The Early Story of the Formation of the Ternate Kingdom and a Brief History

The Ternate Kingdom is a kingdom located on the island of Ternate. In the past, there were 4 villages in this area led by a head of clan. All these regions then united and formed the Ternate Kingdom. Here is a review of the history of the Ternate Kingdom from its origins to its legacy. 

Origins and Location of the Ternate Kingdom

The kingdom was centered on Gapi Island, which is now known as Ternate. Ternate Island is located in the northern Maluku region. Initially, there were 4 villages on Ternate Island led by a head of clan, or in Ternate language called Mamole. These four villages then formed a kingdom known as the Ternate Kingdom.

This area is known as a spice-producing region, attracting many foreign visitors. The increasing trade made this region threatened due to the activities of sea pirates, prompting the villages to unite and form a kingdom with a single leader known as a king. 

Kings and the Glory of the Ternate Kingdom

The first person to serve as the leader of the Ternate kingdom in the historical narrative is Baba Manshur Malamo. He ruled Ternate from 1257 to 1277. 

He became one of the most famous kings. During his reign, the Ternate Kingdom excelled in trade. This is not surprising as Ternate was indeed a trade center from the beginning.

At that time, the Ternate Kingdom was also known as the Gapi Kingdom. This kingdom continuously sought to expand its territory, leading to conflicts with neighboring regions. The 7th king, Raja Kaloni Cili (1322-1331), eventually gathered the kings of Maluku to make peace. 

A peace agreement was finally reached. The result of the alliance agreement is known as the Maloku Kie Raha alliance, which means four mountains of Maluku. Other kings who have ruled in the history of the Ternate Kingdom include Jamin Qadrat (1277-1284 AD), Komala Abu Said (1284-1298), Bakuku (1298-1304), and many more.

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Legacy of the Ternate Kingdom

1. The Sultanate Palace of Ternate

One of the legacies of the Ternate Kingdom is the Sultanate Palace of Ternate. This location now serves as a cultural heritage site. 

The local government has carried out restoration and maintenance so that this location is suitable for use as a cultural and educational tourism site in the Ternate region.

When viewed, the Sultanate Palace of Ternate has a strong Islamic atmosphere, considering that this kingdom was indeed an Islamic kingdom in the past. 

Evidence of the power and grandeur of the Ternate Kingdom can be seen from one of the collections displayed there, namely a gold-plated outfit that was commonly worn by the king and queens. 

Other ornaments such as crowns, rings, and bracelets serve as historical witnesses of the Ternate Kingdom. All these legacies can be enjoyed as all collections are neatly arranged. 

Even one of the legacies in the form of heirlooms belonging to the Sultan of Ternate is still well displayed in the Sultanate Palace of Ternate.

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2. The Sultan Ternate Mosque in Ternate

As one of the Islamic kingdoms in Ternate, it is not surprising that one of the legacies of the Ternate Kingdom is a mosque.

This mosque was built during the Ternate Kingdom. The Sultan of Ternate, named Sultan Zainal Abidin, who was then ruling as the 18th king, initiated the construction of this mosque. 

In fact, until now there is no clear history regarding exactly when this mosque was built, but this mosque still functions as a place of worship for Muslims in Ternate. 

This location is also the site of the Malam Qunut, held every 16th night of Ramadan.

3. The Tomb of Sultan Baabullah, One of the Sultans of Ternate

The leaders of the Ternate kingdom are referred to by the title Sultan. One of the evidences of the power of the Ternate kingdom is the existence of a tomb of a king who once ruled. 

Sultan Baabullah was the 24th king of Ternate who ruled from 1570 to 1583. His name is also immortalized as one of the first sultans who led the resistance against colonizers.

The location of this tomb is on top of the Foramadiahi hill, which is one of the highest villages in the Ternate region. 

His great contributions are one of the reasons why Sultan Baabullah is well-known. His spirit to ignite the people's spirit is recognized as part of the history of the Ternate Kingdom's struggle against colonizers.

The history of the Ternate Kingdom, which also expelled colonizers, is one of the proofs that the kingdoms of the archipelago at that time played a significant role. It is not surprising that many national heroes were born from the descendants of kings or sultans. 

The tomb of Sultan Baabullah is still frequently visited by pilgrims who come to learn more about the history of Ternate.

Thus is the explanation regarding the Ternate kingdom as one of the Islamic kingdoms in the archipelago. Although its existence is in the eastern part of the archipelago, Islam indeed once held power there. Every legacy is something that must be preserved as a testament to Indonesia's history. 

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