The Epic of Siak (Translation assignment) by Hao Jie 浩杰

The Epic of Siak

Proofreader: Siti Fatimah bt Abdul Ghani

Edited by: Chua Zee Hann Gan Almaz Ragini a/p Asohan Yeong Jing Ying

Translated by: Ariff Ashraff bin Azlan

Nurdiana bt. Nordin

Chua Zee Hann

Nurul Atiera Syahira bt. Abd Rashid

Gan Almaz

Nurul Syakinah binti Mohd Nasir

Lee Fang Qi

Ragini Asohan

Lee Hao Jie

Seow Yung Foung

Lim Sze Chia

Siti Fatimah binti Abdul Ghani

Muhammad Ehsan bin Mohd Salludin

Tai Jing Wei

Nik Muhammad Mustaqim bin Zahari

Teh Kee Lim

Nireji Kato

Wong Suey Erz

Noor Syafiqah binti Zainal Bekri

Yeong Jing Ying

The Epic of Siak is the translation of the Malay great work

Hikayat

Siak

originally

managed

Muhammad Yussof Hashim and published by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, P.O. Box 10803, 50926, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Epic of Siak Synopsis The epic started with Tuan Bujang’s travel and his marriage with the princess of Dipati Batu Kuching. He was enthroned as Yamtuan Sakti but later challenged whether he was from the Johor sultanate, and finally given the title of Yang Dipertuan Raja Kecik. He went to Siak but no one knew him. He then went to Mengkalis and the Minangkabau people called him Yang Dipertuan. He insisted to attack Johor back and he got help from Daheng Parani, Daheng Calak dan Raja Tuha. Daheng Parani promised that if they managed to take Johor down, Yang Dipertuan would be the Yang Dipertuan Besar and he would be the Yang Dipertuan Muda., The Johor citizen asked him to change salt water to freshwater to prove that Yang Dipertuan Raja Kecik was the son of Marhum mangkat Dijulang. And he did it! He then attacked Johor but found out that Yang Dipertuan Johor had run to the Bendahara’s village with his son. In the end, he married with the Bendahara’s youngest child, Tengku Kamariah and enthroned as Raja Johor with the title Sultan Abdul Jalil Syah.

The Epic of Siak

CONTENTS

Treason in Johor

Origin of Raja Kecil (Kecik)

Civil War in Palembang

Enthronement Tuan Bujang (Raja Kecil)

The Story of Raja Kecil

Raja Kecil Attacks Johor

Disagreement with Bugis

Bugis-Johor Pact

Civil War in Kedah

The Endless Siak-Riau Conflict

Battle between Raja Buang and Raja Alam

Founding the State of Mampura

Disagreement with the Dutch

Disagreement between Two Brothers

The Epic of Siak Alliance of Raja Alam with the Dutch

Proposal Party to Terengganu

Bugisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Increasing in Johor-Riau

Disagreement between Siak and Riau

Issue Regarding Siak

Issue Regarding Palembang

The Wedding of King Ismail in Terengganu

The War of Terengganu-Kelantan I

The War of Terengganu-Kelantan II

Attack on Siak

Tengku Muhammad Ali Becomes Yamtuan Muda

Death of Sultan Abdul Jalil Ahmad Syah

Tengku Musa, the Wanderer

Plans to Attack the Dutch in Malacca

102

Siak-Malacca Pact

102

Siak Forces Deployes to Terengganu

104

vii

The Epic of Siak Sayyid’s Family Attacks Senggora Padang, Simpang and Sambas

106

Assault on Petapahan

115

Plan to Attack Lingga

117

Sayyid Ali’s Strategy to Attack Siak

118

Seeking Lingga’s Assistance

124

Sayyid Abdul Rahman Attacks Kampar

126

Trouble at Tuan Besar Idrus’s Residence

129

Yamtuan Muda Siak Retreats

131

Yamtuan Muda in Disguise

136

Sailing to Terengganu and Tabualih

139

About Tengku Simbuk

141

Trouble in Belitung

142

War with Bugis

145

Death of Sultan Yahya in Terengganu

146

Rembau Royal Wedding

148

Tengku Akil’s Trip to Lingga

148

viii

The Epic of Siak Argument with Panglima Raja

149

Tengku Akil, Wanderer and Trader

150

Revenge of Tengku Akil

152

The Story of Tengku Akil and Encik Wan Ahmad (Hamat)

154

Tengku Akil Travels for Bussiness

156

Tengku Akil Contacts the British

157

Tengku Akil Feuds with Adipati Belitung

161

War with Belitung

164

Tengku Akil Makes Peace with the British

167

Tengku Akil Makes Peace with the Dutch

168

Tengku Akil as the Dutch’s “Keeper”

173

Disagreement with the British

176

Opposition from the Adipati

180

Issue Regarding Raja Pagaruyung

183

The Conflict between Idelir Menteng and the People of Minangkabau

187

The Epic of Siak Tengku Akil Returns to Siak

193

The Dutch-Palembang War

194

The Epic of Siak Treason in Johor Once upon a time, the state of Johor was ruled by a king named Sultan Abdul Jalil Syah. The title was enthroned to him after the death of his father, Sultan Hamat Syah. Sultan Abdul Jalil Syah was married to a fairy and that made him unable to marry a woman. He was a very irresponsible king and left most of the ruling affairs to his Bendahara. He ignored all of his Royal Councils and the councils in turn ignored the king’s wellbeing. However, the king was well taken care of by his right-hand man, Seri Bija Wangsa. One day, the king was presented with a jackfruit during his nap. Megat Seri Rama’s wife who was pregnant happened to pass by the area, saw the jackfruit and suddenly developed a craving for it. The woman approached the Royal Guard, “May I taste the jackfruit? My son is craving for it,” said the pregnant lady. “She is pregnant and it would be unwise to refuse her request. I shall inform the king of this matter and he must understand the reason I am doing so,” the Royal Guard gave her a piece of the jackfruit and she ate it. Later, the king woke up from his nap and his servants carried a golden jug and silver bowl for him to

The Epic of Siak refresh himself before taking to the throne. He then saw the jackfruit and asked his servant to bring it to him. The Royal Guard brought the jackfruit to the king with a piece of it having been eaten by Megat Seri Rama’s pregnant wife. The Royal Guard then explained to the king about the missing piece of jackfruit. The king laughed, “Bring his wife to me because I want to see whether the child she is carrying is really eating the jackfruit,” ordered the king. The Royal Guard brought Megat Seri Rama’s wife to meet the king. They cut her belly open by the king’s order and saw that the baby was sucking on the jackfruit. The innocent wife died, and this sparked anger from Megat Seri Rama when he heard the news. Megat Seri Rama gathered his people to overthrow the king. He went to meet Bendahara Paduka Raja and informed him regarding his innocent wife who was murdered by the king. “If you wish to be king, this would be the time to take the throne for yourself,” said Megat Seri Rama to Bendahara Paduka Raja. “I need to discuss this matter with Temenggung and Seri Bija Wangsa before I make any decision,” Datuk Bendahara said as he gathered with Temenggung. 2

The Epic of Siak Bendahara discussed with Temenggung regarding Megat Serama’s matter. “We have to break our allegiance to our king because he decided to kill Megat Seri Rama’s wife and his unborn child mercilessly,” said Datuk Bendahara. “If you wish to take the throne as the king of the state, let me be the Yamtuan Muda but not the Bendahara,” Temenggung replied. Bendahara then held a meeting with the Royal Councils without Seri Bija Wangsa. Seri Bija Wangsa was a well-known warrior in Johor and Bendahara realised that he needs to kill Seri Bija Wangsa to assassinate the king. “How are we going to kill Seri Bija Wangsa? He is the closest to the king, and it would be hard for us to overthrow the king with Seri Bija Wangsa by his side,” claimed Bendahara. “You need to trick him into thinking that the king wants him dead for an act that he did not commit,” replied Megat Seri Rama. The next day, Bendahara called Seri Bija Wangsa to meet him and told him that the king is furious at his betrayal, “I have never committed any treason against the king, and I don’t have any intention of doing so. If what you are saying is true, then let me talk to the king myself so that I can prove my innocence,’’ answered Seri Bija Wangsa after Bendahara laid the lies on him. “The king is furious and refuses any plea from you. 3

The Epic of Siak The king wants to cast you out of the state of Johor,” replied Bendahara. “The king’s rule will not be prolonged by killing me, for I am innocent and would never perform any act that would harm this country. However, should it be your will to exile me, just execute me, and I shall obey for I cannot bear the thought of disobeying my king,” answered Seri Bija Wangsa. Seri Bija Wangsa continued by saying, “And if I must die, then the king will not live in peace and you, Datuk Bendahara will not be living a good life too if everything that you have been telling me is a lie.” “I speak only the truth,” replied Bendahara. Seri Bija Wangsa was taken to the hall, and impalement was chosen as the method of execution. The keris used to impale Seri Bija Wangsa would not penetrate his skin. Seri Bija Wangsa then grabbed hold of the keris and the people gathered at the hall ran away. Seri Bija Wangsa called the executioner and uttered his last words: “No Malay ever committed treason upon his king and if a Malay ever agreed to be killed even if he was innocent, he shall die no matter in what condition he was. Only my keris is able to penetrate my body and you shall use it to kill me.”

The Epic of Siak The executioner then impaled Seri Bija Wangsa and his body was given the final respect that he deserved as a king’s right-hand man even though the king was not informed of his most loyal assistant’s death. Bendahara and Megat Seri Rama then discussed their plan to assassinate the king once again. Megat Seri Rama said, “We shall assassinate the king on Friday when he is on his way to Friday prayer,” Everyone agreed with the plan. Before the king went to sleep, he summoned Laksamana’s daughter, Encik Apung, a maiden in the castle to his chambers. On the same night, the king’s fairy wife fled the castle as she was aware that the king would die tomorrow. The king then said to Encik Apung, “Apung, please bear my children as I fear I have not long to live, so my bloodline does not end with me.” Encik Apung did as she was told and later became pregnant with the king’s heir. Friday came, and the king prepared for Friday prayer. As the king sat on his carrier and reached the entrance of his castle, he was stopped by Bendahara, Megat Seri Rama and the people who plotted against the

The Epic of Siak king. Megat Seri Rama walked to the king and said, “Sultan, I claim your life,” and then he swifted his axe to the king’s head. White colour blood gushed out of the wound on the king’s head as he said, “Megat Seri Rama, you have committed treason against your king,” the king was rushed away in the carrier but the king demanded otherwise. The king then stabbed his servant to death and fell to the ground. Megat Seri Rama fought the sultan and was cursed to suffer for four years after the king’s death before he himself finally died a tragic death. The king was badly injured and he was brought into the castle. The king called for the imam and khatib, “I have given the honour of carrying my descendant to one of the maidens, please take my letter to my future heir or give it directly to Encik Apung if you are unable to keep this a secret,” ordered the king. The king then passed away and was buried in Kota Tinggi. Later, Bendahara went to the castle and asked the maidens of the castle to admit to their pregnancy of the king’s descendant. Encik Apung admitted in defeat, “I will carry this child and I promise that I will not look at his face after I give birth to him and you may take him away from me.” 6

The Epic of Siak Bendahara was crowned Yamtuan Besar of Johor while

Temenggung

became

Yamtuan

Muda.

