Orang Kayo Hitam Site

Tracing the Glory of Jambi at the Orang Kayo Hitam Site

Situs Orang Kayo Hitam is one of the most sacred and historically significant cultural heritage sites in Jambi Province. Located in Simpang Village, Berbak District, East Tanjung Jabung Regency, this site is not merely an ancient burial complex, but a symbol of the sovereignty of the Melayu Jambi Kingdom and a turning point in the transition of Hindu-Buddhist cultural influence towards Islam on the East Coast of Sumatra.

#

Historical Origins and Formation Era

The site is closely related to the legendary figure Orang Kayo Hitam, the youngest son of Datuk Paduko Berhalo (an Islamic propagator from Turkey/Persia) and Putri Selaras Pinang Masak (a ruler of Jambi descended from the Siguntang Kingdom). Orang Kayo Hitam is estimated to have lived from the late 15th to early 16th century.

The construction of this site in the Berbak area had strategic and spiritual reasons. At that time, the downstream Batanghari River was the gateway for international trade. Orang Kayo Hitam chose this area as a defense base and his final resting place. This era marked the end of Jambi's dependence on the Majapahit Kingdom, with Orang Kayo Hitam bravely refusing to pay tribute to the kingdom in Java.

#

Architectural Style and Construction Details

Situs Orang Kayo Hitam possesses unique architectural characteristics, reflecting cultural acculturation. The complex is surrounded by ancient brick fence structures typical of the transition era. The main tombs do not use ordinary stone tombstones, but rather wooden tombstones adorned with intricate floral motifs, showcasing the refined influence of Malay wood carving art.

One of the most striking construction elements is the use of large red bricks, similar to the materials used in the temples at the Muaro Jambi Site, but with a simpler arrangement befitting early Islamic burial functions. Within this complex, there are three main tombs: the tomb of Orang Kayo Hitam, the tomb of his wife Putri Mayang Mangurai, and the tomb of their beloved cat, who according to legend faithfully guarded the ruler. The presence of embankment structures around the site also indicates ancient architectural efforts to protect the sacred area from the overflow of the Batanghari River, which frequently floods the Berbak area.

#

Historical Significance and Key Events

This site is a silent witness to the event of "Keris Siginjei," a legendary heirloom that became the symbol of power for the kings of Jambi. According to oral history and ancient manuscripts, it was at this location that defense strategies against external expansion were devised. Orang Kayo Hitam was known as a leader who united the regions of Jambi under a strong leadership based on Islamic values.

The significance of this site also lies in its role as the first center for the spread of Islam in the coastal region of Jambi. The integration of customary law and Sharia law (Islam), which forms the foundation of modern Jambi society, is believed to have originated from policies enacted during the leadership of the figure buried here.

#

Related Figures and Periods

The main figure of this site, Orang Kayo Hitam, was the full sibling of Orang Kayo Pingai and Orang Kayo Kedataran. The three were pillars of Jambi's strength in their time. However, Orang Kayo Hitam was the most prominent due to his spiritual power and bravery. He ruled during a transitional period when the influence of Hinduism-Buddhism from the Sriwijaya Kingdom was fading and Islamic sultanates were beginning to solidify their existence in the archipelago.

His wife, Putri Mayang Mangurai, was the daughter of Temenggung Merah Mato, a ruler of the downstream region who was initially an adversary but later allied through marriage. This alliance strengthened Jambi's position in the Malacca Strait trade route.

#

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Situs Orang Kayo Hitam has been designated as a National Cultural Heritage Site. The Jambi Provincial Government and the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region V regularly conduct maintenance. The main challenge in preserving this site is its location in a tidal swamp area.

Major restorations have been carried out to strengthen the fence structures and tomb canopies (protective roofs) to prevent the decay of wooden tombstones due to high humidity. Furthermore, access to the site has now been improved with the construction of a pier and walking paths (pedestrian) to facilitate pilgrims and tourists, without damaging the surrounding natural swamp forest ecosystem.

#

Cultural and Religious Importance

For the people of Jambi, Situs Orang Kayo Hitam is "Sacred Land." Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to perform prayer rituals and pay respects, especially before the holy month of Ramadan or during the anniversary of Jambi Province. This site serves as an anchor of identity for the Malay people of Jambi.

Culturally, this site inspires various works of art, ranging from dances, "Kapal Sanggat" motif batik, to regional songs that tell the heroism of the figure. The existence of this site affirms that Jambi has an egalitarian and religious lineage of leadership.

#

Unique Historical Facts

One rarely known unique fact is the connection of this site to the legend of "Putri Pinang Masak," who originated from mainland China but settled in Jambi. This is evidenced by the discovery of Ming dynasty ceramic fragments around the site, indicating that during the lifetime of Orang Kayo Hitam, the East Tanjung Jabung region already had highly advanced trade relations with foreign nations.

Additionally, there is a myth believed by the local community that the water around the site has healing properties, which scientifically demonstrates how clean the peat ecosystem around the tombs is, as it is strictly guarded by the community as a forbidden area to be damaged. Situs Orang Kayo Hitam continues to stand as a monument of pride, reminding present generations of the maritime glory and spiritual depth of Jambi's ancestors.