On the banks of the Mahakam River stands the grand Mulawarman Museum, formerly the palace of the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate, which has become a symbol of pride for East Kalimantan.
This museum is more than just a repository of historical artifacts; it’s a window into the civilization of East Kalimantan, or Benua Etam, as the province is known.
Established in 1935 during the reign of Sultan Aji Mohammad Pariksit, Mulawarman Museum was designed by the Dutch architectural firm Holland Beton Maatschappij (HBM).
Combining classic European style with traditional Kutai elements, its striking white facade has become an icon of Tenggarong, the capital of Kutai Kartanegara Regency.
Collections Bringing the History of Kutai Kartanegara to Life
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted with relics from the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom. On the first floor, there is the royal throne, a gift from Mr. Van Der Lube of the Netherlands in 1935, used as the official seat of the Sultan and queen during important events.
In addition to the throne, the museum showcases collections of royal jewelry, traditional weapons, and ancient artifacts that illustrate the kingdom’s former glory.
One of the most iconic pieces is the Yupa inscription, evidence of the oldest Hindu civilization in the Indonesian archipelago, written in Pallava script and Sanskrit.
Although the original inscription is housed at the National Museum of Indonesia, the replica at Mulawarman Museum allows visitors to connect with Indonesia’s earliest written historical record.
On the second floor, visitors can appreciate the cultural diversity of the Dayak tribes, especially through the colorful ulap doyo textiles from the Dayak Benuaq, the intricate wooden carvings from the Dayak Kenyah, and various ceramics and cultural artifacts.
Each piece reflects the ancestral skills and values passed down through generations, showcasing East Kalimantan’s living cultural richness.
The Kutai Kingdom: The Oldest Hindu Kingdom in the Archipelago
The Kutai Kingdom is known as the first Hindu kingdom in the Indonesian archipelago, originally ruled by King Kudungga.
His descendants, Aswawarman and his grandson King Mulawarman, continued to elevate the kingdom’s prestige.
The Yupa inscriptions record King Mulawarman’s gifts of gold to the people and deities as a symbol of gratitude for the kingdom’s prosperity.
Strategically located along the Mahakam River, Kutai thrived in trade, agriculture, and cattle farming. However, after Mulawarman’s death, the kingdom underwent changes, eventually transitioning into Kutai Kertanegara.
A New Era: Kutai Kertanegara and the Arrival of Islam
The Kutai Kertanegara Kingdom was established in the early 13th century by Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti. In the 16th century, this kingdom conquered the ancient Kutai Kingdom and transformed into the Sultanate of Kutai Kertanegara ing Martapura.
Islam began to spread under Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris in the 17th century, converting the Hindu kingdom into an Islamic sultanate.
During the colonial period, Kutai Kertanegara signed agreements with the Dutch East Indies to maintain its autonomy.
Sultan Aji Muhammad Parikesit was the last ruler until 1960, when the kingdom’s royal status was abolished, and the palace was subsequently converted into Mulawarman Museum.
Natural Beauty and Historical Relics Surrounding the Museum
In addition to the museum’s collections, visitors can admire the surrounding lush gardens and the royal tomb complex of the Kutai Kartanegara kings.
Not far from the museum, there is a replica of Kombeng Cave, where the Yupa inscriptions, one of the Kutai Kingdom’s most significant relics, were discovered.
Now managed by the East Kalimantan Department of Education and Culture, Mulawarman Museum is more than just a tourist attraction; it is also a center for education and culture, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and cultural activities.
This museum creates a space for the community to learn about and connect with East Kalimantan’s valuable cultural heritage.
For lovers of history and culture, Mulawarman Museum is a must-visit destination in East Kalimantan.
Beyond its collection of ancient artifacts, the museum brings stories from the past to life, rekindling the glory and cultural wealth of Kalimantan.