Bendahara’s son became the next Bendahara and was called Bendahara Pekok. Laksamana kept Encik Apung in a safe place. The ruling power in Johor then shifted in Bendahara’s family. After a while, Bendahara Pekok made his oldest son Yamtuan Besar and his middle child became Temenggung. His youngest son then became Raja Indera Bongsu.

Origin of Raja Kecil (Kecik) Encik Apung was kept in a safe place while she was pregnant with the king’s heir. After she had given birth to the heir, she asked the Laksamana to take the baby away as she has promised Bendahara to not look at the child. Laksamana was aware that he needed to find someone to take care of the child and to be the secret-bearer. He then went to Selat Singapura to meet Raja Negara Selat, “Will you take care of this direct descendant of Sultan Mangkat Dijulang?” asked Laksamana, “Even though it is wrong to carry a direct descendant away from his country, I have to do it for the sake of his safety,” replied Raja Negara. “If you agree, please take the child to 7

The Epic of Siak Temenggung Muar because he is a relative of mine and send this letter to him,” ordered Laksamana. Raja Negara went to Johor and Laksamana gave the child to him. Raja Negara then sailed to Muar and met Temenggung Muar. He gave the child and the letter from Laksamana

Temenggung.

Temenggung

was

overwhelmed with grief after reading the letter and decided to take care of the child as his own. Nobody was aware of the child’s true identity. Seven years later, Temenggung took the child back to Johor to meet Laksamana. While they were in Johor, the child always played near his father’s grave in Kota Tinggi. The story of a child who looked like the king (Sultan Mangkat Dijulang) became known to Yang Dipertuan Muda (Yamtuan Muda), and he ordered his people to bring the child to him. As Laksamana heard the story, he planned an escape for the child with Raja Negara, “We need to take the child away from Johor and Muar because everybody has already recognised him by now. I know a skipper from Minangkabau, Nakhoda Malim who can take care of the child,” said Laksamana. Laksamana met Nakhoda Malim and explained the child’s bloodline, “He is the direct descendant of Sultan 8

The Epic of Siak Mangkat Dijulang. If he lives well, Allah will help to ease your journey,” Nakhoda Malim believed his luck and agreed to take care of the child. Then, Nakhoda Malim prepared a boat and took the child away to Jambi. He then named the child Tuan Bujang and took care of him as if he was his own son. From Jambi, he went to Pagaruyung with Tuan Bujang. Upon arriving at Pagaruyung, Nakhoda Malim brought Tuan Bujang along to meet Yamtuan Sakti. When Nakhoda Malim greeted him, he questioned the child’s existence there. “You have been away at sea and now you are back with a child? Who might this child be? He looks like one of a royal descendant.” Nakhoda Malim replied, “He is indeed a royal descendant, and I named him Tuan Bujang. His father is Raja Johor who was murdered by the Bendahara,” Nakhoda Malim explained the truth behind the child. Yamtuan Sakti was pleased to hear about this and asked for the child from Nakhoda Malim. “Your Highness deserves the child,” Nakhoda Malim said politely. Tuan Bujang was brought to Puteri Jilan, Yamtuan Sakti’s mother. As soon as Puteri Jilan saw the child, Her Majesty recognised Tuan Bujang as the son of Raja Johor. 9

The Epic of Siak “Please take good care of this poor little orphan, and I will make sure that he will avenge his father’s death,” Puteri Jilan commanded. So, Tuan Bujang stayed in Pagaruyung. Every day, he would play at the royal palace, and the maids would stop him from doing so. They feared that he might get cursed if he keeps disturbing the place. “Let him be. He belongs here so he would not be cursed. It is his right to do so. He is my brother’s son after all,” Puteri Jilan interrupted. Therefore, her nephew went to play with her grandchild. When Tuan Bujang turned thirteen, he asked permission to seek knowledge in Batanghari from Puteri Jilan and was granted permission. Tuan Bujang set off to Batanghari. He arrived at Rawas and greeted Sultan Lema Abang. Tuan Bujang humbly asked to serve Sultan Lema Abang. Sultan Lema Abang was pleased with Tuan Bujang’s attitude and agreed to make him one of his men. Tuan Bujang was assigned to hold the tepak whenever the Sultan meets somebody. However, the sultan cannot sit or he will start to feel itchy. The same thing also happens when the sultan tries to walk ahead of Tuan Bujang. His Majesty will start to feel like something was 10

The Epic of Siak dragging his leg and stopping him from moving. “This is weird. I noticed that my body becomes heavy everytime this boy holds my tepak.” The sultan started to feel something is wrong somewhere.

Civil War in Palembang Soon after, Sultan Lema Abang quarrelled with his uncles, Sultan Anum and Sultan Agung. Therefore, Sultan Lema Abang had to retreat from Palembang. Tuan Bujang followed and they set sail to Johor in order to propose marriage to the daughter of Raja Johor. Sultan Lema Abang met Raja Johor along with Tuan Bujang who carried his tepak. As soon as they arrived there, Tuan Bujang sat together with Sultan Lema Abang. “Who might this young boy that sits beside your Majesty be?” Yamtuan Muda voiced out his curiosity as he found Tuan Bujang’s face to resemble Marhum Yang Mangkat Dijulang from Kota Tinggi. “He is from Palembang,” Sultan Lema Abang replied. However, Yamtuan Muda’s instinct kept on telling him that the boy was not from Palembang. Sultan Lema Abang then returned to his boat with the intention of taking daughter 11

The Epic of Siak of Yamtuan Besar Johor’s hand in marriage. Yamtuan Johor married a woman from Acheh Pedir and was bestowed with two sons and 14 daughters. Before he married the woman, he was once a Bendahara. He had a son before which was elected to be Bendahara Pahang. His two new sons, Raja Sulaiman and Raja Abdul Karim were chosen to be kings. One day, Yamtuan Johor was having dinner with Sultan Lema Abang. Suddenly, the sultan had a case of flatulence, but for the people of Palembang, it’s a normal thing to do, and he was not ashamed at all. As Sultan Lema Abang returned to his boat, he commanded Bendahara to meet Yamtuan Johor and ask him regarding the marriage. Bendahara obeyed the order and met with Yamtuan Johor. He stated Sultan Lema Abang’s wish to propose to Yamtuan Johor’s daughter. However, the sultan had to refuse for their child was still too young. So, he told them to come back when both of their children had come of age. After Bendahara relayed the message to Sultan Lema Abang, the sultan met Yang Dipertuan to inform that he will be leaving shortly. His Majesty then set sailed

The Epic of Siak to Kuala Batangan. “Please open the door for us,” Tuan Bujang asked, but as soon as the door was opened, Tuan Bujang’s hand was caught in between the gap. He got mad and cursed at the door. Sultan and his men set sail to Siantan. In Siantan, Sultan Lema Abang married a Chinese Muslim woman in Dusun Sebanir whose father just went for pilgrimage to Mecca, named Yang Mariam. Meanwhile, Tuan Bujang was circumcised in Siantan too. After Tuan Bujang had recovered, they continued their journey. When they arrived in Bangkah Kota, they stopped there because the sultan wished to seize Palembang. Meanwhile, Raja Bugis, Daheng Parani and Daheng Calak also arrived in Bangkah Kota. There, they met Sultan Lema Abang. Sultan Lema Abang made an agreement to seize Palembang and Daheng Parani gladly agreed. Wira Sentik was a well-known individual in Palembang due to his wealth. Sultan Lema Abang was his cousin. Therefore, when he heard that the Sultan was in Bangkah Kota, he sent out a letter to His Majesty. “Welcome to Palembang, Your Majesty. Please enjoy your time staying here. I shall cover your expenses for as 13

The Epic of Siak long as you live here. However, please don’t bring Bugis into Palembang or the country is done for.” Wira Sentik stated in the letter. Sultan Lema Abang was delighted after reading it. Therefore, the sultan prepared seven boats to enter Palembang while Daheng Parani was on standby to follow him. “When Your Majesty enters Palembang tonight, Your Majesty will become a King.” Sultan Lema Abang’s wife told him. Hence, Sultan Lema Abang went to the boat and entered Palembang along with all the treasures and women. Daheng Parani had no idea that the Sultan already left. As soon as they reached Pulau Kelebar, Sultan called his family and men to gather around. The news about Sultan’s arrival reached Sultan Anum. Sultan Anum gathered his men to attack Sultan Lema Abang. On the other hand, Sultan Lema Abang stopped at Lema Abang, the Sultan’s state. This is where Wira Sentik greeted the Sultan. “With all due respect, I offer my services to you, Your Majesty. I would spend all my money to help you as long as you are the next king,” Wira Sentik said.

