Standing proudly on the banks of the Mahakam River in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan, Mulawarman Museum, formerly the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate Palace, serves as a gateway to the history and culture of East Kalimantan.
More than just a repository of ancient artifacts, this museum offers a living narrative of the civilization of Benua Etam, the local name for this province.
A Treasure of Collections and Preserved History
Mulawarman Museum was established in 1935 during the reign of Sultan Aji Mohammad Pariksit, designed by the Dutch architect firm Holland Beton Maatschappij (HBM).
The combination of classic European style and traditional Kutai architecture, all in striking white, makes this building a landmark in Tenggarong, the capital of Kutai Kartanegara Regency.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by priceless collections from the golden age of the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom.
On the first floor, there is the royal throne given by Mr. Van Der Lube from the Netherlands, used as the official seat for the Sultan and queen during important events.
Other collections, such as royal jewelry, traditional weapons, and ancient artifacts, add to the museum’s allure.
Each artifact here tells a unique story, like the Yupa inscription, the oldest Hindu civilization evidence in the Indonesian archipelago, featuring Pallava script in Sanskrit.
Although the original Yupa inscription is preserved in the National Museum of Indonesia, a replica at Mulawarman Museum still offers visitors a firsthand experience of Indonesia’s earliest written history.
On the museum’s second floor, visitors can explore the cultural wealth of East Kalimantan’s indigenous tribes, particularly the Dayak people.
This includes vibrant ulap doyo textiles from the Dayak Benuaq, detailed wooden carvings from the Dayak Kenyah, and various cultural artifacts and antique ceramics.
Each of these artworks reflects ancestral skills and values that are still alive today.
The Story of Kutai Kingdom: The Oldest Hindu Kingdom in the Archipelago
The Kutai Kingdom is considered the first Hindu kingdom in the Indonesian archipelago, marked by the Yupa inscription.
King Kudungga, the founder of the Kutai Kingdom, was recorded as a wise and respected leader, followed by his descendants, Aswawarman and ultimately King Mulawarman.
Known for his just rule and the kingdom’s stability, King Mulawarman reached the kingdom’s pinnacle with successful trade, agriculture, and a large sacrificial ceremony noted in inscriptions.
The Kutai Kingdom’s strategic location along the Mahakam River allowed it to thrive as a center of trade, agriculture, and cattle farming.
Evidence of its prosperity is seen in records of King Mulawarman’s gift of 20,000 cattle to the Brahmins as a tribute.
However, Kutai’s glory faded after Mulawarman’s death, when the kingdom transitioned to Kutai Kertanegara.
Changing Times: Kutai Kertanegara and the Arrival of Islam
The Kutai Kertanegara Kingdom, established in the early 13th century by Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti, dominated East Kalimantan.
In the 16th century, Kutai Kertanegara conquered the ancient Kutai Kingdom and transformed into the Kutai Kertanegara ing Martapura Sultanate.
In the 17th century, under Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris, Islam became an integral part of the kingdom, transforming the Hindu kingdom into an Islamic sultanate.
During the colonial era, Kutai Kertanegara entered into agreements with the Dutch East Indies and maintained its existence until Indonesian independence.
Sultan Aji Muhammad Parikesit was the last sultan before the kingdom’s royal status was dissolved in 1960, and the palace was later converted into the Mulawarman Museum.
Enjoying Nature and History Around the Museum
Outside the museum, a lush garden and the royal tomb complex of Kutai Kartanegara add to the area’s historical and cultural significance.
Nearby, visitors can see a replica of Kombeng Cave, where the Yupa inscription, a significant relic from the Kutai Kingdom, was discovered.
Now managed by the East Kalimantan Education and Culture Office, Mulawarman Museum serves not only as a tourist destination but also as a center for education and culture.
The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, making it a dynamic public space rich with educational value.
For lovers of history, culture, and architecture, Mulawarman Museum is a must-visit destination in East Kalimantan.
Here, visitors are not only presented with ancient artifacts but also immersed in stories from the past that reflect the glory and beauty of Kalimantan’s culture.