Sumenep Palace

Origins and Construction Period

The history of the current Sumenep Palace is inseparable from the figure of Bindara Saod, who ruled from 1750-1762, and his son, Panembahan Somala (Ario Sumadiningrat), who ruled from 1762-1811. Although Sumenep had a center of government since the time of Arya Wiraraja in the 13th century, the palace complex we see today is the result of extensive construction in the 18th century.

The construction of the main complex began in 1781 under the leadership of Panembahan Somala. He appointed an architect of Chinese descent named Lauw Piango as the chief designer. This decision is a unique historical fact, as it demonstrates the open-mindedness of the Sumenep ruler at that time towards ethnic diversity and technical expertise from outside the archipelago.

Architectural Uniqueness and Construction Details

The architecture of Sumenep Palace is known as the "Eclectic" style, blending Javanese, Islamic, Chinese, and Dutch (Indische) elements. The main structure is dominated by ivory yellow and white colors, reflecting European influence, while the roof shapes adopt Javanese and Chinese architectural styles.

One of the most iconic elements is the Labang Mesem (Smiling Gate). This main gate has a deep philosophy; it is named so because the palace guards always welcomed guests with warmth and smiles. Architecturally, this gate has a pavilion above it that was once used by the king to monitor the situation outside the palace.

Inside the complex, there is a main building called the Pendopo Agung. This building features large supporting pillars with intricate Madurese carvings, often displaying floral motifs in bold colors like red and gold. Additionally, there is the Kantor Pengadilan (Court Office) and Gedong Negeri (State Building) built during the reign of Sultan Abdurrahman Pakunataningrat (1811-1854), indicating the palace's function as a center for legal and governmental administration.

Historical Significance and Key Figures

The most prominent figure in the history of Sumenep Palace is Sultan Abdurrahman Pakunataningrat. He was not only a political ruler but also a scholar, linguist, and art collector. His brilliance was recognized internationally; he received an honorary title from the Dutch Kingdom for his contributions in assisting Thomas Stamford Raffles in translating ancient manuscripts and providing deep insights for the book The History of Java.

This palace also bears silent witness to the transition of power from a traditional royal system to colonial bureaucracy, and eventually to becoming part of the Republic of Indonesia. In its golden age, Sumenep Palace was an intellectual center in Madura, a place where scholars, artists, and thinkers gathered.

Palace Baths: Taman Sare

One of the most culturally interesting parts is Taman Sare. This is a bathing pool for the palace princesses. According to local legends, still believed today, the water in Taman Sare has specific properties. There are three entrances to the pool, each believed to grant different blessings: the first for eternal youth and ease in finding a partner, the second for career advancement or promotion, and the third for steadfast faith. Regardless of these myths, Taman Sare is a tangible example of water garden aesthetics that combine elements of tranquility and privacy for the palace inhabitants.

Religious Function and Masjid Jami’

Sumenep Palace cannot be separated from the Masjid Jami’ Sumenep (Grand Mosque) located to the west of the palace. This mosque was also designed by Lauw Piango and completed in 1787. The presence of a magnificent mosque near the palace emphasizes the king's role as Khalifatullah (God's representative on earth), responsible for both the worldly and spiritual affairs of his people. The tall mosque gate with strong Chinese architectural influence makes it one of the most unique mosques in Indonesia.

Conservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Sumenep Palace is managed as a museum and cultural heritage site by the Sumenep Regency Government. Its collection includes a royal carriage gifted by the Dutch Kingdom, traditional weapons (keris and spears), antique furniture, and ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves.

The government periodically undertakes restoration to maintain the authenticity of the building materials, especially the carved wooden parts which are vulnerable to termites and weather. The palace area is now a major historical tourist destination in Madura, attracting thousands of visitors annually. This transformation from a center of power to a public museum allows the historical values and noble philosophies of the Sumenep people to be preserved and studied by future generations.

Unique Fact Summary

Several unique facts distinguish Sumenep Palace from other palaces in Java:

1. It is the only palace in Java whose chief architect was of Chinese descent (Lauw Piango).

2. It houses a giant Quran handwritten by Sultan Abdurrahman in a short period.

3. The building structure remains intact without major destruction during the war of independence, thus its originality is highly preserved.

Through the existence of Sumenep Palace, we can see a portrait of Madura's past that was very advanced, inclusive of foreign influences without losing its local identity, and held a very high appreciation for science and art.