Candi Bungsu, in Barelang ( Riau ) built by King Sri Cudamaniwarmadewa ( Srivijaya, year 1003 ) for the emperor of China. ( photo : wisatamelayu )

Decline of Srivijaya began since the attacks of the king Teguh Dharmawangsa  ( Java, 990 AD ), then attack of the king Rajendra Chola I ( Coromandel, India, 1025 AD ), following the attack of Dharmasraya kingdom ( 1183 AD ), and then attacked of Singosari ( 1290 AD ) and last conquered by the kingdom of Majapahit  (East Java, 1377 AD ) in an effort to unite the archipelago ( Palapa Oath, Gajah Mada). Between the years 1377-1512 AD, Srivijaya was ruled by China pirates, until Chengho came up against them.

In 1293, appeared Majapahit, replacing Singosari. Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi  ascended throne as  the Queen and asked Adityawarman ( descendant of Malay and Javanese ) to conquer Swarnnabhumi ( 1339 AD ). Srivijaya’s name wasn’t called again, changed with the name of Palembang. In 1347, became Malayapura, under the dynasty of Mauli. In 1409, re-conquered by Majapahit. Most of the nobility Srivijaya moved to Malacca ( Tumasik ).

Srivijaya deterioration factors : changes in the nature around Palembang, the river became  shallow due to silt so difficult for ships docked to the port, the opening of the Strait Berhala  made Jambi’s position more strategic  than Palembang, Srivijaya only have a dependable navy, and had to share hegemony with Airlangga,  East Java, that had a formidable army on land, successive attacks from competitor kingdoms eventually made Srivijaya ended. Heritage of  Sriwijaya much plundered and buried on the grounds of economic and theology reasons, so difficult to find traces of Srivijaya glory in our time.

Malacca became  a Portuguese colony ( 1511 AD ) with military force. Last Sultan fled to Kampar ( Sumatra ) and died there. His son went to the north of Peninsular Malaysia and founded the Sultanate of Perak. Another son to the south, continuing the Sultanate of Malacca Old ( now known as the Sultanate of Johor ). After the fall of Malacca, control over the Straits of Malacca contested between the Portuguese,  the Sultanate of Johor and Sultanate of Aceh.

The war ended in 1641, when the Dutch (allied to the Sultanate of Johor) took over Malacca. In 1824, the British took over Malacca, through agreements with the Dutch. The Straits Settlements which later was formed, had  three ports : Singapore, Penang and Malacca.

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Inscription Kedukan Bukit. Who would have thought that the embryo of Indonesian and Malay ( Malaysia language ) has existed since 682 AD. Uh, we’re so old .. ( and gracefully ). ( photo : melayuonline )

Inscription Talang Tuwo ( 7th century ) describes the Buddhist ritual to bless the inauguration Sriksetra Garden, a gift of Srivijaya king for his people. Inscription Telaga Batu describing the hierarchy of royal officials and their complexity. Inscription Kota Kapur mentions Srivijaya’s mighty army upon Java. All of them in old Malay language.

Inscription Kedukan Bukit ( 682 AD ) mentions : King Jayanasa ( Srivijaya ) conquered the kingdom Minanga ( Malay ) which rich in gold ( a gold mining ), so enhance the prestige of the kingdom. Swarnnadwipa ( gold island ). Gold coins used as a medium of exchange in the empire coastal  since the 7th century. Inscription found in the River Tatang’s also mentioned capital of Srivijaya at that time in Minanga.

According to the Nalanda inscription ( 860 AD ), king Balaputradewa dedicating a monastery to Nalanda University. Leiden inscription mentions king Sri Mara- Vijayottunggawarman built Culamanivarmma Vihara in Negapatam (1005 AD) for Chola dynasty, India, and asked for the area around the monastery were exempt from excise.