The Epic of Siak “It is good to know that a family member will lend his hand to me,” the sultan replied. Palembang was divided into two now. One side was led by Sultan Lema Abang and the other side was led by Sultan Anum. As Sultan Lema Abang obtained Wira Sentik’s help, Sultan Anum on the other hand was seeking help from Dutch Company in Betawi. When Sultan Lema Abang heard about it, Sultan Lema Abang discussed with the Royal Council. The council suggested that they should send someone to Betawi too. Sultan agreed with their suggestion and sent his minister out to Betawi along with a golden cembul and a letter. Therefore, Sultan Anum’s courier arrived in Betawi. The people of Palembang were greeted by the general and they gathered at the public house to discuss. Sultan Anum’s courier read out the letter and handed in the gold. Sultan Lema Abang’s courier came next. The general asked his dignitaries to greet them. The courier passed the golden cembul and the letter to them. The general read the contents of the letter. He was pleased; the dignitaries on the other hand were quite surprised. “So, who will we aid? Is it Sultan Anum or Sultan Lema Abang? Well, whoever surrenders to us first, he is the one that we are going to aid.” The general had 15

The Epic of Siak decided on it regardless. Therefore, he replied both Sultan Anum and Sultan Lema Abang through the letter. “I shall send my battleships to Palembang.” He wrote the reply to Sultan Anum. “My friend here needs my help, so I shall help him regardless. Worry not, I will send my battleships to Palembang,” he replied to Sultan Lema Abang. The courier returned to their respective sultans. Sultan Anum was the first one to receive the news. “Soon, the battleships will come to aid us.” Sultan Anum was satisfied with the reply from the general. A short while later, Sultan Lema Abang’s courier returned with the reply from the general. In contrast to Sultan Anum, Sultan Lema Abang remained silent after reading the reply. Meanwhile, battleships carrying four hundred soldiers had reached Palembang. Sultan Anum asked his men to greet them. The captain was welcomed warmly by Sultan Anum. However, the captain went to meet Sultan Lema Abang secretly during nightfall. “How goes the alliance with the Dutch Company? Do you want us to apprehend Sultan Anum or you want to apprehend him yourself?” The captain asked.

The Epic of Siak “You apprehend him and exile him to Belida in Palembang,”

Sultan

Lema

Abang

commanded.

Therefore, the captain returned to his ship. The next day, the captain went to meet Sultan Anum. He asked Sultan Anum’s permission to bring his soldiers to the land. According to the captain, they had been too long at sea, and his men needed shore leave. Sultan Anum granted them permission and invited them to his land. “As soon as you reached the land, apprehend Sultan Anum.” The captain gave his lieutenant a signal. The lieutenant brought his soldiers into the city. As ordered, they went to apprehend Sultan Anum and brought the sultan before Sultan Lema Abang. Thus, Sultan Lema Abang asked them to exile Sultan Anum to Belida as planned. This is how the Dutch Company established their base in Palembang. They have made an agreement with the current Sultan of Palembang, Sultan Lema Abang and will continue to operate in Palembang whilst Sultan Lema Abang held the throne.

The Epic of Siak Enthronement of Tuan Bujang (Raja Kecil) Therefore, Tuan Bujang asked for permission from Sultan Palembang to go for a journey. Sultan Palembang granted him permission and provided him with golden clothes and the regalia, keris. Thus, Tuan Bujang departed to Rawas. In Rawas, Tuan Bujang married the daughter of Dipati Batu Kucing. They were blessed with a son name Raja Alam. Next, Tuan Bujang went to Jambi to form an alliance with Sultan Maharaja in Batu Kucing in order to seize the throne from Sultan in Kedah. They started a war, but Sultan Maharaja won, and Tuan Bujang was severely injured in his thigh after being shot. Tuan Bujang went to Minangkabau through Pagaruyung and went to meet Puteri Jilan. Puteri Jilan was surprised to see Tuan Bujang. “What took you so long on the sea?” she asked. “I went to see how everyone’s doing,” he replied. Puteri Jilan smiled upon hearing his replies. “So? What do you want now?”

The Epic of Siak “It’s up to you what you want to give me, Your Majesty. I will gladly accept everything.” “I know what you are trying to imply. Therefore, I shall order you to go back to the sea and set sail to Siak. You may take Johor and avenge your father’s death,” Puteri Jilan commanded. Tuan Bujang would then be crowned by Yamtuan Sakti along with his son. “Before you inherit the throne, I wish to test your bloodline. If there is no Minangkabau blood flowing inside you, you shall be crowned along with your son,” said Yamtuan Sakti. The tabuh larangan was played and all villagers including Menteri Yang Berempat gathered around the nobat. Thus, the drum was sounded. Tuan Bujang wore Puteri Jilan’s regalia. He leaned on the hard kayu jelatang pole. Then, Yang Dipertuan Sakti placed the crown on Tuan Bujang’s head. Puteri Jilan then stood and began to chant. “If you are truthfully my nephew from Johor, Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain’s descendant, grandmother to Nusirwan Adil’s bloodline, with Nabi Allah Sulaiman ‘allahi wassalam’s blessings, nothing will befall him.” Soon after, Tuan Bujang’s face shone brightly. 19

The Epic of Siak The four sons of governors who were holding spears rejoiced. All the officers including the Four Ministers, Bendahara of Sungai Tarab, Makhdum of Sumanik and Enduma of Suroso bowed in homage towards Tuan Bujang and prayed for his greatness in leadership as a king. He was named Yang Dipertuan Raja Kecik. Next was his sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turn to take the test. Unfortunately he cannot bear the weight of the crown and tilted his head. This act was considered as losing or in Malay kalah. As the event happened the son was called Raja Beralah as a symbol that he cannot bear the weight of the sacred crown. The crowd headed home after the feast. One day, Princess Jilan and Yang Dipertuan Sakti brought the sword of state called Sepurejab which originated from Minangkabau to be shown to Raja Kuantan. Princess Jilan then gave sepah and her long hair with two kupang-kupang and a seal. The seal consisted a statement saying that when her son, Yang Dipertuan Raja Kecik went to sea, the Minangkabaus must help him. If the Minangkabaus are unwilling to aid Yang Dipertuan Raja Kecik, they will be cursed; and if

The Epic of Siak they are unable to aid, they must instead offer twenty rial, a rifle as well as a catty of medicine. Therefore, Raja Kuantan assigned four warriors, Datuk Lebai Tasi, Datuk Gergaji, Raja Mendeling and Sutan Pendalihan to Raja Kecil as escort.

The Story of Raja Kecil Later Raja Kecil arrived in Siak and went straight to Bukit Batu. There he bought some herrings and its eggs to sell in Siak. One day, he broke a law of Bandar Bukit Batu. Bandar Bukit Batu then fined him 20 rial which caused him to bear a grudge towards the city. So, he went to Malacca as an anonymous sailor. Later, he went to Mengkalis to visit the Minangkabaus and met their chieftain. Raja Kecil gave the seal to the chief. He was surprised to see the seal from Pagaruyung which contained the order of Yang Dipertuan Sakti. He gathered the people of Minangkabau who lived in Mengkalis as soon as he recognised the seal and swore their loyalty towards Yang Dipertuan Raja Kecik.

The Epic of Siak Raja Kecik then went to Batu Bahara and appointed the Four Chieftains, Tanah Putih and Kubu all under him. After that, he went back to Mengkalis with the intention to attack Johor.

Raja Kecil Attacks Johor At that time, the King of Bugis that was Daheng Parani, Daheng Calak and Raja Tuha came to Mengkalis and met with Raja Kecik to discuss the plan to attack Johor. Daheng Parani struck a deal saying that if they defeated Johor he wanted to be appointed as Yang Dipertuan Muda. As the deal was made, Daheng Parani went to Langat to get the Bugis people to join this attack. The next day, he brought a letter to Yang Dipertuan Johor to notify that the son of Marhum Mangkat Dijulang wanted to take revenge and asked Johor to prepare for the attack. As the letter reached Johor, Yang Dipertuan Johor quickly gathered his people to repair the city and the trench. News spread that the son of Marhum Mangkat Dijulang had appeared. All the people led by Raja Negara Selat came to see Yang Dipertuan Mengkalis. The people of Mengkalis claimed that the son of Marhum Mangkat

The Epic of Siak Dijulang came from Johor whereas the people of Minangkabau claimed that they came from the same origin. They argued but was appeased by His Majesty and asked to work together. Raja Kecil departed to Johor escorted by the people from the Straits and the sea. Upon arriving in Kuala Johor, he was greeted by the people of Johor and they asked him to turn the sea water into drinking water as a proof of his identity. Raja Kecil then took a rattan, made a loop out of it, dipped it into the water and said a prayer, saying that if he really is the descendent from the royalty of Johor, Allah Taala will turned the sea water into drinking water. He then put the rattan into the water. As the people tasted the water it actually tasted like drinking water. They cheered and promised to be Raja Kecilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s follower. Raja Kecil entered Johor but was suddenly attacked by cannon shots from the Johor fortress. However the cannonball did not explode and only a spurt of water came out of it. Raja Kecil then went to Pengkalan Rama and jumped up the bridge while unsheathing his sword followed closely by the four warriors and all the other officers. 23

The Epic of Siak When Yang Dipertuan Johor received the news, he immediately went to Bendahara’s hometown with his son. Raja Kecil went into the palace and noticed that Datuk Bendahara had run away. Yamtuan Muda went amok and killed Datuk Bendahara’s son and wife but then he felt guilt and fear. So he fled and hid in the forest. Yang Dipertuan Besar did not run away because he felt guilty as he had murdered His Majesty’s father and therefore surrendered himself to Yang Dipertuan. Yang Dipertuan Besar was not executed as he had surrendered himself. Bendahara asked Raja Kecil to kill Yamtuan Muda for he had commit treason by killing his child and his wife without His Majesty’s permission. Raja Kecil heard the news that his mother, Encik Apung had died and hurriedly went to see his mother for the last time. His mother was buried according to the royal customs and there were people reciting al-Quran by her altar for forty days as well as tahlil dan donations to the poor. His Majesty then asked to be engaged with Tengku Tengah. But on the Eid, His Majesty saw Bendahara’s youngest daughter, Tengku Kamariah. His

The Epic of Siak Majesty then decided to break up his engagement with Tengku Tengah and take Tengku Kamariah as his new fiance.Tengku Kamariah cried as she went to meet her father but was told to obey the king’s order. Then His Majesty was crowned in Johor with the name Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah as a Yang Dipertuan Besar and married to Tengku Kamariah.

