Laksamana Keumalahayati | Tokoh | Kesultanan Nusantara

Summary

Laksamana Malahayati, a legendary figure in Acehnese history, was a formidable naval commander who led Aceh’s forces against colonial powers. Born into a distinguished military family, she rose to prominence after taking command of the navy following her husband's death. In 1599, she famously defeated the Dutch commander Cornelis de Houtman in a duel during the Battle of Malacca, securing her place as a respected leader. Malahayati's legacy lives on through her bravery, and she died in 1606 in a battle against the Portuguese, leaving a lasting impact on Aceh’s military history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Laksamana Malahayati, an Acehnese military leader, fought Cornelis de Houtman in a duel during a naval battle in 1599 in the Malacca Strait.
• 😀 Malahayati, born into a family with a strong military background, was the daughter of Laksamana Mahmud Syah and the granddaughter of Laksamana Muhammad Said Syah.
• 😀 Despite being a woman, Malahayati pursued a career in the military, a domain predominantly occupied by men during her time.
• 😀 She excelled in military education at Ma'had Baitul Maqdis and took on roles in defense, eventually becoming a naval commander.
• 😀 After her husband's death in battle against the Portuguese, Malahayati replaced him as the head of the palace guards and later as the commander of the navy.
• 😀 Under her leadership, the Acehnese navy grew to have at least 100 warships, each capable of carrying 400 soldiers.
• 😀 Malahayati established a military base in Teluk Lamreh Raya and built a fortress for defense and surveillance.
• 😀 She formed the Inong Bale, a powerful all-female military unit made up of women whose husbands died in battle. This unit eventually grew to 2,000 soldiers.
• 😀 In June 1599, two Dutch ships, the Leo and the Liwin, arrived in Aceh under the leadership of Cornelis de Houtman and his brother Frederick, initially to trade.
• 😀 Tensions between the Dutch and the Acehnese escalated as the Dutch sought to dominate, leading to the naval battle in September 1599, where Malahayati personally confronted and defeated Cornelis de Houtman.
• 😀 Laksamana Malahayati died in 1606 fighting the Portuguese in the Malacca Strait and was buried at the foot of Bukit Lamputa-Kuta Raja.

Q & A

Who was Laksamana Malahayati?

Laksamana Malahayati was a prominent naval commander from the Aceh Sultanate in the late 16th century. She is most famous for her role in defending Aceh against foreign colonial powers, particularly the Dutch and the Portuguese.

What was the significance of Laksamana Malahayati's family background?

Laksamana Malahayati came from a military family. Her father, Laksamana Mahmud Syah, and her grandfather, Laksamana Muhammad Said Syah, were both prominent figures in the Aceh Sultanate's military. This lineage influenced her decision to pursue a military career.

What military role did Laksamana Malahayati hold in the Aceh Sultanate?

Laksamana Malahayati served as the head of the royal guard and the commander of the Acehnese navy. She took on these roles after the death of her husband in battle.

How did Laksamana Malahayati rise to military prominence?

Laksamana Malahayati gained prominence after replacing her husband, who was killed in a battle against the Portuguese. She was appointed as the naval commander by Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah, marking her as a key figure in Aceh's military leadership.

What role did Laksamana Malahayati play in the battle against the Dutch?

Laksamana Malahayati led the Acehnese navy in a battle against Dutch ships, particularly in a notable confrontation in September 1599, where she defeated Cornelis de Houtman in a duel on the deck of a ship.

What were the Inong Bale?

The Inong Bale was a special all-female military unit formed by Laksamana Malahayati. The unit consisted of women whose husbands had died in battle, and it grew to 2,000 members over time.

What was the role of the Dutch ships 'Leo' and 'Liwin' in the conflict?

The Dutch ships 'Leo' and 'Liwin' arrived in the Aceh region in June 1599, initially for trade. However, tensions escalated as the Dutch sought to assert control over Aceh, leading to a confrontation with Laksamana Malahayati and her forces.

What happened during the legendary duel between Laksamana Malahayati and Cornelis de Houtman?

During the battle in September 1599, Laksamana Malahayati personally engaged in a duel with Cornelis de Houtman aboard his ship. She successfully defeated him, effectively ending his mission and making her a respected figure among European sailors.

What was the fate of Laksamana Malahayati after the 1599 battle?

Laksamana Malahayati continued to fight against the Portuguese until her death in 1606 during a battle in the Strait of Malacca. She was buried at Lamputa-Kuta Raja Hill.

What was the impact of Laksamana Malahayati's leadership on the Acehnese military?

Under Laksamana Malahayati's leadership, the Acehnese navy grew significantly in strength, boasting a fleet of at least 100 large warships, each capable of carrying 400 soldiers. Her leadership helped to maintain Aceh's sovereignty and deter foreign invasions.