Linkage Srivijaya dynasty and Syailendra dynasty  mentioned in inscription Kalasan (Java), inscription Ligor ( southern Thailand ), inscription Nalanda ( India ) and inscriptions Sojomerto. Arrival of Dapunta Hyang to Palembang cause one family in this dynasty ( Syailendra ) moved to Yogyakarta or Central Java, replaced the Sanjaya dynasty. ( previous year 672 AD, Java conquered by Srivijaya ). Year 856, Balaputradewa lose his power in Java and returned to Suwarnadwipa ( Srivijaya ). In 990, Java attacked Srivijaya. Year 1183, according to the inscription Grahi ( Thailand ), Srivijaya was invaded by Dharmasraya ( Mauli dynasty  of  royal Malay ).

Inscription Pucangan mentions the event Mahapralaya: Hajj ( subordinate degree in Srivijaya ) Wurawari of Lwaram, attacking Medang kingdom in East Java, killing Teguh Dharmawangsa. Tanjore inscription (1030 AD) mentions: years 1017 and 1025, king Rajendra Chola I sent an sea expedition to attack  king of Srivijaya and arrest Sangrama-Vijayottunggawarman. Rajendra let his conquest kings  remain in their palace ( ruling ) as long obey him. Tanjore inscription also states the capital of Srivijaya that time in Kadaram ( Kedah ). Then, Dharmasraya emerged as a new power and returning control Srivijaya and their territories.

In Pararaton, to conquer Bhumi Malayu, Kertanagara ( king Singosari, successor of Kediri), send an expedition Pamalayu (1275 AD) and presented the statue Amoghapasa for Srimat Tribhuwanaraja Mauli Warmadewa  (Malay king) in Dharmasraya. Written in the inscription Padang Roco ( in Siguntur, 1286 M ) and the inscription Grahi ( in Thailand, 1183 M ). Nagarakretagama manuscript describes colony of Majapahit, but did not mention again the name of Srivijaya to areas previously controlled by Srivijaya.

In the Song Pamacangah and Chronicle of Arya Tabanan, called Arya Damar (Adityawarman) as regent of Palembang, helping Gajah Mada subdue Bali (1343 AD). Year 1347, Adityawarman proclaimed himself as a king in Malayapura ( corresponding manuscript behind the statue Amoghapasa. Prior to 1377, in Kitab Undang2 Tanjung Tanah, there’re words : Bumi Palimbang ( Srivijaya ).

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Srivijaya ship relief in Borobudur. Srivijaya relied on naval forces hegemony to control the trade routes in Southeast Asia. Ports and trade warehouses was built to serve China and India markets.

Superpower country with economic and military power did not belong to U.S. and their allies ( WW I & II ). Year 682, Srivijaya (  Sri Jayanasa’s time ) had sent a military expedition to punish Bhumi Java which were considered not filial. Tarumanagara kingdom ( West Java ) and Kalinga had been collapsed ( ruled by Srivijaya ).

After expansion to Java and the Malay Peninsula, Srivijaya controlled two major trade center in Southeast Asia. Cham seaport, eastern Indochina ( 7 century ) which began to divert a lot of merchants in Srivijaya attacked by Dharmasetu ( king Srivijaya ). Indrapura City ( Mekong River ) fell into the hands of Srivijaya. Langkasuka in Malay Peninsula, Pan Pan and Trambralinga were under the influence of Srivijaya.

Daughter of  king Kien-pi ( Jambi ), subordinate to Srivijaya, wrote letters and submit ( via its ambassador ) 227 tahil jewelry, thatch and 13 pieces of clothing for emperor Fong Yuan ( China ) in 1082.

According to Chinese source ( “Chu-fan-chi” book ),  year 1178, in islands of Southeast Asia, there were two kingdoms that very strong and rich, namely : San-fo-ts’i ( Srivijaya ) that embraced Buddhism, and Cho-po ( Java ) that embraced Hinduism and Buddhism. Srivijaya ( Dharmasraya period ) controlled 15 regions : Cambodia, Tambralingga ( Thailand ), Chaiya, Langkasuka, Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, ( mouth of the river ) Dungun, Cherating, Semawe, ( river ) Paha, Lamuri ( Aceh ), Palembang, Jambi and Sunda ( Sin-t’o )

Srivijaya relied on naval forces hegemony to dominate shipping lanes, trade and establish a strategic fleet base to protect trade ships, collect taxes and maintain the territorial sovereignty (and their power)

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Pagoda Borom That at Chaiya, Thailand, in Srivijaya style. Chaiya, at Surat Thani province, was the capital of the initial Khmer Empire ( region of Srivijaya ). After that, Chaiya was divided into three cities : Chaiya, Thatong and Khirirat Nikhom. Our similarity ( the citizens of Southeast Asia), because our ancestor.

