The Datu of Luwu

Datu Andi Iwan Alamsyah Bau Djemma Barue of Luwu with his wife

In the very old time the rulers of Buginese Kingdom of Luwu were the main powers on the island of Sulawesi, which held sway over many Toraja peoples to. Later the kingdoms of Bone and Gowa in SW-Sulawesi began to be more powerfull, but Luwu remained a big power, having it's sphere of influence in a big area. So nowadays several non-Luwu districts/kabupatens on Sulawesi still have a very strong traditional relationships with Luwu. The datu's of Luwu also always stayed very selfconfident. Until the end of the Dutch rule in Indonesia. Of course the datu's also saw the good sides of Dutch rule, but always wanted to have independence for their area and country. The last in this line of freedomseekers kings was Datu Andi Djemma Barue (a later national hero). He ruled 1936-1946(deposed) and 1949-1959 as king;from 1957-1960 as bupati of Luwu. He died in 1965.His son Andi Achmad was bupati of Luwu 1968-1972.The traditional postion of his dynasty always remained strong.In the present time of revival of the cultural and social value of the Indonesian dynasties also here that has not happened without problems. In Luwu the succesion always was settled with the rule, that the new king,or queen had to be descended as much as possible form former monarchs. That is the so-called "being of pure royal blood" principle. Nowadays some dynasties, which did not use the latter principle of succesion also try to use the principle "a monarch will be followed by the oldest child". The hereby depicted Datu Iwan Alamsyah Bau Djemma Barue is the oldest son of Andi Bau Djemma gelar Tellu PoccoE, who is the only son from the marriage of Datu Andi Djemma Barue with his fullblooded royal daughter of a raja of Bone(the also as Indonesian national hero recognized Arumpone/Raja Andi Mappanjuki). He was installed as datu of Luwu in 2006. Before he already was considered as the semi-official dynastychief, but in 2003 some people in the dynasty network thought it also good to use the principle "oldest child is succesor", so another grandchild of Datu Andi Djemma Barue was respected from that time as the main person in the datu dynasty. This princess is Datu Andi Luwu;the daughter of the oldest son of Datu Andi Djemma, who always was a big help of his father before and also an important person in the independence struggle in Luwu after WW II. Nowadays you see, that also the traditional values are restored in Luwu in which the dynasty also plays an important role. You can see, that we live now in a time, where the good things of the old time are taken back and the unneccesary things are left behind. Also here it is hoped, that wishes of harmony will remain.

D.P. Tick gRMK
I. Festivana

The picture is from the collection of Forum Silaturahmi Keraton se-Nusantara

Indonesian King attends Royal Installation in Malaysia

On the 26th of october 2009 the 11 th Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan federation was installed as the crown of a ca. week long installation ceremonies in this Malaysian federal royal member state.
The new king;Tuanku Muhriz;was chosen 29-12-2008 as such by the 4 eligible member rulers of the Negri Sembilan federation as succesor to his shortly before deceased uncle Tuanku Jaafar.
Already enough has been written about this installation before, so it would be a bit unnessarily to write again elaborately about it.
Only it was an extraoridinary fact,that an Indonesian king and his queen were also attending officially.
It is Sutan Taufik Thaib gelar Yang Dipertuan Tuanko Mudo Mangkuto Alam of Pagaruyung.
The reason for it, was that some centuries ago the present ruling system of the Negri Sembilan federation;a by Minangkabauw from Sumatra peopled area;took shape, when the member states went to their old homeland on Sumatra to ask the Emperor of the Minangkabauw peoples there to give them a prince of his dynasty to be the first ruler of an united Negri Sembilan.
And so it happened.
The historical contacts with the long ago departed homeland remained very strong again ever since and that is why this ceremonial bond between the 2 areas was made in the open again by the attending of the king of the Minangkabauw area on Sumatra;also called the Emperor of Pagaruyung. He is seen on the 2nd picture.
Somewhere in the audience was the ruler of an other seperate Minangkabauw area;the close to Negri Sembilan attached area Naning in Malakka. The Dato Undang with name Abdul Latif of Naning will be shown in due time attending the event.

The installation itself was also attended by Malaysia royalty and the crown prince couple of Brunei.
The royal banquet afterwards was also attended by more royalty from all over Malaysia, the Sultan of Brunei with his near family, the Emperor of Pagaruyung with his wife and more very high dignitaries.

