Sejarah Indonesia. Raja Airlangga dan Kediri.

Summary

The video delves into the dramatic and legendary story of King Airlangga, a heroic figure from the 11th century in East Java. After surviving a catastrophic attack on his royal wedding, Airlangga fled into the forest, where he trained to become a powerful ruler. He eventually rose to power, founded the Kediri Kingdom, and led military campaigns to defeat his enemies. Known for his reformist and benevolent rule, Airlangga worked to improve agriculture, build infrastructure, and promote religious practices. His legacy remains influential in Indonesian history, with his story encapsulating triumph, vengeance, and wisdom.

Takeaways

• 😀 Erlangga, the founder of the Kediri Kingdom, survived a massacre during his wedding and later avenged his family's death by establishing a legendary kingdom in East Java.
• 😀 The Kediri Kingdom’s origins trace back to the ancient Mataram Kingdom, which mysteriously moved to East Java around 929 AD, possibly due to the eruption of Mount Merapi.
• 😀 Erlangga was part of a royal bloodline that had ties to both Mataram Kuno and Bali, which gave him connections to powerful regional kingdoms.
• 😀 After surviving a massacre led by Wurawari during his wedding, Erlangga escaped to the jungle, where he lived as a hermit and prepared to reclaim his throne.
• 😀 Erlangga was crowned in 941 Saka (1041 AD) and began a series of military campaigns to defeat his former enemies, including Wurawari, and various rebel kings.
• 😀 Erlangga is remembered for granting 'Sima' status to his loyal subjects, which exempted them from taxes in recognition of their contributions to his campaigns.
• 😀 One of Erlangga's most significant reforms was moving the capital from Watanmas to Kahuripan, which facilitated better agricultural development and economic growth along the Brantas River.
• 😀 He also invested in infrastructure, including building a dam (Waringin Sapta) to prevent floods and improve irrigation, and enhancing trade ports such as Hujung Galuh and Kambang Putih.
• 😀 Erlangga’s reign was marked by religious devotion, including his efforts to ensure proper worship practices among the people and his construction of holy sites.
• 😀 After stepping down from the throne in 1042, Erlangga lived as a hermit but returned to rule briefly before eventually splitting his kingdom between two heirs, Jenggala and Panjalu, leading to internal conflicts between the two regions.

Q & A

What event triggered the downfall of the Mataram Kingdom and the rise of Erlangga?

The downfall of the Mataram Kingdom was triggered by an attack during a wedding celebration, where the kingdom was ambushed by Wurawari, a vassal king. This led to the destruction of the kingdom and the death of King Dharmawangsa Teguh. Erlangga, the heir, managed to escape and went into hiding, which eventually led to his rise to power.

Who were Erlangga's main enemies in his quest to reclaim his kingdom?

Erlangga's main enemies were Wurawari, who had attacked the kingdom, and various regional kings who had rebelled against him. Other key adversaries included Wisnu Prabawa, Hasin, Panuda, and several local rulers who caused turmoil in the kingdom.

What was the significance of Erlangga’s victory over Wurawari?

Erlangga's victory over Wurawari in 1032 was highly significant as it marked the end of the major rebellion against him. Wurawari was the primary instigator of the destruction during Erlangga's wedding, and his defeat symbolized Erlangga’s successful revenge and reclamation of authority.

How did Erlangga legitimize his rule after his return to power?

Erlangga legitimized his rule by adopting the title 'Sri Maharaja' and associating himself with the Hindu god Vishnu. He adopted the symbol of Garuda, with Vishnu seated on its back, to further reinforce his divine right to rule, portraying himself as a protector of the earth.

What was the status 'Sima' that Erlangga granted to his subjects?

The status 'Sima' was a form of tax exemption or a reward for loyalty and service. It was granted to individuals or regions that performed valuable services, such as military assistance or the upkeep of important structures like temples and irrigation systems.

What was Erlangga’s approach to economic and agricultural development?

Erlangga focused on economic and agricultural development by moving the capital from a coastal area to a more fertile inland location. This allowed for better irrigation and agricultural productivity, while also revitalizing trade through smaller ports along the river.

Why did Erlangga decide to split the kingdom into Jenggala and Panjalu?

Erlangga split the kingdom into two parts, Jenggala and Panjalu, to resolve internal conflicts among his heirs. His goal was to ensure peace by dividing the kingdom between his sons, hoping that each would be content with their own rule. However, this led to further conflict between the two regions.

What role did religion play in Erlangga's reign?

Religion played a significant role in Erlangga's reign, with him ensuring that his subjects adhered to religious practices. He promoted the building and maintenance of sacred structures, including temples, and encouraged the worship of deities like Vishnu, aligning himself with divine protection and guidance.

What was the impact of the story of Panji on the history of Kediri?

The story of Panji served as a cultural and political tool to unite the warring regions of Jenggala and Panjalu under the Kediri Kingdom. It depicted the ideal of reconciliation between the two regions and helped to solidify the unity of Kediri, especially under the reign of King Jayabaya.

How did Erlangga's reign influence later kingdoms, such as Majapahit?

Erlangga's reign had a lasting impact on later kingdoms, especially Majapahit, which inherited many of his political, cultural, and economic practices. The Kediri Kingdom, under Erlangga, became a powerful center of trade and culture, setting the stage for the rise of Majapahit as a dominant power in Southeast Asia.