Pagoda Borom That at Chaiya, Thailand, in Srivijaya style. Chaiya, at Surat Thani province, was the capital of the initial Khmer Empire ( region of Srivijaya ). After that, Chaiya was divided into three cities : Chaiya, Thatong and Khirirat Nikhom. Our similarity ( the citizens of Southeast Asia), because our ancestor.

Srivijaya’s producing camphor, perfumes, aloes wood, fruit, cotton, ivory, rhino horn, gold, tin, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and other spices, making Srivijaya’s kings as rich as India’s kings. Allows Srivijaya buy loyalty from his vassals throughout Southeast Asia. Establishing trade relations with India, China and Arabia. Had benefited from the fall of the Tang dynasty, the rise of the Sung dynasty ( Fujian ), Ming and Han ( Guangdong ) in China.

Srivijaya envoys came to China in 702-716, 728-742, 960 & 983, 988-992-1003, 1008, 1017, 1079. So intense. Why ? Why do most Palembang people like Chinese people ? Yellow complexioned, slanted eyes. Apparently pioneer of Srivijaya, Atung Bungsu, was the crown prince of  Kingdom of Kushans ( Rau ), India, which their kings descendant of emperor Liu Pang ( Han Dynasty ), China. Over 200 years after its fall, Srivijaya was controlled by Chinese pirates, until Chengho and his troops arrived, stopped them. So, blue blood, knight blood ( and bandits blood ) breed there.
Srivijaya became controller of  spice trade routes, taking cost of any passing ship. Ports and trade warehouse was built to serve the markets of China and India. The year 903, Moslem writer, Ibn Battuta, was very impressed with the prosperity of Srivijaya. Kingdom urban areas include Palembang ( Seguntang Hill ), Muara Jambi and Kedah.

The factors  that drive Srivijaya into a big kingdom : its strategic location on trade routes, the progress of shipping and trade between China and India through Southeast Asia, the collapse of the kingdom of Funan in Indochina so Srivijaya can replace the role, Srivijaya able to protect shipping, trade in Southeast Asian and forced ships stop in its ports.

History of Malaysia relating to the history of Indonesia. Malacca, the oldest kingdom in this neighboring country, the founder was a prince from Palembang in Srivijaya dynasty ( according Tale Malay). In the 15th century, majesty, dignity and prestige of Srivijaya became a source of political legitimacy of rulers in Southeast Asia. Sultanate of Malacca control region of Peninsular Malaysia, Pattani ( South Thailand ) and the east coast of Sumatra. Malacca became an important port in the center of trade routes of China and India. In the 10th century, grew city port ( Hindu Buddhist ) like : Langkasuka & Lembah Bujang  in Kedah, Beruas and Gangga. Negara in Perak, Pan Pan in Kelantan. Islam arrived in the 14th century in Terengganu.

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Gold statue Avalokiteçvara in Srivijaya-Malay style, found in Rantaukapastuo, Muarabulian, Jambi, Indonesia . The beauty of the past still charming to this day, isn’t it ? ( photo : Wikipedia ).

Srivijaya, after influenced by India culture ( Hindu ), and then Buddhism ( 425 AD ). The most important center of Mahayana Buddhism. Through trade and conquest ( 7-9 century AD ) by Srivijaya kings, Malay language and culture in the archipelago were developed. Initially, Srivijaya attracted pilgrims and scholars  in Asia who want to learn the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism, Hinayana and Mahayana. Over 1000 Buddhist monks and fro in the fortress city of Srivijaya.

