English
Long before modern maps were formed, on the highest peak of Lampung, Mount Pesagi, stood an ancient kingdom called Sekala Brak. Its people lived in harmony with nature, yet they still adhered to old beliefs deeply rooted in the worship of the Belasa Kepampang tree (a two-branched jackfruit tree).
One day in the 13th century, four princes arrived from a land across the sea (Pagaruyung). They brought a new message, a teaching of monotheism. A struggle between old and new traditions ensued. To make a long story short, the Sekala Brak civilization transformed into the Kepaksian Sekala Brak, an Islamic kingdom that became the root of all Lampung clans.
The Golden Era of "Black Gold"
Time passed, and centers of power began to spread toward the coast. Lampung became a magnet for the world because of one thing: Black Pepper.
Imagine the ports in East and South Lampung bustling with large ships from Gujarat and China to Europe. Pepper from Lampung was so precious that it was nicknamed "Black Gold."
This wealth triggered the establishment of Keratuan (small sovereign kingdoms). On the southern coast, the Keratuan Darah Putih was established. Why was its name so unique? It is said that its leader possessed white blood as a symbol of purity and noble lineage. They were the brave guardians of the Sunda Strait gateway.
Diplomacy and Brotherhood with Banten
Because of its location across from Java, the relationship between Lampung and the Banten Sultanate became very close. The Sultan of Banten viewed Lampung not as a colony, but as a kin brother and the primary supplier of global commodities.
Many young men from Lampung were sent to Banten to study religion and military tactics. As a sign of respect, the Sultan of Banten bestowed noble titles upon Lampung's customary leaders. This bond was so strong that when colonizers began to set foot, Lampung and Banten stood shoulder to shoulder.
The Last Resistance: Radin Intan II
The story of Lampung's kingdoms would not be complete without mentioning Radin Intan II. He was not just a king from the Keratuan Darah Putih, but a symbol of unyielding resistance.
When the Dutch attempted to monopolize the pepper trade, a very young Radin Intan II led a guerrilla war from forest to forest. Defensive forts were built in the hills. The Dutch were kept frustrated for years. Although the kingdom was formally suppressed by modern Western military power, the spirit of "Piil Pesenggiri" (self-esteem and honor) of the Lampung people could never be conquered.
The End of an Era
With the arrival of the colonial administration, the political power of the kings and queens in Lampung began to fade, but they did not disappear. These kingdoms transformed into Customary Institutions.
To this day, those "kingdoms" still live on in every grand wedding procession, in the sound of the talo balak gamelan, and in the strokes of the ancient script still studied by their descendants.
One day in the 13th century, four princes arrived from a land across the sea (Pagaruyung). They brought a new message, a teaching of monotheism. A struggle between old and new traditions ensued. To make a long story short, the Sekala Brak civilization transformed into the Kepaksian Sekala Brak, an Islamic kingdom that became the root of all Lampung clans.
The Golden Era of "Black Gold"
Time passed, and centers of power began to spread toward the coast. Lampung became a magnet for the world because of one thing: Black Pepper.
Imagine the ports in East and South Lampung bustling with large ships from Gujarat and China to Europe. Pepper from Lampung was so precious that it was nicknamed "Black Gold."
This wealth triggered the establishment of Keratuan (small sovereign kingdoms). On the southern coast, the Keratuan Darah Putih was established. Why was its name so unique? It is said that its leader possessed white blood as a symbol of purity and noble lineage. They were the brave guardians of the Sunda Strait gateway.
Diplomacy and Brotherhood with Banten
Because of its location across from Java, the relationship between Lampung and the Banten Sultanate became very close. The Sultan of Banten viewed Lampung not as a colony, but as a kin brother and the primary supplier of global commodities.
Many young men from Lampung were sent to Banten to study religion and military tactics. As a sign of respect, the Sultan of Banten bestowed noble titles upon Lampung's customary leaders. This bond was so strong that when colonizers began to set foot, Lampung and Banten stood shoulder to shoulder.
The Last Resistance: Radin Intan II
The story of Lampung's kingdoms would not be complete without mentioning Radin Intan II. He was not just a king from the Keratuan Darah Putih, but a symbol of unyielding resistance.
When the Dutch attempted to monopolize the pepper trade, a very young Radin Intan II led a guerrilla war from forest to forest. Defensive forts were built in the hills. The Dutch were kept frustrated for years. Although the kingdom was formally suppressed by modern Western military power, the spirit of "Piil Pesenggiri" (self-esteem and honor) of the Lampung people could never be conquered.
The End of an Era
With the arrival of the colonial administration, the political power of the kings and queens in Lampung began to fade, but they did not disappear. These kingdoms transformed into Customary Institutions.
To this day, those "kingdoms" still live on in every grand wedding procession, in the sound of the talo balak gamelan, and in the strokes of the ancient script still studied by their descendants.