Agung Rantau Temple

Origins and Period of Establishment

Candi Agung Rantau is believed to be a relic from the transitional period between the fall of the Nan Sarunai Kingdom and the establishment of the Negara Dipa Kingdom. Chronologically, local archaeologists and historians place the construction of this site between the 13th and 14th centuries AD. This period was a golden age when Majapahit's influence began to spread to the South Kalimantan region through Gajah Mada's expedition, while still maintaining strong local cultural roots.

The construction of this temple is inseparable from the migration of people from upstream river areas to lower-lying plains. In the oral tradition of the Tapin people, this site is often associated with a place of worship and a small administrative center before the center of power shifted towards Amuntai and later to the coastal areas (Banjar Sultanate).

Architecture and Construction Details

One of the main unique features of Candi Agung Rantau lies in its building materials. Unlike temples in Java which are dominated by andesite stone, Candi Agung Rantau was built using large red bricks (ancient bricks). The bricklaying technique used the "rubbing" method, where the surfaces of the bricks were rubbed against each other until they interlocked without using modern cement, but rather a natural adhesive made from a mixture of tree sap and egg whites.

Structurally, the site exhibits an architectural style that tends towards a stepped pyramid form, an indigenous Nusantara architectural pattern that was later combined with Hindu-Buddhist cosmological concepts. The temple's foundation is buried beneath alluvial soil layers, indicating that the Tapin region in the past often experienced landscape changes due to river overflows. The remaining reliefs found around the site show fine geometric patterns and scrollwork, reflecting the precision of local craftsmen at that time.

Historical Significance and Important Events

Candi Agung Rantau played a vital role as a symbol of regional sovereignty in the pre-Islamic era. The site served as a sacred center for the coronation ceremonies of local rulers (Datu-Datu) and a place for thanksgiving offerings for agricultural produce. In local historical records, the Rantau region was an important meeting point for inland trade routes connecting the Meratus mountain region with major river routes.

The existence of this site proves that the Tapin region had an organized social structure long before the colonial influence arrived. This is evidenced by the discovery of ceramic fragments from the Song and Ming dynasties around the temple area, indicating that the community around Candi Agung Rantau had engaged in indirect international trade through river ports.

Related Figures and Periodization

The figure most closely associated with the narrative of Candi Agung is Empu Jatmika, the founder of the Negara Dipa Kingdom. Although his administrative center was in Amuntai, his influence and territory encompassed the Rantau area. Another figure often associated is Lambung Mangkurat, Empu Jatmika's son, known as a skilled statesman in the history of South Kalimantan.

In terms of periodization, Candi Agung Rantau falls within the timeline of "Negara Dipa - Negara Daha." This period was an important transitional phase where the inland agrarian culture began to interact with maritime culture. This site bears silent witness to how local leadership adopted noble values from Hindu-Buddhist teachings to strengthen their political legitimacy on Borneo land.

Cultural and Religious Meaning

For the contemporary community in Tapin, Candi Agung Rantau holds a highly respected position. Religiously, although the majority of the population now embraces Islam, this site is still considered the dwelling place of ancestors (sacred). Cultural syncretism is clearly evident; the site is often visited for "hajat" or thanksgiving rituals, involving offerings such as jasmine flowers and the burning of incense, which are legacies of pre-Islamic traditions.

The existence of this temple also strengthens the identity of the Banjar people as an egalitarian society that still highly values history. This site serves as a reminder that their ancestors were builders of civilization capable of creating magnificent architectural structures amidst the challenges of the tropical rainforest.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Candi Agung Rantau is under the supervision of the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) for the Kalimantan region. The main challenges in preserving this site are natural factors, especially high humidity and the threat of floods, which can accelerate the decay of the red bricks. Restoration efforts have been carried out several times, particularly on the foundation and the clearing of wild vegetation that damages the brick structure.

The Tapin Regency government is also continuously striving to integrate this site into the national historical tourism map. The construction of protective fences and information boards is being done to prevent damage by irresponsible hands and to educate visitors about the important value of this site for future generations.

Unique Historical Facts

One rarely known unique fact is that the bricks of Candi Agung Rantau have a very high level of hardness compared to modern bricks. Laboratory analysis shows the presence of a specific quartz sand mixture found only at specific points along the river in Tapin. Furthermore, the orientation of the temple building is known to face directly towards the sunrise, indicating an advanced understanding of astronomy by its builders to determine planting and harvesting times.

In conclusion, Candi Agung Rantau is a living monument that tells of the past glory of South Kalimantan. Through its red brick arrangement, we can learn about the resilience, creativity, and spirituality of past humans that remain relevant for study today. Preserving this site is not only the government's duty but also the moral responsibility of the entire community to ensure that the thread of Tapin's history is not broken by time.