Srivijaya fame as a center of trade in Southeast Asia, and attracting the interest of traders and Middle Eastern Moslem clerics. In fact, Sri Indrawarman ( king of Srivijaya, the year 718, allegedly converted to Islam ) was interested in studying Islam and Arabic culture. The letter was sent to the Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz ( 717-720, of the Umayyad dynasty ) in Damascus, Syria, that the caliph willing to send preachers to the palace Srivijaya. The year 724, the next Srivijaya envoy sent to the Caliph Muawiyah I.

(  I was surprised, why I am infatuated mandarin martial arts movie? Whereas brown skin and big eyes ( not a mouse, its eyes round ). Up in the head, my fantasy man, the figure of knight undefeatable. Reflecting on the past, although there were thousands of monks in the fortress of Srivijaya, anyway Sri emperor embraced Islam. In fact, Admiral Chengho ( native China, sent by the emperor to eradicate the pirates in Srivijaya) was also a Moslem. Why do I feel familiar with the monks, at least, has been explained now ).

I Tsing, the Chinese monk, visited Srivijaya ( 671 M ) to study Sanskrit grammar for 6 months. Then, studying Buddhist Mahayana at the University of Nalanda ( the 3rd oldest in the world, after the Academia ( founded by Plato, 3rd century BC ) and Leichon ( founded by Aristotle, 3rd century BC ), for 13 years. In 685, I Tsing, back to the Srivijaya translated Buddhist texts into Chinese and 4 years preparing his memoir book. In 695, he returned to China.

The year 902, Srivijaya sent tribute to China. The year 904, king of the Tang Dynasty conferred the title in the Srivijaya envoy named Arabic. Years 1011-1023, Atisa, Buddhism reformist in Tibet, studied at grand master Dharmakirti ( head of a Buddhist temple, the greatest scholar at that time ) in Srivijaya. Kulothunga Chola I ( when the Srivijaya considered a part of the Chola dynasty ) to help repairing the Tien Ching Kuan temple ( Kwan Miau Yuan ).

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Srivijaya map. How famous we were. Srivijaya remind us of the greatness of our ancestor. Indonesian people. Its territory covers all of Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. I'm curious, how they could made the empire covering it ? ( photo : wikipedia )

Srivijaya, ancient Malay kingdom in Sumatra, influential in the archipelago ( 683-1100 AD ). Sri means glorious. Wijaya means glory. Around the year 500 AD, Srivijaya began to develop around Palembang. Three main zones: the capital of  the estuary was based in Palembang ( ruled by king), the supporter area was in the valley of the River Musi ( governed by local datu ), and the competitor area which became some rival power centers.

About the capital of  Srivijaya, some say in the Musi River ( between Seguntang  and Sabokingking Hill, South Sumatra). Other ( Soekmono ) said in Batang Hari bank region ( between the Estuary Sabak to Estuary Tembesi Sabak, Jambi). Clearly, upstream of River Musi had a precious commodity for Chinese merchant. George Coedes, French historian, knowing of Srivijaya site, in 1918. Pierre Yves Manguin proved the location of the Srivijaya capital, in 1992.

Complexly cosmopolitan society with Wajrayana Buddhist thought inhabited the capital city of Srivijaya. Unitary state in Srivijaya political authority structure dimensions was familiar with the term : kadatuan, vanua, samaryyada, mandala and bhumi. Kadatuan : datu region ( home ground ), home of  hajj wife, where gold was stored, the tax excise that must be maintained. Vanua:  surrounds kadatuan, an area of ​​the city of Srivijaya with the monastery, a place of worship for the community. Samaryyada : the region bordering the Vanua, connected a special way to the inner region. Mandala: the autonomy  area of bhumi that affected kadatuan Srivijaya.

Srivijaya rulers, called Dapunta Hyang ( emperor ). In the circle of the king, there were the crown prince, the second crown prince and the next heir. In Arab records, Srivijaya was known as the kingdom of Zabag, because its main port was in Muara Sabak, in Batanghari River.