Disagreement with Bugis Later, Daheng Parani went to Johor to have His Majesty’s word to make him as Raja Muda once they win the battle. His Majesty wanted to fulfill this promise but all the officers disagree as they felt that Daheng Parani only claimed the promise once everything was cleared without any hardship. His Majesty then followed the officers' decision to refuse Daheng Parani’s claim which then made him furious towards His Majesty. Raja Sulaiman heard about Daheng Parani so he invited him for a meal. At the time, Tengku Tengah wanted to be an ally with Bugis people to avenge the shame His Majesty gave her. As Daheng Parani came, Tengku Tengah expressed his desire to her relative, Raja Sulaiman. 25

The Epic of Siak Raja Sulaiman agreed with her decision and conveyed Tengku Tengah’s desire to Daheng Parani that she wanted to avenge the shame that she suffered and she will obey any of Raja Bugis’ order. Daheng Parani agreed and set up a promise that when Raja Sulaiman became Raja Besar he wanted to be Raja Muda. Daheng Parani then got married to Raja Tengah. Daheng Parani wanted to be Yang Dipertuan so he told Raja Tengah to kidnap Tengku Kamariah. One night, when it was time to pray, Raja Tengah came into the palace and called for Tengku Kamariah who had been sitting by the sultan who was praying. Then they brought Tengku Kamariah to Raja Tengah’s palace but His Majesty realizes that her wife had gone missing after his prayer so he went to find her, asking the door guard as well. The door guard said that Raja Tengah was the person who took Tengku Kamariah which triggered His Majesty’s anger, he then ordered the people to ring the semboyan. All the warriors gathered, His Majesty then ordered the attack on Bendahara’s house as he had caused him shame. The warriors attacked Bendahara who then had

The Epic of Siak to retreat to Pahang. Daheng Parani then ran to Langat and gathered the Bugis to attack Johor. His Majesty then ordered Laksamana and Seri Bija Wangsa to find Bendahara in Kuala Pahang. When they arrived in Pahang, they told Bendahara about His Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s order for Bendahara to return back to Johor. Bendahara felt ashamed as his daughter had kidnapped Tengku Kamariah and would rather Laksamana to kill him than to meet the sultan again. Laksamana thought that if Bendahara is not killed he will start passing bad rumours to others. Furthermore, he is also the reason that His Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s late father is dead. Seri Bija Wangsa also agreed with Laksamana as for him, it is an eye for an eye. Therefore, they attacked Bendahara. Bendahara fought back, causing eight people to be killed. Bendahara was buried in Kuala Pahang. Then, they went back to Johor with Raja Tengah whereas Raja Sulaiman went to Pahang to get to his relatives, Bendahara Pekok. His Majesty regrets his decision to order his men to seek for Bendahara as he saw his wife crying when she found out her father was dead. His Majesty thought that they needed to get out of Johor as he felt that the state 27

The Epic of Siak wanted to have the king slaughtered. His Majesty told all the officers on his intention to move to Riau so he gathered all the people for them to clean out the place and built houses as well as a palace. After everything was ready, His Majesty then moved to Riau.

Bugis-Johor Pact It has been a year since Raja Kecil settled down in Riau. Then Daheng Parani and Raja Sulaiman launched their attack. Riau lost the battle and is taken over by the Bugis. His Majesty retreated to Lingga but was then surrounded by Bugis army. His Majesty managed to escape the onslaught and went back to Riau. There, His Majesty saw three Bugis ships and driven by anger, attacked and captured two of the ships. Raja Kecil then pressed on the attack and entered the city. Daheng Parani was shocked by the news and ran away. He was too afraid of Raja Kecil because His Majesty is the only one capable of defeating him. The conflict between the Bugis and the Minangkabau continued. Over and over again the fort exchanged hands between the Bugis and the Minangkabau. When both sides finally tired of battle, they made peace. When Raja Kecil met with Daheng 28

The Epic of Siak Parani, both of them shared a meal. The two promised that if they were to meet each other on the battlefield again, it would be absolutely without deception. One day, a man from Mengkasar came to Riau and asked to serve His Majesty. The man's name is Encik Yahya. When Encik Yahya came to face the Raja Kecil, His Majesty's court was full with commanders, all facing His Majesty. Encik Yahya entered the court, where he touched the head of all the commanders. Although furious at the actions of Encik Yahya, the commanders all stood silently in fear of acting unsightly in the presence of their king. Raja Kecil became curious after seeing the actions of Encik Yahya. So His Majesty asks, "Who are you and what is your purpose?â&#x20AC;? Encik Yahya then replied, "Yahya is my name and I hail from Mengkasar. I wish to serve Your Highness." Raja Kecil questioned Encik Yahya's abilities as His Majesty has many capable commanders. Encik Yahya answered that he only came to His Majesty because he is capable; were he incapable, he would not have stood before His Majesty. Hearing Encik Yahya's words, Raja Kecil is delighted to obtain a new, capable commander. Encik 29

The Epic of Siak Yahya possesses exceptional physical abilities and is also a skilled fighter. One day, Raja Kecil attacked Daheng Parani. Unable to withstand the attack, Daheng Parani retreated to Selangor and built thirty new galleys there. The Bugis then attacked Kuala Linggi at the command of Duli Yang Dipertuan. The cheiftain of Linggi requested help from Raja Kecil. His Majesty then prepared for battle and left for Linggi. The Bugis decided to feign a retreat upon facing Raja Kecil in battle. His Majesty's guard lowered, the Bugis then headed straight for Riau. The people of Riau welcomed who they thought was their king, but it turned out to be Bugis forces armed to the teeth. With all the men having departed to aid Linggi, Riau fell to the Bugis without any resistance. His Majesty's wife, Tengku Kamariah fell into the hands of the enemy. As His Majesty marched for Linggi, a prince, Tengku Muda was born from a concubine. His

Majesty

held

council

among

his

commanders to retake Riau. It is suggested that the battle cannot be won, and that His Majesty must first make 30

The Epic of Siak peace and regrow his strength. Thus His Majesty set sail for Siak to build a new state. His Majesty founded a new state in Buantan and deliver letters to Riau in order to retreive his wife from Raja Sulaiman. At that time, Tengku Kamariah had given birth to a new prince, Tengku Buang. Raja Sulaiman planned to comply with Raja Kecil's wishes, but is stopped by Daheng Parani and Raja Tengah. Daheng Parani wishes for Tengku Kamariah to marry Daheng Calak, but no amount of convincing could make her agree. Daheng Calak then came to meet Tengku Kamariah himself in order to convince her. Tengku Kamariah then agreed to the marriage on the condition that Daheng Calak can deliver the head of Raja Kecil. Daheng Calak knows that is a task beyond his capabilities, and was unable to do anything. Defeated, Daheng Calak returned empty handed. Tengku Kamariah then sent a letter to Raja Kecil saying that if His Majesty wishes to reclaim her, His Majesty has to do so by force. She added that she is unwilling to return to His Majesty through other methods. Reading the letter, Raja Kecil snapped. Raja Kecil called his commanders,

The Epic of Siak announcing his intention to attack Riau head-on. His Majesty amassed an army one hundred and fifty strong, including those willing to die for their king and those still with family in Riau. The army set off in canoes. From Riau, His Majesty headed to Pulau Bayan and attacked the Bugis. War broke out and many Bugis died. Those who escaped into city dared not come out. The now timid Bugis dared not resist and His Majesty returned to Siak. Arriving in Siak, His Highness was welcomed back to the palace by Tengku Mahmud, His Majesty's prince. Raja Kecil is at this point the most powerful king in Siak and there was no one who would challange His Majesty. His Majesty had a prince from Palembang named Raja Alam. Raja Alam visited Siak to see his father. Raja Kecil however, does not know Raja Alam. After Raja Alam introduces his mother's name, he is welcomed by His Majesty with open arms. After some time, Raja Kecil had another prince with a concubine, named Tengku Sahak and as well as a daughter called Tengku Putih. His Majesty has seven

The Epic of Siak children, consisting of five boys and two girls not including his child in Kedah called Sultan Bekabut.

Civil War in Kedah There was a story about a power struggle in Kedah between two princes. The elder prince seeked help from Daheng Parani in Riau while the younger prince seeked help from Yang Dipertuan Siak, Raja Kecil. Daheng Parani and Yang Dipertuan Besar then went to Kedah. Their arrival was celebrated by the King of Kedah and both were married with the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sisters. One day, Daheng Parani attacked Yang Dipertuan Besar. The Yang Dipertuan Besar was frightened from his sleep and fled with Panglima. However as they swam for the bank, they were attacked by spears. Both Yang Dipertuan Besar and Panglima Dalam had been wounded. The Yang Dipertuan Besar nearly drowned as a panicked Panglima Dalam hanged on to his waist. Reaching land, His Highness screamed for help and was heard by people in the stronghold. His Highness is brought into the fort and he assembled his warriors to 33

The Epic of Siak attack Daheng Parani. So Encik Yahya and the other warriors attacked Daheng Parani on the command of His Highness. Encik Yahya began his attack on Daeng Parani's fort while Daeng Parani was asleep. Daheng Parani was defeated and ran away. So Encik Yahya took over the fort and His Highness was overjoyed. Encik Yahya was rewarded greatly. It has been two years since His Highness had arrived in Kedah but there is still no end to the battle with the Bugis. Day after day, war drums signaled the beginning of each battle between the Bugis and Minangkabau. Finally, both sides united as they do not want to prolong the war any further. Hearing the news, Daheng Parani got angry and challenged Yang Dipertuan Besar to a duel. His Highness accepted the challenge and prepared against Daheng Parani. Daeng Parani soon arrived on his boat to face His Highness, dressed in chainmail. Realising he would be at a disadvantage in close quarters combat, Yang Dipertuan Besar chose to shoot Daeng

The Epic of Siak Parani with a swivel gun. The shot landed in Daheng Parani's chest and he immediately died. The Yang Dipertuan Besar had won the battle and Kedah’s throne was handed to the younger brother. His Highness then told the new king of Kedah that he wishes to return to Siak.

