Alwatzikoebillah Palace

Origins and Construction Period

The current Alwatzikoebillah Palace was built during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin (1922–1943), the 15th Sultan of Sambas. The name "Alwatzikoebillah" itself is derived from the Sultan's grand title, which carries a deep religious meaning, reflecting devotion to Allah SWT. The construction of this palace was completed in 1933, replacing an older palace structure that had existed since the time of Sultan Muhammad Saifuddin I in the 17th century.

The construction of the palace in the 1930s marked a period of modernization for the Sambas Sultanate. Although built under the shadow of Dutch East Indies colonial administration, Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin managed to maintain cultural and symbolic autonomy through the construction of this magnificent palace. This palace became the traditional administrative center, coordinating subordinate regions along the coast and inland of West Kalimantan.

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Alwatzikoebillah Palace exhibits a harmonious blend of traditional Malay style, local Kalimantan elements, and European colonial influences. The primary building material is belian wood (ironwood), renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, reflecting the resilience of the Sambas people.

The palace complex is painted in the distinctive Malay yellow, symbolizing glory and honor. The main building structure consists of three parts:

1. Balairung (Front Hall): Used for receiving official guests, public audiences, and traditional ceremonies.

2. Rumah Tengah (Middle House): Private quarters for the Sultan and his immediate family, where the sultanate's household activities took place.

3. Rumah Burung (Bird House): The rear section serving as the kitchen and servants' quarters.

One of the unique features is the presence of two watchtowers and a grand gateway. In front of the palace, there are rows of ancient cannons, including cannons named "Si Guntur" and "Si Jalu," which were gifts from friendly kingdoms or remnants from past wars. Furthermore, directly in front of the palace stands the Jami' Sultan Syafiuddin Mosque, forming a spiritual-political axis commonly found in the urban planning of Islamic sultanates in the Nusantara.

Historical Significance and Key Events

Alwatzikoebillah Palace was a center of diplomatic and physical resistance. During the Dutch colonial period, the Sambas Sultanate played a crucial role in maintaining trade stability in the Karimata Strait. During the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), the palace experienced dark times. Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin became one of the victims of the Mandor Incident, a tragedy involving the massacre of intellectuals and local rulers in West Kalimantan by the Japanese army.

The Sultan's death in this incident shook the sultanate's order, but Alwatzikoebillah Palace remained a symbol of the Sambas people's identity. After Indonesia's independence, the palace transformed from an administrative center into a revered historical site, representing West Kalimantan's contribution to the formation of Indonesia's national identity.

Important Figures and Cultural Heritage

Besides Sultan Muhammad Mulia Ibrahim Syafiuddin, another figure inseparable from the history of this palace is Prince Ratu Muhammad Syafiuddin II. He is known as a figure who brought progress in education and religion. Under the influence of the Sultans, Sambas became a respected center of Islamic learning in the Nusantara, producing great scholars like Syekh Ahmad Khatib Sambas, the founder of the Qadiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah Tariqa, which had followers as far as the Middle East.

The palace also houses various valuable artifacts, including the golden throne, royal attire, royal yellow umbrellas, and ancient manuscripts written in Jawi script. The existence of these objects confirms that Sambas in the past was a sovereign entity with a well-established legal and bureaucratic system.

Importance of Culture and Religion

The relationship between the palace and Islam is very close. The title "Alwatzikoebillah," meaning "One who trusts in Allah," emphasizes that the Sultan was not only a political leader (Amir) but also a religious leader. On every Islamic holiday, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the palace becomes the center of celebrations where the "Saprahan" tradition (eating together on the floor with special Sambas dishes) is performed. This tradition strengthens the bond between the nobility and the common people, breaking down social barriers within the framework of Islamic brotherhood.

Preservation and Restoration Status

Currently, Alwatzikoebillah Palace is managed as a museum and cultural heritage site under the protection of Indonesian Cultural Heritage Law. The Sambas Regency government, along with the sultanate's heirs, continuously strives for routine maintenance. Restoration is carried out with great care to preserve the authenticity of the belian wood materials and original ornaments.

Although some wooden parts are beginning to show signs of decay due to age and tropical weather factors, the original form of the building remains intact. The palace is now a primary historical tourist destination in West Kalimantan, attracting domestic and international tourists who wish to learn about Malay glory on the island of Borneo. Efforts in digitizing archives and promotion through annual cultural festivals are ongoing to ensure that younger generations remain connected to their historical roots.

Unique Facts and Conclusion

A rarely known unique fact is the palace building's layout facing west (the Qibla), aligning with the position of the Jami' Mosque in front of it. This indicates that from its design, the palace was built with the philosophy of "Adat Bersendikan Syarak, Syarak Bersendikan Kitabullah" (Customs based on Sharia, Sharia based on the Book of Allah). Additionally, the presence of an old well within the palace complex is said to have water that never dries up, even during long dry seasons in the Sambas region.

Alwatzikoebillah Palace is not just a dead monument. It is a symbol of the continuity of a civilization. Through its sturdy belian wood pillars, this palace continues to whisper tales of glory, struggle, and the noble identity of the Sambas people that transcends time. As one of the most important historical sites in West Kalimantan, its existence serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving ancestral heritage amidst the currents of modernization.