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Srivijaya naval flagship to protect the sovereignty and authority for over 400 years. Also, keeping an eye on foreign trade ship which stopover in Srivijaya’s seaport scattered in Southeast Asia. The wheel of a black onglen wood as 8 feet long. These fleet were carrying many plantation commodities, spices, gold and silver up to China in exchange for porcelain, cotton, and silk. With wealth and power of this magnitude, do not brag ( insult ) king Srivijaya. Your head would become friend of carrots and potatoes in skillet. Are foreign countries respect us ( Indonesia ) that much today ?

Glorious the triumph. Who would ? Indonesia had ever experienced it. Srivijaya, the luminous  name. Maritime empire which controlled Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Moluccas, Philippine, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, even to Madagascar ( 3,300 miles from the capital of Srivijaya ). Great maritime nation until the 13th century. An empire. How could it be ?

Pada tahun saka 605 hari kesebelas bulan waiseka, Dapunta Hyang naik di perahu, mengadaan perajalanan pada hari ke tujuh bulan terang. Bulan jyestha, Dapunta Hyang berangkat dari Minanga. Tambahan, beliau membawa tentara dua laksa ( 20.000 ), dua ratus koli di perahu, yang berajalan darat seribu, tiga ratus dua belas banyaknya datang di mukha upang, dengan senang hati. Pada ghari ke lima bulan terang bulan asada, dengan lega gembira datang membuat wanua … perajalanan jaya sriwijy memberikan kepuasan.

That was the content of Kedukan Bukit inscription, which called maharaja Srivijaya ( Dapunta Hyang ) and capital Srivijaya at that time ( Minanga ).

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A palace woman was doing batik diligently. Patience led to a masterpiece. Make you feel like a noble class. Do not believe ? Try it. ( photo : bajubatikfashion ).

Do you know batik ? Painting on cloth ( mori ) with malam ( candles ) and natural dyes, producing a stunningly beautiful motifs. Imagine, 2-3 months to make one piece of batik cloth. Have you got that much time to make a piece of clothing to wear? Well, let other people do, you just listen to the story (and maybe buy it from these patient women ).

The story of Indonesia. The world’s largest archipelago country, where Bali is one of the provinces. O, I see.

Traditionally, Javanese women earn a living with making batik skills. Having discovered stamp batik techniques ( 1920′s ), then men doing batik also. Especially, in coastal areas with a cloud pattern that has masculine stripe. Stamp made in Bangil, batik medicine from abroad ( Germany, UK ) that brought by Chinese merchants. Batik businessman bought it on the market Porong, Sidoarjo. Indonesian batik has been known since the kingdom of Majapahit, Solo, Yogyakarta and the spread of Islam period. Javanese batik centers in the santri area, as the struggle amplifier ( figure ) Muslim traders against the Dutch and the Chinese economy.

Originally, batik clothing made in the palace for the king, his family and their servants. Gradually, people outside the palace ( keraton ) come into batik craftsmen, as many followers of the king who lived outside the palace, batik in their homes. Batik into folk clothing and popular for many people.

Batik’s originated from the word “amba” ( Java = write ) and “nitik” ( point ). Batik is a technique of making patterns with malam which are not penetrating dye. Batik fabric is decorative patterned fabric ( through malam process ) with a canting or stamp ) as a medium to paint. Fabrics from natural fibers ( cotton, silk, wool ).

Fabrics that do not use the color barrier technique can only be called batik-patterned cloth. Not batik cloth. These fabrics are a lot made in industrial scale with a printing technique. We hope, batik cloth that many people use so that more citizens, the craftsmen, the poor, can be survived.

Cloth for batik ( mori ) woven by themselves ( woven gendong  ). Natural dyes for batik’re from the noni tree, tinggi, Soga and nila. Material soda is from soda ash. Salt’s from the soil slurry. Import white cloth are known by the end of the 19th century.

After interaction with foreign nations, batik patterns and colors were mixed. Phoenix pattern and bright red color were influenced by Chinese culture. The style tulips, carriages, buildings and blue colors, influenced by European culture. Traditional batik is retaining its pattern that full of symbol. The world’s most famous batik is batik Indonesia ( Java ).

