Makam Papan Tinggi

Origins and Historical Periodization

Historically, Barus was known internationally as Fansur. This city was a major exporter of camphor and benzoin, highly prized commodities in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and China. Makam Papan Tinggi is believed to have existed from the 7th to the 9th century AD. This period coincides with the early stages of Islam's spread after the passing of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

This site is the final resting place of Syekh Mahmud bin Abdurrahman bin Muadz bin Jabal, a great scholar believed to be from Hadramaut, Yemen. Based on oral traditions and local historical records, Syekh Mahmud arrived in Barus during the reign of Caliph Umar bin Khattab or the early Umayyad Dynasty. His arrival was not just for trade but carried a mission of Islamic propagation to the Batak land and surrounding areas. This makes Barus one of the first gateways for Islam's entry into Indonesia.

Architecture and Construction Details

To reach this tomb, visitors must ascend approximately 710 to 730 steps built vertically along the steep hillside. The journey to the summit is often interpreted as a symbol of spiritual struggle and steadfast faith.

Upon reaching the summit, visitors will find a single tomb of extraordinary dimensions. The length of Syekh Mahmud's tomb reaches about 7 meters, a highly unusual size for modern humans. The length of this tomb is often associated with the karamah (miraculous power) or greatness of the person buried, although archaeologically it also reflects the burial style of past holy figures who used long gravestones as a mark of honor.

The gravestones (maqam) at this site are made of hard granite or andesite, finely carved. The style of the gravestones shows characteristics of ancient Acehnese typology and Persian-Arab influence, with Arabic calligraphy carvings containing verses from the Al-Qur'an and the identity of the buried figure. The tomb's construction is surrounded by a protective iron fence and a hardened floor to accommodate pilgrims.

Historical Significance and Related Events

The importance of Makam Papan Tinggi is reinforced by the fact that Barus was mentioned in ancient literature by Claudius Ptolemaeus, a Greek geographer in the 2nd century AD, as Barousai. The discovery of Makam Papan Tinggi confirms that a Muslim community had settled in Barus in the early Hijri centuries.

One of the most significant historical events related to this site was the inauguration of the Zero Point Monument of Islamic Civilization Nusantara in Barus by President Joko Widodo in March 2017. This state recognition affirms the position of Makam Papan Tinggi and Barus as key pillars in the historiography of Islam in Indonesia, shifting the old narrative that often focused solely on the Samudera Pasai Kingdom as the starting point.

Figures and Cross-Era Connections

Syekh Mahmud himself is a central figure. He is believed to be a close relative of the Prophet's companion, Muadz bin Jabal. His presence in Barus indicates a direct shipping route between the Middle East and the west coast of Sumatra in search of balsam raw materials for mummification in Egypt and fragrances for the grand palaces of the world. Besides Syekh Mahmud, the Barus region also has other ancient tomb complexes such as Makam Mahligai, indicating that an organized Islamic society had been established in Tapanuli Tengah at that time.

Cultural and Religious Importance

For the local community and pilgrims from various parts of the Nusantara, Makam Papan Tinggi is a very sacred religious site. Pilgrimage activities here are not just about praying but are a form of respect for the ancestors who brought the light of religion. Culturally, the existence of this tomb creates a harmonious syncretism between Islamic values and the local wisdom of the Tapanuli coastal community. There is an oral tradition that states whoever can count the same number of steps when ascending and descending will have their wishes granted—a cultural myth that adds to the allure of religious tourism at this site.

Preservation and Restoration Status

Currently, Makam Papan Tinggi is managed under the supervision of the Center for Cultural Preservation (BPK) Region II North Sumatra. This site has been designated as a Cultural Heritage. Restoration efforts have been undertaken several times, particularly in the construction of more permanent and safer cement steps compared to the dirt paths of the past. Nevertheless, preservation challenges remain, especially concerning soil erosion on the hills and the protection of calligraphy carvings on the gravestones from moss growth and extreme weather.

The Tapanuli Tengah Regency Government continues to strive to integrate Makam Papan Tinggi into international historical tourism routes. Supporting infrastructure development at the foot of the hill, such as information centers and public facilities, is continuously being improved to enhance tourist comfort without diminishing the sacredness of the site.

Unique Facts and Conclusion

A rarely known unique fact is that the camphor produced from the forests around this tomb site was used in the mummification process of Ancient Egyptian kings, including Ramses II. This proves that long before Syekh Mahmud passed away and was buried at Papan Tinggi, this location was already an important coordinate on the global trade map.

Makam Papan Tinggi is not just about death, but about the eternal traces of civilization. It stands as a reminder that on a remote hilltop in Tapanuli Tengah, lies the answer to the puzzle of early Nusantara history, connecting oceans, faith, and world trade.