Sejarah Perang Jawa vs Sunda: Dosa Terbesar Gadjah Mada?

Summary

The War of Bubat, a tragic conflict between the Majapahit and Sunda Kingdoms in 1357, was sparked by political ambition and cultural misunderstanding. Gadjah Mada, the ambitious prime minister of Majapahit, saw the marriage of Princess Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi of Sunda to King Hayam Wuruk as an opportunity for dominance, leading to the massacre of the Sunda delegation. This event caused lasting resentment between the Javanese and Sundanese, affecting relations for centuries. The story highlights the consequences of unchecked ambition, with efforts for reconciliation only gaining traction as recently as 2018, when streets were named in honor of Majapahit figures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Majapahit was one of the largest empires in Nusantara, united under the leadership of Mahapatih Gadjah Mada.
• 😀 Gadjah Mada's ambition to unite the entire Nusantara led to tragic consequences, particularly the War of Bubat.
• 😀 The War of Bubat, in 1357, became a significant event in Indonesian history, especially for the Sundanese people.
• 😀 The conflict was sparked when Gadjah Mada considered Princess Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi as tribute rather than a bride, leading to a violent confrontation.
• 😀 The Sundanese royal family, including King Prabu Linggabuana, was killed during the war, with only the princess surviving.
• 😀 Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi tragically took her own life, marking a deep emotional scar for the Sundanese people.
• 😀 King Hayam Wuruk of Majapahit regretted the events and distanced himself from Gadjah Mada afterward, as reflected in historical sources.
• 😀 After the war, tensions between Majapahit and Sunda lingered for centuries, with social taboos developing, such as prohibitions against marriages between Sundanese and Javanese people.
• 😀 Despite the tragic outcome, the Kingdom of Sunda survived for over 60 years after the event, falling only in 1579 due to attacks from the Banten army.
• 😀 The War of Bubat remains a topic of debate among historians, with some considering it a later addition to historical texts, but many agreeing on its occurrence and significance.
• 😀 In 2018, reconciliation efforts were symbolized by the naming of streets in Bandung after figures involved in the event, fostering a spirit of unity and respect for the past.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Majapahit Empire in Southeast Asian history?

The Majapahit Empire is considered one of the largest and most powerful empires in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Nusantara region. Under the leadership of Mahapatih Gadjah Mada, it united much of the archipelago, including areas in Sumatra, Malaya, Kalimantan, and even the Philippines.

Who was Mahapatih Gadjah Mada and what role did he play in the Majapahit Empire?

Mahapatih Gadjah Mada was the prime minister of the Majapahit Empire and one of its most influential figures. His political ambition led him to attempt unifying the entire archipelago, and he is known for his strong leadership and expansionist policies.

What was the main conflict between Majapahit and the Sunda Kingdom?

The conflict arose from Gadjah Mada’s ambition to expand Majapahit's power. He saw the marriage proposal between Hayam Wuruk and Dyah Pitaloka, a princess from Sunda, as an opportunity to force Sunda into submission, leading to the tragic events of the Perang Bubat.

Why did Gadjah Mada treat Dyah Pitaloka as 'upeti' or tribute from the Sunda Kingdom?

Gadjah Mada viewed the marriage between Hayam Wuruk and Dyah Pitaloka not as an alliance, but as a chance to assert Majapahit's dominance. He decided unilaterally that Dyah Pitaloka would be treated as a tribute or symbol of submission, which led to the conflict with the Sundanese.

What was the outcome of the Perang Bubat?

The Perang Bubat resulted in a massacre of the Sundanese delegation, including the king, queen, and many others. Only Dyah Pitaloka survived, and she tragically ended her own life in response to the events. This left a long-lasting cultural and political rift between the Majapahit and Sunda Kingdoms.

How did King Hayam Wuruk respond to the events of the Perang Bubat?

King Hayam Wuruk regretted the actions of Gadjah Mada and was deeply saddened by the massacre. This event caused a rift between him and Gadjah Mada, and it highlighted the tension between personal relationships and political ambitions.

What was the impact of the Perang Bubat on relations between the Sundanese and Javanese people?

The Perang Bubat caused deep resentment among the Sundanese people towards the Javanese, leading to social taboos such as prohibitions on intermarriage. The tension lasted for centuries, with lasting effects on the cultural relations between the two groups.

Did the Perang Bubat immediately lead to the downfall of the Sunda Kingdom?

No, despite the massacre, the Sunda Kingdom continued to exist for more than 60 years after the Perang Bubat. It eventually fell to the Banten forces in 1579, long after Majapahit's collapse.

How do historians view the historical accuracy of the Perang Bubat story?

While many historians accept the Perang Bubat as a real historical event, there are debates about the accuracy of the details, especially concerning later additions to the story, such as those made by Dutch researchers or subsequent chroniclers.

What efforts were made to reconcile the wounds left by the Perang Bubat?

In 2018, the city of Bandung officially named streets after Majapahit, Hayam Wuruk, and Dyah Pitaloka as part of efforts to reconcile the historical grievances between the Javanese and Sundanese people. This symbolic act marked a step toward healing and unity.