Malay-Islamic Elements Approach in Restructuring the Bureaucracy of the Sultanate of Palembang Darussalam by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II

Abstract

This article aims to review issues related to the implementation of Malay-Islamic elements approach in restructuring the bureaucratic and the circumstances surrounding Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II in Sultanate of Palembang Darussalam. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II’s era (1803-1821) is known as a very crucial era for the history of Palembang. He restructures the bureaucracy and face both from the internal (by his own brother) and external (by British) threats to knocked him off the throne. This research is a literature review with an approach to historical methods. Some documents from Dutch colonial archives are used as primary sources and most of the relevant books and scientific articles are used as secondary sources. The results of this research concluded that Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II was aware and necessary to strengthen his position and power from internal and external threats. He has created a balance by modifying the bureaucratic system inherited by his ancestors by adopting elements of the leadership system of the Malay-Islamic kingdoms. The Malay-Islamic elements that appear to be implemented in the restructuring of its bureaucracy are six elements, such as strengthening the position of shahbandar, strengthening the position of penghulu, maintaining the Simbur Cahaya Law, maintaining and regulating the social class (marga-marga system), regulating the differentiation of taxpayers (tiban tukon system), as well as controlling the loyalty of the elite with the lungguh system (apanage). The bureaucratic restructuring implemented by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II proved to have practically made the governance of the sultanate more stable, effective, efficie t, strengthened trade monopolies, and brought prosperity. However, intrigue and betrayal succeeded in overthrowing Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin until he was exiled to Ternate and forced to leave his homeland to fall into the hands of colonialists.