The Endless Siak-Riau Conflict While staying in Siak, Yang Dipertuan Raja Kecik was blessed with a son named “Tengku Unus”. Unfortunately, his wife, Tengku Kamariah became very ill and passed away. Her funeral was grand and she was buried in Buantan. The King loved her so much that he kept on visiting the queen’s grave and never cared about the kingdom anymore. He lost himself because of her death. His son, Raja Alam became Yamtuan Muda and with the will of the King, his other son, Tengku Mahmud will soon become Yang Dipertuan Besar. Riau Malays and Bugis were forming alliance to invade Siak. However, the news reached Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam. He had the people to build up strongholds to defend the kingdom from invasion. The Riau Malays attack the Kingdom with eighty boats after having an 35

The Epic of Siak agreement with the Raja Terengganu. When the news about Riau Malays has already reached Bukit Batu, the locals retreated to Siak. The Siak boats headed downstream to Guntung Island. The Siak boats has been strategically placed around the area. Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam then became the king in the downstream region while Tengku Mahmud became the king at the region up of the stream. Tengku Mahmud together with the thirty Siak boats were waiting at the upstream of Sabak River which was located at Guntung Island. Soon after, troops from Riau invaded Siak. The Riau boats stopped at Guntung Island. Both Riau boats and Siak cruises stopped there, facing each other. Day by day both forces were getting ready but none of them attacked. The situation lasted for three months until the Siak people asked the Riaus, “What were you waiting for? Everything is ready, all we need now is the wind from east.” However, the people from Riau simply ignored them. The Siaks then shouted out to them and said, “If Riau don’t want to attack then we will take the first step.” Soon, forces readied their boats, threw away the awning and prepared to attack. This action caught the

The Epic of Siak Riau soldiers by surprise as they were expecting an attack but nothing happened eventually. Riau people said that the people from Siak only threatened them as they only have thirty boats whereas Riau have eighty boats. This situation lasted for three days. Although there was no movement from the Siak forces but the Riaus still thought of them as a threat. Without paying any attention to the Riau, Siak sent troops into the forest. From there, they bombarded the Riau people and caused panic amongst their enemy ranks. The Riau people quickly jumped into the water and many of them died drowning. All the boats of Riau were destroyed.

Battle between Raja Buang and Raja Alam Tengku Mahmud was titled as Yang Dipertuan Besar. Since Tengku Kamariah passed away, no one took charge of the land. At the same time, there was no proper communication between Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam and his brother, Tengku Mahmud. Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam wanted to be Yang Dipertuan Besar of Siak as he was older than Tengku Mahmud. 37

The Epic of Siak However, all the officers obeyed the order of the Sultan and therefore recognized Tengku Mahmud as Yang Dipertuan Besar because he was from the pure royal bloodline. Soon after, both Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam and Tengku Mahmud began the war for power. Tengku Mahmud stayed at Kota Besar while Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam stayed at Kota Tuan Besar. All the officers tried to stop the war as they felt there was no point for them to fight with each other. Nevertheless, the war came. Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam brought along his son and retreated to Batu Bahara and he left his daughter alone. He then went to Palembang and settled down at Deli. He regained power and prepared his boats at Batu Bahara. Unfortunately he was attacked by Siak and forced to retreat again. At the same time, Yang Dipertuan Besar passed away. Yang Dipertuan Raja Alam ruled Siak after that. Meanwhile, Sultan Mahmud escaped to Pelalawan. Later on, Sultan Mahmud left Pelalawan and went to Riau in order to seek help from Yang Dipertuan Raja Sulaiman. Yet, all the Bugis King refused to help. Sultan Mahmud was enraged and said that none could stop him from 38

The Epic of Siak taking the canons and ships in Riau. However, Yang Dipertuan Raja Sulaiman supported him as he is the only royal family member left. Soon, Sultan Mahmud laid down all the weapons. All the forces were assembled and deployed evenly to the seven islands. They came to see the Sultan but Siak was attacked soon after. Yamtuan Muda Alam escaped to Petapahan and Pagaruyung to deal with Yamtuan Raja Beralah. He was too ashamed to become Mahkota because of Marhum Buantan. The war began. All the Minangkabau people were surrounding Siak. Siak had waited for so long and therefore Sultan Mahmud turned away to Pelalawan. He left his caretaker together with his children. When Sultan Mahmud arrived at Pelalawan, he went to Riau and sought help from Yang Dipertuan Raja Sulaiman. Soon, the people from Riau, Terengganu and Pahang all agreed to help him. After the boats were ready, they moved on to Riau. While Sultan Mahmud was on his journey to Riau, his son stayed at Siak. He has eighteen chlidren in total while Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam only has six children.

The Epic of Siak While Sultan Mahmud were seeking for help in Riau, a letter from Siak said that Tengku Akil was battered by the people from Bulang. When Sultan Mahmud was about to set off to Riau, he received the news about Tengku Akil’s death. Sultan Mahmud was furious because Raja Alam does not have the right to kill Tengku Akil as Tengku Akil was considered a man of Siak. Sultan Mahmud ordered Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman to take down Raja Alam. Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman moved together with his son, Sultan Mahmud Syah. When they reached Kuala Siak, they heard that twenty cruisers from Siak appeared at upstream region of Guntung. Sultan Mahmud Syah ordered the king to go to the seven island and asked all of them to follow. Days and days Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman planned to attack yet eventually he did not. Yamtuan Raja Alam asked his son, Tengku Muhammad Ali who married Sultan Mahmud Syah’s daughter, Tengku Embung Besar, to call for Sultan Mahmud’s prince to prepare armour for the ships before attacking Siak. Tengku Muhammad Ali then returned to his own state. His caretaker was waiting for his return after learning about it.

The Epic of Siak After Yamtuan Raja Alam heard about the news, without any hesitation, he sent a letter to Guntung Island for Sultan Mahmud. After reading the letter, Sultan Mahmud was furious and said that he would still attack even though his son was in his way. Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman thought that if Riau people were too afraid to attack first, then he shall make the first move. However, all the Kings disagreed with his plan. Yet Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman chose to attack in order to honor his family. On the following day, he advanced. Many ships followed at the back. At dawn, Sultan Mahmud returned to his own place. All the boats followed him. He was then reached the downstream region of Buantan. Finally Sultan Mahmud met his son, Tengku Muhammad Ali. When His Highness saw that the boats have returned, he was even more surprise to see Sultan Mahmud was on board of it. Without further hesitation Tengku Muhammad Ali quickly went toward his father. Sultan Mahmud ordered Tengku Muhammad Ali to gather the others and followed his lead. Soon, he reached the state and stopped at the seaside of the capitol. All the

The Epic of Siak commanders persuaded Sultan Mahmud to take on that city but His Majesty refused to do so because there was no ruler in the city. It will be a shame on his name to attack. After Sultan Mahmud accepted his son, his son stayed at Kota Tuan Besar. This news was then known by Yamtuan Raja Alam. Sultan Mahmud returned only with five boats and the other twenty that left at conflux of the rivers. All the kings made an agreement after they saw Sultan Mudik returned. Some of them wished to return but some of them dared not, feeling that the people from Siak might lie to them. Sultan Mahmud waited in Kota Tuan Besar. After three months, he finally stepped out from Kota Tuan Besar and wish to move upstream. At the night, he ready twenty cruises which filled by his children and all male and female. While the Siak people had been waiting at the fortress. Sultan Mahmud was then entered Buantan River. Panglima Putih ordered to standby at conflux of the river. About five hundred Siak soldiers together with Emping Berantah went to Buantan River to attack Sultan Mahmud. However, Panglima Putih was assassinated in his sleep. Luckily Sultan Mahmud was alarmed and 42

The Epic of Siak called for all of his men to be prepared. The enemies attacked from behind. Sultan Mahmud stayed with his twenty commanders. He became enraged and started attacking whoever that wish to take his life. Finally Siak people ran away as they have suffered severe losses in the battle. Eventually Sultan Mahmud had to walk all the way to Pelalawan. The prince came afterwards and bowed in homage, “Father, please go back, do not be humiliated by the Malays and Bugis.” After that, Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman returned to Riau. Bugis’ Panglima Besar was asked to stay with Raja Sulaiman. "No wonder Your Majesty’s son is angry, we were all wrong. I was the one working for Your Majesty, so do not be ashamed of your own son,” said Panglima Besar. And all of the former Panglima Besar left. Then Yamtuan Raja Alam fled to the forest land, followed by thirty of his men while his son, Tengku Muhammad Ali did not go and stayed with his wife. After three days in the forest, only five of them remained. There was nothing to eat or drink and he was tired of walking. The thought of eating Sura, the little boy came to his mind yet he did not manage to slaughter him. After that, His 43

The Epic of Siak Highness received rice wrapped in banana leaves along with some water. Unfortunately, his food was snatched away when he wished to share with his friends. He immediately began walking after eating some of the splattered rice. His journey to Batu Bahara continued. A month later, Yamtuan Raja Alam arrived at Batu Bahara and finally reunited with his daughter.

Founding the State of Mampura Once upon a time, the name Sultan Mahmud Shah was mentioned in the nation of Siak. His Majesty was determined to build a new state in Sungai Mampura. The councils gathered all the workers to start building the city. After that, he moved from Buantan to Mampura, along with all the councils, minister, commander and herald.

Disagreement with the Dutch The Dutch from Malacca spoke through a letter, saying that they wished to do business in Pulau Guntung and if Sultan wanted to cooperate with the Dutch Company, they will bring all the necessary things to build 44

The Epic of Siak the dams. If nothing was to be given, they will make those as well. His Majesty gathered the councils, "Well, we shall agree. And if the Dutch people break their promises, war awaits them." So His Majesty agreed. Dutch made dams at Guntung Island and settled down there. While the Dutch was there, none of the women can go to the downstream area or they will be caught by the Dutch people. Later on, the councils came before His Majesty and told about the Dutch’s misbehaviors. “This will corrupt the name of the nation!” Taken with discretions. His Majesty said, “As long as we still live here, the Dutch shall not take this land.” Sultan Mahmud Syah requested to repair all forty boats. And that time, Yang Dipertuan Sakti came down to Petapahan to be crowned. When His Majesty heard that Yang Dipertuan Sakti is already in Pertapahan, he went there to meet him. He met Yang Dipertuan Sakti and he was named as Sultan Mahmud Shah after the coronation. Yang Dipertuan Sakti wants to return to Pagaruyung so he presented the pending gold and terapang and went back to Siak. His Majesty then left along with all the boats. The other councilmen remained 45

staying

there. Sultan

The Epic of Siak Mahmud Syah sailed to the west, attacked Asahan Bilah and Pane on his way. Then, His Majesty sailed back to Sangelar Island, built forts there, installed a canon and named it â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jembalang Guntung". He took all the brigs to go in Malacca. And one day, a ship came aboard from Benila carrying ringgit, gold and silver was knocked down. Everyone started looting. The ship sank and he was very angry at his son, Tengku Muhammad Ali over this incident. Hence, rumour spread that His Majesty came to Malacca. The Sultan of Malacca sent out a ship to attack Sultan Mahmud Shah. As the ship reached Pulau Sangelar, the boat that was on the shore of the island was bombarded with shells. The shells hit two ships. They both caught on fire and sank. After that, the Dutch headed back to Malacca. Raja Melaka gave a letter to the Dutch at Guntung Island. "Sultan Mahmud will never be accepted in Siak territories anymore." Then he stopped at Danir to repair the boat because he was about to attack Guntung Island. After that, he went along with four boats carrying one hundred soldiers. Malacca guards asked as they reached Guntung Island. "When did this boat arrive and whose boat is this?" 46