May all this be a blessing also for a wise rule of the new king of Negri Sembilan.

Donald P.Tick
Festivana

Present Situation of the Pakualaman Dynasty (Yogjakarta-area)

YOGYAKARTA - Puro Pakualaman internal conflict since 1999 seems to have ended earlier. After waiting for a family reconciliation for 10 years there was no clarity, some son of the late KGPAA Paku Alam VIII in the near future will hold the event jumenengan Paku Alam IX.

"Until now jumenengan Paku Alam IX has never existed. If there is any feeling has become Paku Alam IX, go ahead. As a family we do not recognize," said KPH Anglingkusumo, one the son of Paku Alam VIII accompanied by two younger brother and KPH KPH Songkokusumo time Widjojokusumo held a press conference on Friday Pakualaman Sewotomo Ward (16/10) yesterday.

"Insha Allah time soon. We're waiting for the right time," added Widjojokusumo.

Half jokingly, Angling said that if the present, one brother KPH Ambarkusumo often called the PA, then he was also greeted with calls PA.

"PA is one that Mr. Ambar, if I'm Mr. Angling," he said with a smile.

Plan jumenengan Paku Alam IX by Anglingkusumo and brother-sister did not seem to escape the emergence of case-ground enclosure Pakualaman Ground (PAG) in a number of locations in the later Kulonprogo.

Fixing action that makes some locals nervous. Aftermath of the case, the Regent Kulonprogo Toyo S Dipo chance to speak. Like Radar Jogja proclaimed Wednesday (14/10), after meeting with the Association of All Indonesian village device (APDESI) Kulonprogo, Toyo expressed doubt support the establishment of RUUK DIJ.

The reason, he was concerned with the set Paku Alam felt strongly that it can act arbitrarily. Case enclosure unilaterally claimed status PAG, said Regent is one example.

Responding to accusations that Toyo, both Angling and asked regents Kulonprogo technocrats do not generalize gebyah eyebrows salt Puro Pakualaman relatives.

Say, as an heir Paku Alam VIII, Angling said never assign or remove kekancingan against individuals or institutions on behalf of Paku Alaman lands set in Kulonprogo.

Until now Angling said he was still in office or such Kartiprojo Pengageng public works concurrently head of the office museum.Sedangkan Widjojo Pengageng Reh Njawi Ageng Kawedanan Magersari Affairs and Licensing.

"We do not know nothing about the action that has caused such unrest Kulonprogo citizens," he said.

Widjojo said that since his brother became jumenengan KPH Ambarkusumo Paku Alam IX inevitably arise in the neighborhood of the sun twin Puro Pakualaman.

Paku Alam VIII descendants split into camps. Ie Pakualaman The Kulon (Papilon) and Pakualaman Kikis Wetan (Pakistan). As the new ruler, after changing its name to Paku Alam IX, Ambarkusumo also formed a new cabinet, including the deal points Pengageng about land as a manageable field of technocrats.

Back jumenengan plan Paku Alam IX, Angling said it actually was ready to mobilize reconciliation with their brothers and other relatives.

He said the root cause of conflict is jumenengan Ambarkusumo Pakualaman and declarations of support Pakualaman relatives on April 6, 1999.

Questioning the validity of Angling jumenengan Ambarkusumo for KPH was sworn in by the Haryasudirja Sasraningrat have different beliefs Ambarkusumo. "Please ask the religious authorities whether it is legitimate," he said.

Declaration which was signed 12 relatives were also contain a statement to anyone who disagrees with jumenengan Ambarkusumo will be set aside because it is against the principle of service wewaler Kejawen and considered against the flow of public opinion even kasentanan Praja Pakualaman will betray the ideals of the founding fathers as well as endangering the existence of the dynasty Praja Pakualaman .

"The declaration should be revoked because it hurt our feelings as part of the heirs of Paku Alam VIII," he said.

Until the end of his life, Paku Alam VIII had eight children from two wives and Retnaningrum Kray Kray Purnamaningrum.

From Retnaningrum born Probokusumo KPH, Retno Sundari Bray, Bray Dewayani Retno, Anglingkusumo KPH, KPH Songkokusumo, Bray Retno Pudjawati, Dhoyokusumo and KPH KPH Widjojokusumo.

While the Purnamaningrum, KPH Ambarkusumo, Bray Retnomartani, KPH Gondhokusumo, Retno Suskamdani Bray, Bray Retno Rukmini, KPH Tjondrokusumo, Bray and Widanarni Retno Indrokusumo KPH.


Translate from Jawa Pos (http://jawapos.com/radar/index.php?act=detail&rid=120869)
Date Saturday October 17th, 2009

Translate By Donald & Festivana

Wertuar;one of the 8 principalities of Papua island

Raja Musa Heremba and Ratu Wa Taribu Heremba Penunuh in the airplane in
november 2009,while going to the palace of the Indonesian president.

Indonesia has ca. 300 recognized dynasties,who ruled before over independent monarchies.These were ranging from empires,sultanates to big and small principalities. Nowadays these dynasties still fullfill it's role as cultural and historical identity points for the local populations at least.
The island of Papua also had principalities:8. Before the coast of Papua is an archipelago with 4 other principalities (west of it) and to the north is the little former principality of the Mapia islands. One of the Papua island principalities is the principality of Wetuar;lying west of the city of Kokas;one of the 3 main cities in the Onin-peninsula area, where all the 8 Papua principalities are lying.These areas are ruled by dynasties originating in the area, of mixed local/outside origin,or originally coming from the Moluccans.
The present dynasty of Wertuar is the Heremba clan and the present raja is Raja Musa Heremba, being the 10th ruler of the area. This clan delivered always the rulers of the area,but not always the raja. Before it was a sort of vasal-area of nearby principality of Rumbati;the former major power in the area. Between 1850 and 1870 it was neccesarily to install a seperate raja for the Wertuar area,so Raja Semempes was installed, who already was a coordinating man a bit there.He was the first and last raja of the old time,although his son Waraburi also is recognized as a sort of ruler of Wertuar,but probably without raja-title. Another source give different/additional info about former rajas of Wertuar. The Heremba clan was then already the Raja Muda clan (vice-raja) of Wertuar.They need to have a seperate raja of Wertuar came back strongly after a while. A certain Raja Muda Lakatey Heremba was installed as raja muda in 1886 and was found a good ruler enough to install him 20-11-1911as the first raja of Wertuar of his dynasty;but nominally still under the rule of the principality of Rumbati. It became total independent in the beginning of the 1920-ies,when the then raja also toook the raja-title. The strong ruler Raja Lakatey Heremba died in 1913 and was succeeded by his son Raja Paris Heremba. Also known as a dedicated ruler for his principality.
The main remaining area of the former principality of Wertuar is not so big, but all the Papua island principalities also have a commercial influence area, which before also more or less belonged to their existence. Raja Paris Heremba abdicated because of old age in 1952 and was succeeded by the last ruling raja of Wertuar:his son Raja Nazar Heremba. This raja ruled over an area consisted of 8 villages.
Nowadays these 8 are grouped into 5 official villages. The dynasty originally comes from the Baham area;the border area between the Onin peninsula and the rest of the island of Papua.They can consider Kramongga village as their residence village. Raja Nazar Heremba became after Papua was attached to Indonesian in the beginning 1960-ies an official in the local government. His father had witnessed the transitional period of Papua, because died in 1961. In his time Raja Nazar Heremba was known as the most educated raja of the area and known also for his very big dedication to bring development to his people. Still he is loved very much in the memory of the people of Wertuar.He died in 1988 and before his burial his son Raja Musa Heremba was chosen and installed as the 10th ruler of Wertuar 15-4-1988. That was done;even in the so-called modern time, by the traditional chiefs according to traditional rules. Later he also had to be recognized by the local government. Like his forefathers;Raja Musa Heremba is known for his caring for his people. He is now a high official at the department of transport of the district government of Fak Fak. From his marriage with Ratu Wa Taribu Heremba Penunuh he has 7 children, of which the oldest son;Raja Muda Abdul Mutalib Heremba;already was passed away before 2009. The succession in Wertuar doesn't go automatically from father to oldest son. The in 1955 born Raja Musa Heremba had an older brother called Raja Muda Umar Heremba, who died when he was 7 and some other brothers, but one way, or another the traditional chiefs and the important members of the dynasty choose for him as 10th ruler of Wertuar. The present crownprince of Wertuar is like him also not the oldest son:Raja Muda Umar Rifai Heremba is now 23 years. Wertuar is lying near the very important harbour of Kokas and in the Dutch time also had their as a a raja their main residence to be close to Dutch government;so lived in the same city as the raja of Sekar. Sometimes the rajas of this area were called the business rajas and they still have these talents until now. The existence of Wertuar as a seperate principality was not always undisputed,because in the past the rajas of Sekar tried to convince Holland to let Wertuar be considered as a part of Sekar.These requests were never rewarded. Now all is harmony here between the 2 dynasties,who are also through marriage related to each other. Nowadays also the raja dynasty of Wertuar is recognized by the other dynasties of Indonesia as a by history founded ruling family;being nowadays a focuspoint for local history and culture. The knowledge and feeling for these matters are nowadays still very much alive and the members of the local dynasties here also have an important place as members elected in the local government. This article could be made after several interviews with Ratu Muda Arwan Heremba S.IP. (the sister of Raja Musa Heremba), Raja Muda Umar Rifai Heremba (the crownprince of Wertuar)and Raja Muda Satria Paris Heremba (the nephew of Raja Musa Heremba). Of course we are extremely gratefull for all their friendly and valuable help during the interviews.