The work of batik are found in Java, Malaysia, Thailand, Iran, India, Egypt, Japan, Srilanka, China, Turkey and Africa with the peculiarities of each. Luckily, Indonesian batik has been recognized by UNESCO ( October 2, 2009, in Abu Dhabi ) as masterpieces of world cultural heritage intagible from Indonesia. Legitimately, belongs to Indonesia.

Human experience’s crystallized in individual and collective creativity. Batik is tradition textile art. Expression of its supporter community. Cultural richness of Solo, Yogyakarta, Pekalongan, Cirebon, Indramayu, Madura, Lasem, Sukaharjo, Tuban, Sidoarjo, Bali, Palembang, Indramayu, Garut, Tasikmalaya, Gresik, Ponorogo, Banyumas, Pacitan, Trenggalek, Demak-Kudus, Rembang-Juwana-Pati, Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra.

The beauty in the diversity of motifs, ornaments, coloring and distinctive techniques. Functional for daily fashion, traditional ceremonies, traditional beliefs, religion and social status. Meaningful. Fused moral values, customs, taboos, religion and so forth.

Batik is still worn today in formal occasions, celebrations, state, or government. Indonesian people makes and cut batik patterns according to individual taste. Foreign tourists and expatriates are also fond of batik and often take home as souvenirs.

If batik has become the world’s cultural heritage, will you help preserve  by wearing at various events ? Feel cool and elegant. Try it.

Jeremias Pah in action. Of course with Sasando instrumen and Ti’i Langga hat. Sounded like a harp. I thought palm leaves only for writing ancient manuscripts and wrapping yellow rice. Actually, also for playing music. Cool..

Ti’i Langga, a boat-like hat adorn Sasando picker’s head who dressed in NTT distinctive red. Song I’m Yours – Jason Miraz and folk song Bolelebo echoed beautifully in their hands. Pah Family : Jeremias, Jack and Djitron inherited talent playing a musical instrument is decorated with palm leaves.

Sasando ( Rote language = ‘sasandu‘ ) means a tool that vibrates or rings. These stringed instruments appear and grow on the island of Rote since the 1700s. Long bamboo tube is the main part of Sasando. In the center, circular from top to bottom, strings stretched from one pedestal to another pedestal in a different tone each string. Woven palm leaves like a fan become a container resonance. Jeremias and Djitron then develop Sasando electrically.

Jeremias Pah, 71 years old, devoted himself to preserving and popularizing Sasando. Charismatic. The older the more so. The youngest of two brothers was born on 20 October 1939. Ougust Pah, his father, was a player and maker Sasando in Island Rote was often invited to enliven many events up to the palace ( royal ).

Ougust worked hard to support his family by farming. In his busy, he developed the original Sasando 24 ropes to 32 ropes. However, in Rote, Sasando difficult to develop, because the transportation was lacking, . Also, it was difficult to find a job there.

Jeremias then moved to Kupang. He’s farmed, making furniture, fishing, keeping store and play Sasando at recess. In 1973, he married Sofia, one of his store customers. Seven years later, was born Hendra Pah, Teni Pah, Jack Pah and Djitron Pah. At that time, Sasando has not been sold, so Jeremias made and sold a variety of crafts from the board, rest of furniture.

Only after a community leader  asking Jeremias to teach the children playing Sasando, the fortune way started to open. Pah family was invited to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah ( TMII ) and everywhere. Also, winning many competitions.

After the death of Sofia and Christina Daung, Jeremias married Dorce who very good at making tradition cloth weaving. Both have been to Japan together following an exhibition in 2006. A year later, came people from the Department of Arts and Culture.  Jeremias and his wife was invited to Jakarta to receive the appreciation money, salary and gold pin. In 2008, Jeremias received an Maestro award plaque from the president.

A long struggle brings fruition boasts. Are you inspired to follow in his footsteps with your tradition musical instrument ?