Indonesia is the largest Muslim population in the world. There are Muslims in Indonesian islands other than Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. Papua has part of its population as well. There is some Islamic kingdom in Papua has large and diverse Muslim worshipers.
Even though not as big as other islands, the Muslim population in Papua is constantly growing and spreading; with many Islamic kingdoms formed in their land, there are several Islamic kingdoms in this area. However, in this article, we would like to discuss the oldest Islamic kingdom you can find. Here are the facts.
Kaimana, the Oldest Islamic Kingdom in Papua
The Islamic kingdom in Papua largely relates to the kingdoms of Ternate, Tidore, and Bacan. You can find their trace of Islam in Raja Ampat, Fakfak, Sorong, and Kaimana. This domination of the Islamic religion has been there since 1520. In total, there are nine Islamic kingdoms in Papua.
These kingdoms are Waigeo Kingdom, Misool Kingdom, Salawati Kingdom, Sailolof Kingdom, Fatagar Kingdom, Rumbati Kingdom, Kowiai or the Namatota Kingdom, Aiduma Kingdom, and the Kaimana Kingdom.
Papua is the home of this kingdom. Make Papua one of the islands in Indonesia with a Muslim population. Here, we would like to focus on the oldest, the Kaimana Kingdom.
Kaimana is a place in Papua known for its beautiful sunset—located in District Kaimana, West Papua Province. In this place, people also celebrate Senja Kaimana Festival with performances, dances, archery, and speeches using the local language.
This particular place is not only full of beauty but is also known for its historical places and the oldest Islamic kingdom in Papua.
The Original Islamic Kingdom in Papua
The Sran Kingdom, the origin of the Muslim kingdom in Kaimana, became Muslim in the 16th century. This happened since the royal members of the kingdom were converted to Islam while staying on Adi Island. The kingdom moved from Borombouw to E’man, now known as Kaimana.
An “Arab Dynasty”
The first royal member, Samai, was converted to Islam by Syarif Muaz Al-Qathan in the 1500s. This figure is a Yameni Sufi. Kaimana, also known as the Arab Dynasty. Based on history, the king invited Alhamid from Molucca to the kingdom. He then became the Imam in those regions, and his descendant lived in Kaimana after that occasion.
The Remaining and the Family of the Royal Member
Nowadays, we almost cannot see the remains of this Sran Kingdom. The remains of this kingdom almost cannot be found. A few things that we could associate with the Sran Kingdom were the burial site of the royal family and the Baitul Rahim Mosque. However, the latter is hardly the same as its origin because it has undergone several renovations.
The descendant of the royal family of this kingdom is Abdul Hakim Achmad Aituarauw, the successor of the country’s monarch named Muhammad Achmad Rais Aituarauw.
These family members have attempted to claim and locate the family’s heirlooms. It appears that these heirlooms were discovered in Gowa Sultanese, South Sulawesi, as part of a marriage relationship. Museums in Papua also preserve other Kaimana Kingdom heirlooms.
Final Thoughts
Trace of Islam has been found around the world. The Muslim population also can be found in nine Islamic kingdom in Papua. They strive and keep growing into a social community as part of an Indonesian Muslim country. Even though they are not part of the Muslim majority like in other islands, this religious community is one as brothers and sisters.
