Tangga Raja

Tracing the Glory of Tangga Raja: The Gateway to Tulang Bawang Civilization

Tangga Raja is not merely a physical structure of stairs descending into the waters, but a living monument that records the pulse of power, trade, and diplomacy in Lampung. Located on the banks of the Way Tulang Bawang, precisely in Menggala City, Tulang Bawang Regency, the Tangga Raja Site is a silent witness to the golden age of the Tulang Bawang Kingdom up to the Dutch colonial era. This site represents the important identity of the Pepadun community and Lampung's connection to the Nusantara maritime network.

#

Historical Origins and Formation Period

The origins of Tangga Raja are deeply rooted in the existence of the Tulang Bawang Kingdom, one of the oldest kingdoms in the Nusantara whose traces were recorded by the Chinese pilgrim I-Tsing in the 7th century as To-Lang P'o-Huang. However, the Tangga Raja structure we know today is more closely related to the period from the 17th to the 19th centuries, when Menggala became a very busy center of government and river port.

The name "Tangga Raja" literally means "The King's Stairs". Historically, this place was a special dock used as the main entrance for kings, nobles, and distinguished guests visiting the Tulang Bawang region. This area was once a strategic meeting point between the interior of Lampung, rich in pepper, and international trade routes through the Java Sea.

#

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Tangga Raja has unique characteristics because it combines the functionality of a river dock with the symbolic aesthetics of power. The original structure was built using durable local materials, such as unglen wood (ironwood) and river stones. The stairs were arranged to adapt to the fluctuations of the Way Tulang Bawang's water level, which often overflowed during the rainy season and receded drastically during the dry season.

The design of Tangga Raja reflects local wisdom in dealing with the river ecosystem. The stairs are wide enough to accommodate large groups and traditional welcoming protocols. In the past, around these stairs, there were typical Lampung carved wooden ornaments symbolizing social status and royal grandeur. Although most of the original wooden structure has weathered, the basic pattern of stone laying and the site's layout remain preserved, demonstrating the precision of traditional civil engineering of the Menggala community in managing riverbanks.

#

Historical Significance and Important Events

Tangga Raja played a vital role as a "Diplomatic Gateway". One of the most prominent historical events was the use of this site to welcome rulers from the Sultanate of Banten and envoys from Palembang. Considering pepper was a golden commodity at that time, Tangga Raja became a point for monitoring the distribution of agricultural products before they were transported to major ports.

During the Dutch colonial era, Tangga Raja maintained its function. The Dutch East Indies government made Menggala an important Afdeeling (administrative region). Dutch officials coming from Batavia (Jakarta) would disembark at Tangga Raja before proceeding to the resident's office. The existence of this site proves that Way Tulang Bawang was a major transportation route (highway) before the massive construction of the Trans-Sumatra road.

#

Related Figures and Periods

This site is closely related to the traditional leaders of Tulang Bawang, known as Penyimbang. The Penyimbang from the four major clans (Margo Pak) periodically used this place in the traditional ceremony of Begawi. In addition, names like Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa of Banten are recorded as having strong diplomatic ties with this region, where his envoys often docked at Tangga Raja to strengthen trade alliances.

During the struggle for independence, the area around Tangga Raja also became a point of mobilization for local fighters in monitoring the movements of Dutch patrol boats navigating the Way Tulang Bawang. This added a heroic dimension to a site that was initially ceremonial.

#

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Tangga Raja has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site by the Tulang Bawang Regency Government. Awareness of the importance of this historical value has prompted several restoration efforts. The local government has built supporting infrastructure around the site, such as park landscaping, the construction of a modern pier adjacent to the original site, and the installation of historical information boards.

However, preservation challenges remain, especially concerning river erosion and the silting of Way Tulang Bawang. The latest restoration efforts are focused on strengthening the foundation of the stairs to prevent them from being eroded by the river current, without altering the original facade that characterizes it. Local communities are also involved in maintaining the cleanliness of the site area as part of a historical tourism campaign.

#

Cultural and Religious Significance

For the people of Menggala and Lampung in general, Tangga Raja holds sacred value in the context of tradition. This site is often part of traditional wedding processions or the conferment of titles (Adok). Prospective brides or individuals receiving titles sometimes perform symbolic rituals on the riverbank as a form of respect to ancestors and nature.

Religiously, the proximity of Tangga Raja to Masjid Kibang (one of the oldest mosques in Menggala) indicates the integration of political power, tradition, and religion. Religious leaders who spread Islam in the interior of Lampung often began their journeys from this point, making Tangga Raja the starting point for the dissemination of new spiritual values in the land of Tulang Bawang.

#

Unique Fact: "Old Well" and River Myths

One rarely known unique fact is the existence of springs or "wells" around Tangga Raja that are believed by the community to have certain properties if used to wash one's face before a traditional ceremony begins. Furthermore, there is a local belief that the Way Tulang Bawang is guarded by the mythological figure "White Crocodile", and Tangga Raja is considered the most protected area due to its historical value and human respect for the site.

#

Conclusion

Tangga Raja is not just a pile of stones and cement on the riverbank. It is the epicenter of history connecting the past maritime glory of Tulang Bawang with the present. As a symbol of sovereignty and openness, Tangga Raja continues to stand against the currents of time, reminding every generation of the greatness of their ancestors who were able to build a great civilization on the magnificent riverbanks. Through sustainable preservation efforts, Tangga Raja is expected to remain a proud icon of Lampung Province and an invaluable historical educational destination for the Indonesian nation.