The Epic of Siak They said to him, “From messenger of Riau to host fetor here." His boat crashed into the bridge. His Majesty jumped onto the bridge when he saw the fetor came off the bridge, asked where did the boat came from. The fetor was surprised to meet him by the boat and asked, “Why Sultan comes without informing us?" He answered, “Why do I need to inform when Siak is ours? That's why we came up with three boats. And rumour has it, our friends do not want to accept us who came here to talk into Siak.” And fetor replied, "We can talk here. What is the will of the Sultan?” He said, “No one should speak on the bridge, we better talk at the dam. The people will break down the bridges.” So the fetor laughed, “Even with two thousand people, this bridge can’t be destroyed.” His Majesty was furious and trampled the bridge. And the Sultan said to fetor, “It’s either we or they who are about to be decimated, let’s go up." Then His Majesty stood up with fetor by his side and was brought into the city followed by the people. Sultan Mahmud Syah entered the gate of the city which the door should be covered. Every person forced through the door and only fifteen people manage to go in while the others stayed outside. 47

The Epic of Siak The Sultan then entered the building to talk but there were armed guards. Fetor said to him, "Sheikh Salim holds the speech. We told our friends not to be afraid.” He then called for the Sultan. Sheikh Salim came with many of his followers, they entered and was besieged by cannon and the door was covered with bullocks. Forty people managed to get in. His son, Tengku Semail was brought together with him. Sheikh Salim came while fetor who was enjoying hot spring started to speak. His Highness mentioned his son-in-law, Commander Sayyid Umar. Sayyid Umar prayed three times and grabbed fetor by the waist, stabbed him with his dagger "Jambuan". The fetor died and the crowd were startled. He wrapped up his keris and said, “I shall use this keris when I have my battle in Malacca later.” As for his son, the prince was well protected. The lines of bullet that comes to His Majesty’s chest turned into flakes. All of Siak soldiers were enraged. The soldiers were all bombarded with gun and blunderbuss even though the mosque Lebai Burung was a holy place where weapons must not be brought in. After the soldiers were all shot dead, Semangka sailed back to Malacca.

The Epic of Siak Tengku Semail went back to Siak, ordered to take all the boats in Lahut and entered Siak. He also ordered to repair the bunkers, bars and boats which are malfunctioning. The attack of the Dutch from Malacca is imminent and they wanted to conquer Siak as theirs. Tengku Semail which has already been married to the prince Tengku Busu, named Tengku Seni. Tengku Busu had three children, a son named Tengku Isa and two daughters named Tengku Tengku Seni and Tengku Minah. Tengku Sahak had two sons named Tengku Tengku Mansur and Tengku Embung Maimunah. Tengku Muda had five sons named Tengku Hasan, and Tengku Taib, and Tengku Unus and three daughters named Tengku Khatijah, Tengku Salamah, and Tengku Saimah. Daughters, Tengku Saadiah and Tengku White were married to masters of Sayyid, who had two children, Sayyid Jaafar and Sayyid Salih. Tengku Subah had a baby with Tuan Besar, Sarifah Salamah. After a while, Tengku Semail gave birth to a son named Tengku Yahya, also known as was Tengku Sulong.

The Epic of Siak Disagreement between Two Brothers Rumor has it that Yamtuan Raja Alam was in Batu Bahara. Then came a ship which looks like a warship with soldiers onboard, wished to have a trade. The ship was loaded. Yamtuan Raja Alam gathered thirty of his men to prepare a surprise attack, he gave them three thousand each. Then, he went up the ship with fifteen others, pretended to trade. He took control of the ship with each person holding their own weapon and. He got the ship, fifty thousand rials and all the goods onboard. After that, Yamtuan Raja Alam became king in Siantan. People in Siantan no longer went to Siak and Riau. All the people from the surrounding island was then under the rule of Raja Alam. Raja Sulaiman wanted to conquer Riau but was then attacked by the people in Riau. Yamtuan Raja Alam asked for help from his brother, Yang Dipertuan Siak. Through a letter, Yamtuan Raja Alam seeks help from his brother and in return, Yamtuan Raja Alam will be the king in Siantan while his brother be the ruler Siak. No other royal army can put another altercation on Siak's land. Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman gave the letter to his son. Yang Dipertuan Siak said, "My colony was already taken by you. 50

The Epic of Siak If I do not help you afterwards you will not help me and we still have these seven islands.” For six months Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman continue his war without any signs of cease fire. Yang Dipertuan Siak finished preparing the boats, thirty in total and sailed to Siantan. When he reached Siantan, he heard about Yamtuan Raja Alam. He met his brother and went into the city. He said, "I've come to watch the fight but nobody has helped because you are my brother.” The servant returned and presented as he said it. Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman came. After seeing his father’s arrival, he welcomed him, Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman. So Raja Sulaiman speaked to his son, "Be confounded, my son. If my son is embarrassed by me, I would not go back to Riau which had the colonies, son. All the talk foes back to you." And he said," Do not be upset father, my rival is brother.” Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman was secretly having joy in his heart. All the people in Siantan was already scared when he was in the Riau. Sultan ordered his sister to escape and bring along all the properties and the children. The messenger came to Yamtuan Raja Alam. After that, he

The Epic of Siak set sail, three boats which was prepared with the weapons. By day, he was seen by people in Riau, Yamtuan Raja Alam was out sailing. The people in Riau wanted to seize the city but no one would dare to enter Riau. The remaining cannons and assets were all taken by Sultan Mahmud Shah. Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman went back to Riau while he went back to Siak. Yamtuan Raja Alam reached Matan. At that time, Raja Mangkurat was king in Matan. He was greeted by Raja Matan and asked to enter the country. He was given a house and village, so he stayed. There are words that Sultan Mahmud Shah had dwelt in Siak for six years. It was time for a new Sultan to rule the nation. So His Majesty gathered all the councils. His Majesty told his son, "Tengku Semaillah replaces us." Then the king said to the councils, "Our intentions are not met." So he called for the younger brother, Tengku Busu. He said, "Do not let our children be treated like Raja Melayu, let them be China servants, Dutch." And then he said to his son, "Be good among your siblings." After his last words, Sultan Mahmud Shah passed away. Tengku Ismail was crowned as Sultan Ahmad Abdul Jalil Shah, replacing his father as the new ruler for the government. 52

The Epic of Siak His Majesty’s funeral was attended by his son and all the councils. Tengku Muda Muhammad Ali became the Yamtuan Muda and started his three-year reign.

Alliance of Raja Alam with the Dutch Soon, there was news about Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam. He heard that his brother has already passed away. He sailed from Matan to Batu Bahara and stopped at Malacca. He spoke to the Raja Melaka, discussing about the invasion of Siak. “My father had passed away leaving behind his children. We will get Siak." So Raja Melaka agreed and went to Batu Bahara. He then sought help from Batu Bahara’s councils, got his fifteen boats and went to Malacca. Rumours spread to Siak, saying that Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam has sided with Malacca to invade Siak. Yang Dipertuan Siak summoned Yamtuan Muda and the councils. His brother said to him, “Was our progress going according to father’s plan? Are we still going to invade Siak together with Dutch? Now to think of it, let His Majesty be the ruler in Siak since he is an elder. If Dutch were to invade Siak, this country will be doomed. We 53

The Epic of Siak have to fight alongside him, not against him. If it’s Dutch only enemy, we shall fight.” He said," Let me think thoroughly otherwise I will regret later. And if brother is about to fight, then all right." Said Tengku Muhammad Ali, “Yes, brother for an enemy.” He smiled and added, “My brother became my brother-in-law, we fight because our father had lost his mind for indulging in his own lost ambition.” He ordered to repair twenty boats. Three boats and a small wooden boat, together with a brig were all ready to set sailed. Soon after, people in Batu Hill received a news, saying that there was a ship and three small boats along with fifteen boats were coming from Malacca. Hence, people in Batu Hill ran to Siak. Upon hearing the news, His Majesty along with his son and daughter immediately boarded their respective boats. Yamtuan Muda was made the captain of the warship and was accompanied by the dignitaries to escort His Majesty down the stream. As the Majesty’s cohorts arrived at Guntung Island, they saw the ships sailing towards them along with the captain. The captain said, “The Siak people are too arrogant.” As the ships faced off. The Siaks started to arrange their boats while hitting the drums and cheering 54

The Epic of Siak as though it was a battle cry. The Dutch also hit their drums while loading the cannon and deploying their boats. As soon as the ships approaching, the Siak fired the first shot at the Dutch, marking the beginning of the battle. The battle lasted for sixteen days. As the days passed, the ship and the boats headed back to the barrack. His Majesty headed to the fortress and the battle ceased. The war between Dutch and Siak continued for six months and Siak people won’t give up. Soldiers were deployed to Malacca. The captain expressed his wrath towards Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam, “Your Highness said that we can easily defeat them but it looks like they are stronger than what we thought they could be. They were all fought so bravely in the battle. If we can’t defeat them by tomorrow, I’m afraid that Your Majesty might have to be sent to Sailong.” His Majesty smiled and said, “If I were to be sent to Sailong, then this ship must not come along.” Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam ordered the messenger to tell his son Tengku Muhammad Ali “Remember, you must fend off the Dutch till the end for our sake!” After Tengku Muhammad Ali heard from the messenger and learned that his father will be sent to Sailong by the Dutch, Tengku Muhammad Ali, his two 55

The Epic of Siak wives and Tengku Embung were discussing about the next move to be done. Then, a ship named ‘Medan Sabar’ has been shot and slowly sank into the water. Tengku Embung secretly poured water onto the gun powders. Tengku Muhammad Ali met Yang Dipertuan Besar, told him, “Medan Sabar is sinking and the gun powders were all wet.” His Majesty said to Tengku Muhammad Ali, “I’ve told you before, it’s better for us not to have a battle with them. We should better move to Siak and yet you opposed to do that.” Then, Tengku Muhammad Ali bowed and said, “You may do. Follow your plan. By the time our father passed away, you may move to Siak.” Soon after, His Majesty retreated to Pelalawan together with Tengku Abdullah, Tengku Abdul Rahman, Tengku Kamat and Tengku Husain. Only Tengku Musa and Tengku Embung Besar left. When they’ve reached Pelalawan, Yang Dipertuan requested a boat from His Highness to sail to Riau. Siak was defeated. All the Siak soldiers escaped into the wood because feared of the Dutch. Yamtuan Muda went into the capitol. There, the Dutch wanted to seize all the weapons and capture all the civilians but was stopped by Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam. Thus, the Dutch made an 56

The Epic of Siak agreement with Siak to rule Melacca concurrently. After the two parties agreed, the Dutch fell back to Melacca.

