Al-Mukarramah Sintang Palace

Al-Mukarramah Sintang Palace: Symbol of River Civilization and Sultanate's Legacy in West Kalimantan

Al-Mukarramah Sintang Palace is more than just an old building standing strong on the riverbanks; it is a silent witness to the long journey of power, the spread of Islam, and political diplomacy in the upstream region of West Kalimantan. Strategically located at the confluence of two major rivers, the Kapuas and the Melawi, this palace represents the deep-rooted cultural identity of the Sintang people for centuries.

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Historical Origins and Period of Establishment

The historical roots of the Sintang Sultanate can be traced back to the 13th century, originating from a Hindu-Buddhist Kingdom under the leadership of Demong Irawan. However, the transformation into an Islamic sultanate occurred significantly in the 17th century under the reign of Sultan Muhammad Syamsuddin. The Al-Mukarramah Palace complex we see today is the result of reconstruction and rebuilding carried out during the reign of Sultan Abdurrasyid Muhammad Jamaluddin (1851–1855).

The choice of the palace's location in an area known as "Saka Tiga" (a junction of three waterways) was not without reason. Geopolitically, this location allowed for the monitoring of trade traffic for inland commodities such as gold, rubber, and forest products, which were the backbone of the kingdom's economy at that time.

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Architecture and Construction Details

Al-Mukarramah Palace exhibits a distinctive Malay Kalimantan architectural style blended with Dutch colonial influences. The main structure is dominated by the use of ulin wood or ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), an indigenous Kalimantan material known for its resistance to extreme weather and water for hundreds of years.

The building follows the stilt house typology to avoid river flooding. Its roof is a limasan (hip roof) with delicate carved ornaments at the apex. One striking characteristic is the use of yellow—the color of Malay royalty—on the palace walls and fences. The interior of the palace is divided into several functional areas: the Balairung (main reception hall), the king's throne, the sultan's family's private chambers, and a row of large windows that serve as natural ventilation and observation posts towards the river.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

This palace served as a center for diplomatic resistance and a witness to colonial pressure. In the mid-19th century, the Dutch began to exert strong influence in Sintang through political treaties that limited the sultanate's scope of action. Nevertheless, Al-Mukarramah Palace remained a symbol of the Sintang people's sovereignty.

The most prominent historical event was the palace's role in defending territorial integrity from external threats and its function as a coordination center for local leaders in opposing burdensome colonial tax policies. During the Japanese occupation, the palace also went through a dark period where many members of the sultanate became victims in the Mandor incident, a tragedy of intellectual and noble cleansing in West Kalimantan.

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Important Figures and Power Relations

Great names like Sultan Nata Muhammad Syamsudin (the first Sultan of Sintang to embrace Islam) are always associated with the spiritual foundation of this palace. However, Sultan Abdurrasyid is the most instrumental figure in beautifying the physical structure of the palace.

Furthermore, there is a unique historical connection between Sintang and the Majapahit Kingdom in the past. The legend of an ancient prince from Java marrying a Sintang princess adds a touch of acculturation to the palace's historical narrative, evidenced by the presence of ancient statues and artifacts in the palace museum.

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Cultural and Religious Importance

Al-Mukarramah Palace is a center for the spread of Islam in the upstream Kapuas region. Within the palace complex, the Jami' Sultan Nata Mosque stands adjacent. The presence of the palace and mosque within the same complex reflects the concept of "Unity of the King and the Clerics," where political power must be in harmony with spiritual values.

Every year, the palace is the center for traditional and religious celebrations, such as the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maulid Nabi) and traditional rituals after the harvest season. The palace also houses historical artifacts such as the Anak Naga Cannon, ancient sermon manuscripts, and the genealogy of the Sintang kings written on bark, all of which hold sacred value for the local community.

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Preservation Efforts and Current Status

Currently, Al-Mukarramah Palace functions as a Regional Museum, jointly managed by the sultanate's heirs and the local government. Given its age and the threat of decay to the ulin wood, several stages of restoration have been carried out. The Indonesian government has designated this site as a national Cultural Heritage to ensure its legal protection.

Restoration is done with great care to maintain the authenticity of the materials. For example, if a wooden part is rotten, its replacement must be ulin wood of the same quality. Besides being a historical tourist attraction, the palace remains the official residence of the current Sultan of Sintang, although its role is now more ceremonial and as a guardian of tradition (adat custodian).

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Unique Fact: The Garuda Symbol

One of the most interesting and unique facts about Al-Mukarramah Sintang Palace is its connection to the Indonesian national emblem. Sultan Hamid II of Pontianak, the designer of the Garuda Pancasila emblem, reportedly conducted in-depth research on various royal symbols in West Kalimantan, including those found in the Sintang Sultanate. Within this palace, there is an ancient Garuda carving believed to have existed long before Indonesia's independence, indicating that the visual inspiration for the national emblem has strong roots in Sintang's local traditions.

With all its grandeur and history, Al-Mukarramah Sintang Palace is not just a tourist destination, but a living encyclopedia that tells the story of how a civilization was built on the confluence of rivers, religion, and an unyielding spirit. Preserving this palace means preserving the dignity and collective memory of the West Kalimantan people for future generations.