BERDIRINYA KESULTANAN SIAK SRI INDRAPURA

Kesultanan Siak Sri Indrapura ( ‫( سلطنة سياك سري إندرابورا‬

IDENTIFICATION :

Istana Siak Sri Indrapura was built by a German architect in 1889 during the reign of Sultan
Syarif Hasyim. The palace remains intact to this day, and is frequently visited by tourists.
As one enters through the main entrance, one is greeted by a door adorned with reliefs
depicting a pair of soaring, sharp-eyed eagles. Inside the palace there is a valuable collection
of antiques, including the Sultan’s golden throne.
Youthfu One such collection features a musical instrument known as “komet” and made
by a German acoustics expert. It has a steel plate and an exquisite sound, and is one of only
two examples of the instrument left in the world today. According to a palace guard, the
instrument was played for the Sultan during meal times and when entertaining guests. It
doesn’t use electricity, but harnesses the kinetic energy produced by the rotating disc, and has
to be first cranked by hand. The holed steel plate acts like a record, storing the song to be
played. The instrument itself sounds a bit like a piano. In order to preserve it, the instrument
is only brought out and played on rare occasions.
 Another room displays tables and chairs made out of wood, crystal and glass arranged
beneath colourful crystal lamps hanging from the ceiling, a number of wardrobes, and a
collection of weapons made from copper and steel. In addition there is a collection of gifts to
the Sultan from friends and neighbouring regions.
The people of the Siak kingdom in contemporary times are featured in a series of large-
size photographs. There is also a mirror owned by the Sultan’s consort and known as Ratu
Agung, which when frequently used makes the user’s face appear fresh and eternally
youthful.
Also of interest from among the collection of historic items in the palace is the Sultan’s
personal black steel wardrobe. The wardrobe is more than a meter wide, and resembles a
modern safe. Amazingly, not a single person, even numerous skilled locksmiths, has been
able to open the wardrobe.
It is not known what the wardrobe contains, perhaps because the sense of respect for
privacy surrounding the Sultan’s personal effects meant that palace guards never opened the
wardrobe – and now no longer know how to.
Visitors are allowed to take any photos they wish inside the palace. There are numerous other
artifacts and historic items from the kingdom, making it a fascinating source of knowledge.
Istana Siak is located Siak regency, about 3-4 hours’ drive from Pekanbaru.

DESCRIPTION :
The Sultanate of Siak Sri Indrapura had its capital in Buantan until it moved to Siak
Indrapura. The people spoke a mix of Malay and Minang languages, with Islam as the
majority religion. It operated under a monarchy, established in 1723 prior to Indonesia’s
independence. The kingdom was founded in Buantan by the minor king, a son of Sultan
Mahmud Syah Sultan.
The Sultanate of Johor, led by the young ruler Sultan Abdul Jalil, was assassinated and
sought refuge in Pagaruyung with his mother, Enci Apong, in 1723. Following involvement
in the Johor throne dispute, the Sultanate of Siak emerged as a formidable maritime kingdom,
gaining prominence along the East Coast of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula amid European
imperial pressures.
The term Siak Sri Indrapura literally translates to the “City of a Devout King” in which
“Sri” signifies religious devotion. In Sanskrit, “cahaya” means “light,” and “Indera” or
“Indra” can be interpreted as “king,” while “pura” denotes city or the Kingdom of Siak. The
Malay community’s perception is closely tied to Islam, considering Siak residents as
followers of Islam, as a way of life in adherence to their religious beliefs defines a person as
Siak.
The name Siak can refer to a clan in the region between Pakistan and India, signifying the
sword. This term is associated with the nomadic Asian community mentioned by the Romans
and identified as Sakai by strabo, a Greek geographer. In connection with this, the area
around the Siak River still houses a community known as the Sakai people.