Proposal Party to Terengganu Yamtuan Muda left Pelalawan with three boats. Soon after His Majesty travelled to Riau, but not for long, he then travelled to Pulau Tambelan and made a boat. So do as his relatives, all fifteen boats of them. Then, His Majesty travelled to Siantan. For every island he visited within the region, he received money from the locals. His Majesty urged Tengku Busu to embark on a journey to Terengganu in order to ask for a lady’s hand for a marriage. So Tengku Busu, as following His Majesty’s order, arrived in Terengganu, met with Yamtuan Terengganu regarding his order. As the two of them met, Tengku Busu said to Yamtuan Terengganu “Please accept my son’s wish.” After Tengku Busu sent His Majesty to Yamtuan Terengganu, Tengku Busu went back to Siantan and then to sailed to Tambelan. The people of Minangkabau who settled in Pantai Emas near Kemboja (Cambodia) sent a letter to His Majesty, asking whether His Majesty wished to have a 57

The Epic of Siak war with people in Pantai Emas. Then His Majesty agreed, lining up his warriors who were from Siantan and Tambelan to be prepared for a war with Pantai Emas. There are a hundred of boats prepared to set sail as the war will be started soon.

Bugisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Increasing Influence in Johor-Riau Yamtuan Raja Sulaiman, Marhum Mangkat Di Baruh has died, leaving his two sons with Tengku Hitam. Once Tengku Hitam passed away, their aunt, Tengku Putih was taking the responsibility to take care of them. Daheng Kemboja, the son of Daheng Parani became the Yamtuan Muda of Raja Bugis. His intention was to seize Riau and he wanted to eliminate Raja Melayu. With his bad intention, he poisoned Yang Dipertuan/Kecik, who was only eight by the time he died. Raja-raja Melayu had denied their power of Daheng Kemboja. He resides in Pulau Bayan. So, the chief sent a letter to Terengganu, with the news of what had happened in Riau, and then sent it to Pahang to Bendahara and to Yang Dipertuan Siak in Tambelan a piece of letter, each of them. The purpose of the letter was to inform them that his 58

The Epic of Siak grandmother and Her Majesty is in the danger of being killed by Daeng Kemboja. And if they’re still have kindness, for the sake of little Her Highness, they were to have retained the relationship. As the letter from Riau arrived, hence, His Majesty replied the letter stating that “As of me, if Pahang and Terengganu were joint together in this matter, so shall I”. Soon after Raja Riau heard about the letter of reply by Yang Dipertuan Siak, His Highness agreed with him. And the Chief sent the letter to Yamtuan Terengganu and Pahang, about the same news. Raja Terengganu and Pahang later gave a letter to Yang Dipertuan Siak ke Tambelan, inviting to have a war with Riau. Soon after His Majesty read the letter, he declined his journey to Pantai Emas and joined up his brother, “Riau will have our back, yet they’re also part of us.” His Majesty asking for reinforcement – a ship and weapons. Hence, His Majesty went to Straits of Singapore. He replied Terengganu and Pahang, letting them know that he’s already In Singapore, marking it as their rendezvous point. Then His Majesty sailed to the Straits, with his equipment and the thirty two boats. Then he reached at the Straits, then gathered people in Riau, and sent a letter to Yamtuan Muhammad 59

The Epic of Siak Ali, asking for assistance from Kelantan.

Disagreement between Siak and Riau In a letter stated, “His Highness didn’t want to become the ultimate ruler in Siak; just let his brother become the king, and His Highness can rule the sea. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask from me.” In the meantime, Yamtuan Muda Raja Alam had passed away. And the letter arrived in Siak, soon replied by Yamtuan Muda Muhammad Ali, saying that “At least, I can managed to send you twenty boats so that you can go and have a war with Siak. If anything is of short, you can, tell me anything you need at anytime.” Sultan

Ahmad

Syah

hope

that

Yamtuan

Muda

Muhammad Ali would reply him in advance. Daeng Kemboja, the Yamtuan Muda of Riau heard the news that Yang Dipertuan Siak wants to have a war with him. Then all Buginese were busy preparing their boats. All Raja Melayu, the lady one, were transported to Pulau Bayan. “If Siak really have guts to begin the war, then we shall not hesitate to burn them alive.” After all the royals heard the blackmail, so they wrote a letter to His Majesty, saying, “If Your Majesty decided to have a war 60

The Epic of Siak with Riau, then all the ladies in Riau will face death. We hope that Your Majesty will give up about the war with them.” Soon after His Majesty read the letter that was sent from Riau, he laughed, because at the moment itself, he is waiting for an assistance from Terengganu, which until then, was without any news. So the Penggawa came from Selangor, with five pendewakan sailing to Riau but dropped by at the straits. Yang Dipertuan Siak forbids Penggawa to continue his journey to Riau. He urged Penggawa to make his journey to Riau by rowing a boat and leave his ship and made his word that he will meet His Majesty within a week. Soon after, Penggawa reached at Riau and bid his rendezvous with Daheng Kemboja and telling him what he has to tell. Daheng Kemboja was bewildered and order all his soldiers (Buginese) to fix the boats and get ready for the battle. Equipped with thirty boats and pendewakan, Daheng Kemboja told his sons to the battlefield. When they reached at the Straits, Riau’s ships were anchorage at Kuala Sungai Singapura. The people of Siak looked at the Riau’s ship as they want to bring a battle on. Tengku Abdullah ordered his men to prepare everything including 61

The Epic of Siak the boats, and told the Commander to deploy all the boats that they have. And the Buginese’s Penggawa entered Kuala Selat. They told the Siak “Don’t come nearer, or I will start shooting.” The Buginese ignored the terror and get closer. The Commander cam and met Tengku Abdullah and said, “This Bugenese just like a rooster and a hen, ignoring what we said. Should we start to shoot them?” then His Majesty told him “Do as you wish.” With that, the war begins. The Siak came out from the downstream of the Straits of Singapore and started to shoot the Riaus but there was no response. Then as soon as their ships came face to face, then the war started. Helpless against the heavy fires and shootings, the Riau decided to decline and fifteen boats of them were seized and pull back to Tanah Merah, and the Siak followed them along. The Riau took a child, as a trick, put him a costume and were put seated on a thick wooden plate and given him an umbrella. That scene was seen by His Majesty and he thought that that child was a child who will undergo a coronation ceremony. His Majesty was so angry and said, “Stop! That child, as you can see, might be one of my siblings (royal blood- coronation), don’t 62

The Epic of Siak ruined it!” then they back off to Riau. The princes of Daheng Kemboja met him and told about their defeat. Daheng Kemboja gets angry and said, “I want to send a letter to Raja Abdullah, ask him to give his courage so you can be more like a man should be! And if he wants my sons, I will definitely agree and marry them off to his daughters as to get a good looking grandchild.” His sons were ashamed and speechless. Daheng Kemboja then urged to fix all fifty boats. On the other hand, Yang Dipertuan Siak was discussing with his brother, Tengku Abdullah whether they want to withdraw or just stick with their plan “It’s better for us to withdraw from this battle, we’re short on ammunition The Terengganu and Pahang never show up, we need to back off, before we get humiliated.” Yang Dipertuan Siak is more likely to proceed the war. With support from his brother and the situation that side with them, simply put, they will win, Yang Dipertuan Siak doesn’t want to decline but instead, wanted to proceed. However, he also regretted soon after his brother replied him. So then His Majesty decided to urge the Commander to build twenty boats as to strengthen Siak’s defences. “Because we decided to decline, Raja Abdullah 63

The Epic of Siak feel ashamed and he wants to decline from this war, he’s right.” With fifty boats on the sea, Daheng Kemboja was all prepared. As soon as he arrived at the Strait, then boats from Siak were also popped-out from the stream of the Strait, waiting on the sea. Fifty boats of Riaus and twenty-five of Siaks were all set and the battle begins. The battle started off a bang but slowly turned into a silent field. The Commanders felt hopeless. They were short of bullets. Slowly, the Commanders retreated and the one who stayed was Tengku Abdullah and his boat. They were surrounded by the Riaus, fifteen boats. “I will never retreat and this boat is where I will die,” said Tengku Abdullah to Panglima Tala. Hearing every word of His Majesty, the commanders pulled out their keris, let out a cry, “Let these seventy servants of yours be with you, Your Majesty.” Tengku Abdullah stood up to the top of armour, signalling the Bugis to come nearer. “If they get closer, we jump, we fight. Let us die, never be shamed.” Every commander took out their handkerchief signaling that they are ready for a fight. The Riaus came, firing rifles towards Tengku Abdullah’s boat. Out of seventy, only seven of them 64

The Epic of Siak survived. Panglima Kadim, Panglima Tala and Tengku Abdullah, sitting on the armour, got shot twice but still survived. Seeing his brother being surrounded by the Bugis soldiers, His Majesty commanded a full retreat. However, Tengku Abdullah refused to leave his boat. The only one boat left was Yang Dipertuan’s. Therefore, he commanded Raja Negara to fetch his younger brother, “Just get him here,” he said and set for the place the Sultan went. The four kings: Raja Negara, Raja Kalang, Raja Kikik and Batin Pak Mugal, who survived from volley of flying shells, came and rode onto Tengku Abdullah’s boat. The younger brother came to Tengku Abdullah’s boat. “On your words, Your Majesty, please command to retreat as all the other commanders have retreated. We’ve already ran out of ammunitions.” “Let the Riaus come, I am going to fight to the end. My boat has not sunk yet. It will be a shame if I retreat now.” Tengku Abdullah waved towards Bugis’s boat, signaling them to come nearer. “Don’t get closer than this. That is Tengku Adbullah’s boat, who’s also cousin to Yang Dipertuan Siak, the king of the warriors, not an easy target to be taken down by bullets. They’ve been shot by our rifles, 65

