplomacy with the Pontianak Sultanate. In addition, there are ancient cannons made in Portugal and France placed in the front courtyard of the palace.

Inside the palace, there is also a Quran handwritten by Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie himself. The presence of this holy book emphasizes the palace's role not only as a center of government but also as a center for the spread of Islam in West Borneo. Other collections include the sultanate's family tree, ceremonial traditional attire, jewelry, and old photographs depicting the transformation of Pontianak over time.

Important Figures and Political Roles

Besides Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman, another important figure associated with this palace is Sultan Syarif Muhammad Alkadrie (the 6th Sultan), who ruled during the Japanese occupation. He was one of the victims of the Mandor tragedy, where West Kalimantan's intellectuals and nobility were executed by Japanese soldiers.

The most phenomenal figure in the modern era is Sultan Syarif Hamid II, known as the designer of the Indonesian State Emblem, Garuda Pancasila. Although his role was once a subject of historical controversy, his aesthetic and political contributions to Indonesia's transition to independence remain an integral part of Kadriyah Palace's narrative. Inside the palace, an early replica of the Garuda Pancasila design can still be seen by visitors.

Cultural and Religious Value

Kadriyah Palace does not stand alone. It is part of a historical complex that includes the Jami' Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Mosque (Jami' Mosque of Pontianak), located just a few hundred meters from the palace. The relationship between the palace and the mosque reflects the concept of "Unity of King and Cleric," where political and spiritual power go hand in hand.

To this day, the palace remains the center of Pontianak Malay traditional ceremonies. Traditions such as Khatamul Qur'an (Quran completion ceremony), Saprahan (traditional communal meal), and the Pontianak City anniversary celebration are always centered in this area. The local community still highly respects the sultan's lineage, and the palace is still considered a symbol of Malay cultural identity in West Kalimantan.

Preservation and Current Status

The Indonesian government has designated Kadriyah Palace as a Cultural Heritage Building. Conservation efforts are continuously being made to preserve the authenticity of the belian wood that supports the building's structure. Although some parts have undergone renovations, the sultanate authorities and local government continue to maintain the original form according to historical records.

Every year, thousands of domestic and international tourists visit this palace to learn about Pontianak's historical roots. Its location on the riverbank allows access by sampan or tourist boat, providing an authentic historical experience for visitors who wish to feel the atmosphere of the "Venice of the East" as Pontianak was known in the past.

Through the existence of Kadriyah Palace, the younger generation can understand that Pontianak was born from ethnic diversity and openness to the outside world. This palace continues to stand as a monument to resilience, reflecting past glory while serving as a cultural compass for the future of West Kalimantan.