The History of "Tuan Seberang" (Tun Seri Lanang) Based on Aceh and Dutch Sources

[Sejarah "Tuan Seberang" (Tun Seri Lanang) Berdasarkan Sumber Aceh dan Belanda]

Abstract

This study discusses the position of Tuan Seberang, a prominent figure of the Malay Peninsula, who was immensely influential in shaping the kingdom of Aceh Darussalam in the 17th century. His prominence was evident when the book of Aceh's historiography, Ma Bain-as-Salatin, clearly showed the position of and role played by Tuan Seberang in the administration of this kingdom. However, to date, there are rarely historians who have actually examines the position and prominence of Tuan Seberang, either when he was in Aceh or in the Peninsula. To be sure, Tuan Seberang was a prominent figure who was highly respected by the Portuguese and Dutch because of his huge contribution to the administration of this kingdom during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636), Sultan Iskandar Thani (1636-1641) and Sultan Safiatuddin Syah (1641-1675). In this study, the author examines the issue of who Tuan Seberang really was, the role he played, his contribution and his relationship with the rulers and Aceh's political figures.

Keywords: Tuan Seberang, Tun Seri Lanang, Sulalat-us-Salatin, Ma Bain-as-Salatin, The Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam