The Kingdom of Aru might sound unfamiliar to many
Indonesians today, but this small kingdom on the east coast of Sumatra played a
significant role in the region’s history, particularly during the late
Hindu-Buddhist period and into the Islamic era. The story of Aru, its rise to
prominence, and its eventual downfall is a tale of diplomacy, conflict, and
survival against formidable adversaries.
Aru first appears in historical records during the Majapahit
era, as mentioned in the Kakawin Nāgarakŗtāgama, a Javanese poem from
the 14th century. The text, read by Th. Pigeaud in the early 1960s, lists Aru
as one of the regions under Majapahit’s influence. A century later, Aru
reappears in the chronicles of China’s Ming Dynasty, indicating its continued
relevance in regional politics.
W.P. Groeneveldt’s work, Nusantara dalam Catatan Tionghoa
(2018), compiles Chinese records about Aru from sources like Yingya Shenglan,
Xingcha Shenglan, and Ming-Shih. These records describe Aru as a
small state dependent on camphor trade in the Strait of Malacca. Likely
situated around present-day Deli Serdang, Aru engaged in diplomacy with the
Ming Dynasty, sending gifts to the emperor in the 15th century.
Initially perceived as a minor kingdom, Aru’s status
dramatically changed in the 16th century. It became a significant player in the
protracted conflicts in the Strait of Malacca during the early European
colonization of Southeast Asia. Despite converting to Islam following Cheng Ho’s
visit in the 15th century, Aru resisted the Sultanate of Aceh, a dominant
Islamic power in the Malay world.
The transformation of Aru into a formidable force is
well-documented by Ferñao Mendez Pinto in Peregrinação (17th century)
and earlier by Tome Pires in Suma Oriental. Pires noted Aru’s aggressive
stance against neighboring kingdoms, likening it to other regional rivalries
such as Pedir against Kedah and Pahang against Siam.
Aru’s initial adversary was the Sultanate of Malacca.
Conflicts often arose from piracy by Aru sailors along the Malay Peninsula’s
west coast. Pires remarked that Aru’s people relied on piracy for their
livelihood, making them untrustworthy and friendless.
The balance of power shifted when the Portuguese captured
Malacca in 1511, easily defeating Aru’s fleet. However, the real threat came
from the north, where the Sultanate of Aceh was on the rise. Aceh had recently
conquered the Sultanate of Pasai in 1524, igniting tensions with the
Portuguese, who had installed a puppet king in Pasai.
The critical period for Aru came in 1539 when the kingdom
sought Portuguese assistance against Aceh. Initially ignored, Aru’s plea gained
attention when it warned that Aceh’s victory would bring them closer to
Portuguese-held Malacca. Consequently, Pinto was sent to deliver arms to Aru.
Aru’s forces, numbering only 6,000 with 40 small cannons,
faced an Aceh army of 12,000, including foreign troops from Turkey, Abyssinia,
Gujarat, and Malabar. Despite initial success in repelling the attackers, Aru’s
defenses eventually crumbled, leading to the death of its king and the retreat
of its forces under the queen’s leadership to Portuguese Malacca.
Following this defeat, the Queen of Aru sought an alliance
with the Sultan of Johor. In return for her hand in marriage, Johor agreed to
assist in reclaiming Aru’s capital. The combined forces of Aru and Johor
managed to surprise and drive out the Aceh troops in 1540. However, Aceh’s
subsequent attacks, fueled by anger from their failed campaigns, eventually led
to the capture of Johor and Aru’s queen in 1574.
With the fall of its leaders, the Kingdom of Aru succumbed
to the Sultanate of Aceh, ending its significant role in the region’s
tumultuous history. Aru’s story, although often overlooked, is a testament to
the dynamic and often volatile nature of Southeast Asian politics during a time
of significant change and upheaval.
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