Wisata Negeri Melayu Kepulauan Riau | POTRET

Summary

This video explores the rich cultural and historical heritage of Tanjung Pinang and Penyengat Island in the Riau Islands, Indonesia. The narrative delves into the Malay kingdom’s legacy, focusing on the significance of local traditions, such as the famed Gurindam 12 and unique coffee culture. Viewers are introduced to the island’s role as a spiritual and intellectual hub during the Riau Sultanate and the stories behind its royal heritage. Through vibrant visits to key landmarks, including the Sultan Riau Grand Mosque and tombs of national heroes, the video uncovers the deep historical and cultural connections that continue to shape the region today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tanjung Pinang, located on Bintan Island, is a cultural and historical hub for the Malay people, deeply connected with the history of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
• 😀 The city is known as the 'Land of Gurindam 12,' a reference to the famous Malay literature that holds cultural significance in the region.
• 😀 The Riau Malay Kingdom, which once spanned parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, has a lasting impact on the culture and heritage of Tanjung Pinang.
• 😀 Tanjung Pinang’s unique coffee culture is celebrated in places like Sekanak Coffee, where robusta coffee is blended with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, and is considered 'king's coffee.'
• 😀 Sekanak Coffee is not only a drink but an experience tied to the local traditions, with each blend offering health benefits based on its ingredients.
• 😀 Penyengat Island is a historically significant site, once home to the royal family of the Riau Sultanate, with 31 cultural heritage sites and strong Islamic traditions.
• 😀 The Great Mosque of the Riau Sultan, built in 1832 without the use of cement, remains a symbol of the island’s royal past and is still used today.
• 😀 Penyengat Island holds the tombs of several important figures, including national heroes like Raja Ali Haji, who helped establish the Malay language as the national language of Indonesia.
• 😀 Raja Ali Haji’s Gurindam 12 is a critical piece of Malay literature that continues to impart moral and ethical teachings to this day.
• 😀 The fresh water well on Penyengat Island, dating back to the time of the Riau Sultanate, still provides clean drinking water to the community, symbolizing the island's enduring importance.
• 😀 The trip concludes with a reflection on the teachings from Gurindam 12, emphasizing wisdom through self-awareness, understanding of the world, and maintaining good character and language.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Tanjung Pinang and Penyengat Island?

Tanjung Pinang and Penyengat Island are significant due to their historical connection to the Riau Lingga Malay Kingdom, which once governed parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. These areas are central to Malay culture, with many historical sites reflecting the legacy of past rulers, scholars, and intellectuals.

Who was Raja Alih, and what was his contribution to Malay culture?

Raja Alih was a prominent figure born on Penyengat Island who made a significant contribution to Malay literature and language. He is best known for his work 'Gurindam 12,' a collection of moral and ethical teachings that have influenced Malay culture and were later integrated into the national language of Indonesia.

What role did the Sultan Riau Grand Mosque play in the history of Penyengat Island?

The Sultan Riau Grand Mosque, built in the early 19th century, is a key historical and spiritual landmark on Penyengat Island. It symbolizes the island's importance as a center of Islamic culture and intellectual life during the Riau Sultanate. The mosque's unique construction, using lime, sand, clay, and egg whites instead of cement, showcases the ingenuity of the time.

What is the significance of Sekanak Coffee in the context of Tanjung Pinang's culture?

Sekanak Coffee holds cultural significance in Tanjung Pinang as it is known as the 'coffee of kings.' Made with a blend of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, it is believed to offer health benefits and embodies Malay philosophy, emphasizing the balance between bitter and sweet experiences in life.

What are the teachings of 'Gurindam 12,' and how do they relate to modern life?

The teachings of 'Gurindam 12' consist of moral and ethical lessons that encourage self-awareness, respect for others, and wisdom in actions. These lessons are still relevant today, as they emphasize values such as integrity, harmony, and the importance of understanding one’s relationship with God, others, and oneself.

How did Sultan Mahmud Syah contribute to the history of Penyengat Island?

Sultan Mahmud Syah played a pivotal role in the history of Penyengat Island by gifting it to his wife, Engku Putri Raja Hamidah, as a wedding gift. This act symbolized the beginning of the island's importance as a royal residence and cultural center for the Malay people.

What is the significance of the tombs on Penyengat Island?

The tombs on Penyengat Island, including those of national heroes like Engku Putri Raja Hamidah and Raja Alih, hold great historical significance. They serve as reminders of the island’s royal past and the influential figures who contributed to the cultural, intellectual, and political landscape of the Malay world.

Why is Penyengat Island also called the 'Island of Fresh Water'?

Penyengat Island was historically known as the 'Island of Fresh Water' due to the natural freshwater well that has been used by the local Malay community for centuries. This well has been a vital resource for the island's inhabitants and continues to be a symbol of the island's enduring importance.

How did the Malay people maintain their culture despite modernization in Tanjung Pinang?

Despite the growth and modernization of Tanjung Pinang, the Malay people continue to uphold their cultural traditions, including language, customs, and food. The strong connection to their ancestors’ values is evident in practices such as the preservation of traditional coffee culture and the ongoing reverence for historical sites and figures.

What role did the Gurindam 12 play in the development of the Malay language?

The 'Gurindam 12,' written by Raja Alih, played a key role in the development of the Malay language by standardizing its grammar and moral teachings. This work laid the foundation for the formalization of the Malay language, which later became the basis for the national language of Indonesia, Bahasa Indonesia, at the Youth Congress in 1928.