D.P. Tick gRMK
I. Festivana

Sambaliung get's a new sultan after 49 years

On the 19th of october 2009 Datu Fachruddin;the oldest surviving son of Sultan Mohammad Aminuddin of Sambaliung in East-Kalimantan;was installed as new sultan here.
The 66 year old sultan is one of the 17 children of the last ruling sultan of Sambaliung in the Berau district, who ruled as regent, sultan and later as areachief (of total Berau) from 1902 until his death in 1960.
The 4th son of the late sultan was for a long time the main representative of the dynasty.
Already 6 of his brothers and 9 of his sisters have died.
The last years he was quite busy with a project to make a forefather of him;called Raja Alam;a new National Hero of Indonesia.
This former ruler of Sambaliung between 1830-1834 and founder of a seperate Sambaliung,away from the Berau sultanate, was blamed to find no reason whatsoever to cooperate with Holland on any field and also working together with pirates, who made the area unsafe for international sea transport.
The new sultan is known as a friendly and humble person,who has time for everybody.
He didn't want to rush his installation as a new sultan,although it was clear for years, that he was the best candidate.
Now his patience is rewarded.
He is now, besides the sultan of Kutai Kartanegara;the 2nd sultan, who is installed.
He has taken however not yet the title of sultan, but pemangku adat(chief of the tradition).
Such royals with a similar title are also to be found in some other areas of East-Kalimantan like the nearby Gunung Tabur (the other area in Berau), Bulungan and the a bit more far lying Pasir, but these dignataries are not installed in such an official and elaborate way.
In Banjarmasin we only have a prince, which is chief of the dynastic organisation.

We all hope of course,that also this new king will be a source of identity for the local people.That this installation will really crrate a new feeling of compeleteness for everybody there.

May God blesses him.

D.P. Tick gRMK
I. Festivana

Indepence fighter symbol of Indonesian national territorial integrity

The statue that is now placed on the northern most island of Miangas is a signal to everybody in the world, that for stability in the world it would be good to recognize the settled boundaries.
Raja Bataha Santiago was a raja of Manganitu of the island of Sangir (north of Menado). He ruled from ca. 1666 until he was executed as an old man in 1675.
At that time there was a struggle going on between the Roman Catholic kingdom of Spain and the Protestant state of Holland in the archipelago.
Holland was then consolidating his position in this area, which was officially a vasal-area of the sultanate of Ternate.
Raja Bataha Santiago still kept on making rebellious atmosphere in the area to help Spain tp come back in the area. One time it was found enough and the sultan of Ternate then went to Sangir island to stop the unpeacefull atmosphere, imprisonned the raja and let him execute then.
300 years later the Indonesian government decided to proclaim Raja Bataha Santiago then as a national hero.
After his death Managnitu was decided into 2 parts for a while.
The island of Miangas was never a part of Manganitu principality,but was known as a semi-independent area before and also part of the principality of Kendahe-Tahuna (proba- bly only before of Kendahe) in the Nanusa-area.From 1912 it became part of the new principality of the Talaud-islands.
Spain;as colonial power in the Philippines;claimed the island and later that claim was inherited by it's succesor in the area the USA.
But the international law powers decided always in favour of Holland very easily.

DP Tick gRMK
I. Festivana