Zero Point of Nusantara Islam

Historical Roots and Formation Period

The existence of Barus as the oldest center of Islamic civilization in Indonesia is based on ancient records from various nations such as Greek, Arab, Indian, and Chinese. The name "Barus" has been known to the world since the 2nd century AD through the writings of Claudius Ptolemaeus, a Greek geographer, who mentioned a port named Barousai.

Specifically, the designation of this zero point refers to the period between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. During that time, Barus was a vital international port because it was the sole source of the world's finest camphor (kapur barus) and benzoin resin (kemenyan). Camphor was highly sought after by ancient Egyptians for the mummification process and by Arabs and Chinese for medicinal and fragrance purposes. These trade routes brought merchants and preachers from the Arabian Peninsula (especially from Hadramaut) to land on the coast of Central Tapanuli, bringing the teachings of monotheism to the local community.

Monument Architecture and Construction Details

The Zero Point of Nusantara Islam monument was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, on March 24, 2017. Architecturally, the monument is designed with modern aesthetics yet is rich in spiritual symbolism. Its main structure stands firmly on the coast of Barus, facing the vast Indian Ocean, symbolizing Nusantara's openness to the outside world.

The monument features towering pillars that symbolize the pillars of Islam and the strength of faith. The materials used are predominantly natural stone and high-quality concrete to withstand saltwater corrosion. Around the monument, there is a spacious courtyard often used for religious and educational activities. Its minimalist design is intentionally made not to dominate the surrounding natural scenery, but rather to be a focal point that invites visitors to reflect on the long historical journey on that land.

Historical Significance and Related Events

The existence of this site changes the historical narrative that has long been prevalent, suggesting Islam only entered the archipelago in the 13th century through Samudera Pasai. Discoveries in Barus prove that the first contact occurred much earlier, even during the time of the Rashidun Caliphate or the early Umayyad Dynasty.

One of the crucial historical events was the discovery of various artifacts, including Tang Dynasty ceramics, ancient Middle Eastern coins, and inscription fragments using ancient Arabic script. This indicates that a highly advanced cultural syncretism and economic interaction had taken place in Barus. The port of Barus at that time functioned as a "melting pot" where the local coastal Batak culture interacted with the cosmopolitan cultures from Arabia, Persia, and India.

Important Figures and Ancient Tombs

Speaking of the Zero Point of Nusantara Islam cannot be separated from the existence of ancient burial complexes located not far from the main monument, namely the Makam Papan Tinggi and Makam Mahligai. In these places lie great figures who were pioneers of Islamic da'wah (preaching) in Nusantara.

Makam Papan Tinggi, located on a hill with hundreds of steps, is believed to be the tomb of Sheikh Mahmud bin Abdurrahman bin Muadz bin Jabal, a scholar from Arabia. The tombstones in this complex reach several meters in length, indicating immense respect for this figure. Furthermore, at Makam Mahligai, there are ancient tombstones bearing names such as Sheikh Rukunuddin, who passed away in 44 Hijriah (around 672 AD). This epigraphic evidence is an irrefutable unique fact about the ancient age of Islamic civilization in Barus.

Conservation Status and Restoration Efforts

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Education and Culture and the local government of Central Tapanuli, has designated the Barus area as a national cultural heritage site. Restoration is carried out periodically, especially on the access roads to the tombs on the hills to facilitate pilgrims and researchers.

Preservation efforts also include the digitization of ancient manuscripts and the mapping of archaeological sites still hidden beneath residents' plantations. Although natural challenges such as coastal abrasion threaten the monument's existence, coastal structure reinforcement has been carried out to ensure this historical point remains standing for future generations.

Cultural and Religious Urgency

For the Indonesian people, the Zero Point of Nusantara Islam holds deep religious value. This place is a primary destination for religious tourism in North Sumatra. Every year, thousands of Muslims come to pay their respects and trace the historical journey. Culturally, this site is a symbol of harmony. The heterogeneous community of Barus—consisting of various ethnicities and religions—lives side by side peacefully, reflecting the moderate, tolerant, and locally wise values of "Islam Nusantara."

The designation of Barus as the zero point also serves to ignite national pride that the Indonesian nation has been part of the global network of world civilization since very ancient times. By understanding the history of Barus, people are invited to see Islam not as an alien element, but as an integral part that has shaped Indonesian identity for over a thousand years.

In conclusion, the Zero Point of Nusantara Islam in Central Tapanuli is a silent witness to the maritime and spiritual glory of the nation. It stands as a reminder that from the fragrance of camphor, the light of a new civilization spread to all corners of the country, shaping the Nusantara character we know today.