The Epic of Siak yet they ignored it as if nothing happened. If they were to come on to our boat, all of us will be dead,” said one of the Bugis commander. Hence, all Bugis commanders retreated. “What are you waiting for, there’s only one boat of mine here,” said Tengku Abdullah. The Bugis ignored his words. It wasn’t long before Tengku Abdullah’s boat became flooded by water. Without any ammunition left, setting up cannon was impossible too. Just when Tengku Abdullah faced the Bugis’s boat, all the four kings held on His Majesty, pleading this is an order from his brother. They hopped onto the canoe ‘Bunga Rampai’. Almost instantly, Tengku Abdullah threw his golden accessories onto the boat, symbolizing the boat as the one the king’s. Panglima Tala wanted to follow Tengku Abdullah. So Panglima Kadim, whose leg had been amputated due to injuries from canon shots, asked, “Hey my friend, how about our promise?” Upon hearing his words, Panglima Tala hopped onto the boat and said, “Your Highness, this is my ride. Please, take it.” Tengku Abdullah was moved to tears. The people started rowing the canoe ‘Bunga Rampai’. Batin Pak Mugal pulled out his keris. The group

The Epic of Siak approached His Majesty’s ride. Tengku Abdullah went in to meet with His Majesty. At the same time, the Riaus got nearer to Tengku Abdullah’s boat, so Panglima Tala went in hiding. The moment the Bugis reached the boat, Panglima Tala came out from his hiding spot and attacked. Many of the Bugis were killed. The others jumped into the sea, no one wanted to go onto the boat again. All of them stayed in the sea and shot back at Panglima Tala. Panglima Tala died eventually, leaving Panglima Kadim with a broken leg behind. Then he quieted down, laying on where once was Tengku Abdullah’s bed. From there, the Bugis boarded again. The moment they approached the door, Panglima Kadim came out shooting them using blunderbuss. Shocked by the sudden attack, once again they jumped into the sea trying to save their own lives. Some were dead while some were injured from the attack of blunderbuss. None of the Bugis wanted to get onto the boat again, staying in the water and tried not to get shot by Panglima Kadim. It wasn’t long before Tengku Abdullah’s ride sank. None was retrieved from the ship. Panglima Kadim died, sinking into the sea together with the boat. 67

The Epic of Siak Issue Regarding Siak From there, Yang Dipertuan set sailed and all the commanders followed. None of the Riaus was bold enough to go after him. Soon, Sultan Hamat Abdul Jalil Syah arrived at Siak. As soon as he arrived in Buantan and came ashore, he prayed at His Majesty’s late mother’s tomb. He then ordered the little brother, Tengku Abdullah, to write his elder sister a letter, informing that the little brother had arrived and was looking forward to a meet up. “I will just stay for two to three days and then leave. As we promised, I never thought of being the ruler of Siak. It might be better for you, my sister, to be the ruler of this nation and help me when I’m in need instead.” After that, Tengku Abdullah reached Mampura and fetched the elder

sister,

Tengku

Embung

Besar.

Yamtuan

Muhammad Ali was shocked by the presence of the little brother. Siak was in chaos and there was news saying that Yang Dipertuan Sultan Ahmat Abdul Jalil Syah was there. Yamtuan Muhammad Ali ordered all his Royal Councils to escort his little brother out from the kingdom. The sailing brig, along with four boats went too. Tengku Abdullah was no exception either, none were allowed to stay any longer. 68

The Epic of Siak Tengku Abdullah requested to spend a couple of days with his sister, Tengku Embung. However, the Royal Councils wouldn’t allow it. Tengku Embung was upset with this. When Tengku Musa heard the news that his elder brother was sent out of state, from there, Tengku Abdullah sailed and fetched Tengku Musa, and came back ashore. “Your Highness, we fought, wanting to bring our brother back. Please, allow me to propose marriage on behalf of my sister. If I ever retreat, kill me. Let me be dead in Siak, as long as I don’t shame my lord,” said Tengku Abdullah. Yang Dipertuan smiled upon hearing his words. However, his face turned red out of anger. He said: “I appreciate your kindness. I can see that you wish to crown me as ruler of Siak and I would not put a shame on my brother Muhammad Ali. Even though Siak now seemed to be in our hands, with the power of Allah taala. However, I had made an agreement with my brother. I have no intention to rule Siak.” Tengku Abdullah said, “That’s true, Your Highness. To my foolish thought, my sister has something else on her mind; it will be our tribute when we reach in Singapore.” Yang Dipertuan laughed, “That’s true indeed.” All Royal Councils came to meet Yang Dipertuan 69

The Epic of Siak and said to Tengku Abdullah: “You may depart now.”Yang Dipertuan got mad, “You were right. I should have taken over Siak too. And at this moment, I can. My brother, Raja Abdullah, will oppose this decision of mine. What to do. I have no intention in ruling this country for the moment.” The Royal Councils were so afraid seeing their Highness got mad. Everyone was on their knees, pleading for forgiveness. His Highness then left Siak and stopped by at Merba. “The boat had been prepared to follow My Majesty to go meet your brother,” said Tengku Musa. He then pleaded to the sister, Tengku Embung. And from there, the little brother was released.

Issue Regarding Palembang Soon, the news reached Yamtuan Muhammad Ali. He then ordered to guard the exits to stop Tengku Musa from leaving. So, Tengku Musa sailed and when he reached the exit, he was stopped. He got mad and yelled, “Who are you to stop me? I will split you into half right now.” The guard was scared and eventually let Tengku Musa out. From there he went to Batu Hill. He brought 70

The Epic of Siak only fifteen rial and went gambling. For a few days, Tengku Musa won quite an amount at a China house, nahkoda jong. So he ordered to buy supplies and seine boat, twenty five servants and continued sailing, looking for Yang Dipertuan. They met at Ungaran. Yang Dipertuan was happy to see his little brother, and together they sailed to Retih. They had presented three baskets of rice to the capitol and stayed for a couple of days. Yang Dipertuan met one of Raja Haji’s servant who came to send him a letter from Raja Haji, inviting for consensus to take down Palembang. Yang Dipertuan then asked for Tengku Abdullah’s opinion and he answered: “I think we can join them.” Yang Dipertuan turned to his brother Tengku Musa and asked: “How about you?” “There is no way a nation can be ruled by two rulers at the same time,” answered Tengku Musa. Thinking that it is true, Yang Dipertuan rejected the invitation and then sailed to Kuala Jambi. Then came Suruhan Jambi’s servant, asking for help to attack the Dutch. However, the invitation was turned down too. Yang Dipertuan then sailed to Kuala Songsang, Palembang and ordered one of his servants to request 71

The Epic of Siak permission for him to meet the Sultan personally. Soon the order reached Sultan Palembang, but none of the ministers wished to let Yang Dipertuan enter. The ministers thought that Yang Dipertuan may be working with Raja Haji to attack Palembang. The Sultan thought for a moment, then said: “That doesn’t make sense; he is fully capable of taking Palembang down on his own. We shall accept his request and surrender if the time ever comes.” So, the ministers travelled to Kuala Songsang and relayed the Sultan’s messages, inviting Yang Dipertuan to enter. “Our Sultan requested that only one of you will come with us, if Raja Haji is among you, our Sultan will surrender and hand our kingdom over to Yang Dipertuan, for better or for worse.” Hence, Yang Dipertuan ordered Tengku Musa to leave to Muntok while he followed the ministers to meet Sultan Palembang. Upon reaching in Palembang, Yang Dipertuan paid his respect to Sultan Palembang and returned to the boat. Then came the messenger, Kerangka Jelusin, presenting three baskets of sugar, with a servant carrying each one. Yang Dipertuan then opened up the basket, wanting to split its contents. When the basket was opened, what they saw instead was cash. Every basket 72

The Epic of Siak carried one-thousand ringgit in cash. Yang Dipertuan grinned, “The Palembangs are treating us as they treat the Dayak.” The commanders all agreed. So, Yang Dipertuan requested for Kerangka Jelusin to inquire the meaning behind the cash. “I gave the order because we were afraid of the Dutch. Correct me if I’ve mistaken; but I believe Yang Dipertuan does not trust the Dutch anymore?

The

Sultan

greatly

appreciates

Yang

Dipertuan, that’s the reason why Yang Dipertuan’s request to enter Palembang was granted.” Kerangka Jelusin answered. Meanwhile, Raja Haji sailed to Muntok. He told the Temenggung that he wished to replenish his supplies. The Temenggung suggested meeting Tengku Musa who was represented by Sultan Palembang. So Raja Haji’s servants together with the Temenggung went to meet Tengku Musa. Upon meeting Tengku Musa, they bowed in homage and Tengku Musa asked, “What is it that my brother needs?” “Your Majesty, your brother requires some supplies from you,” answered the servants. So, Tengku Musa ordered his Chief to gather food and opium. He passed a message to the servant along with the food and opium, “Send my regards to my brother. 73

The Epic of Siak There is nothing much here in Muntok and these are all we can gather. Good luck in your following journey for we are allies of the Palembang.” The servant returned to Raja Haji with the supplies and relayed the message. It was then his Bugis followers got restless, demanding to attack Palembang. “No. We can’t possibly do it now as their general is in Palembang. It is a better idea for us to continue our journey for now.” On the other hand, Tengku Busu was living in Bangka Island together with tribespeople. He made a request to Yang Dipertuan that he wished to move to Belitung as they were running out of food. Eventually, the message reached Yang Dipertuan and he replied, “Alright, bring all the people you can, father.” Upon hearing his son’s reply, Tengku Busu sailed to Belitung, then to Kendawangan with the people. They were called to Karimata and Tengku Yusoff made a request to Sultan Matan to take in the people. Raja Matan gladly accepted them. So Tengku Yusoff stayed there; where people named it Mangkula, a capital and a palace. Yang Dipertuan requested to leave Palembang and Sultan Palembang agreed. He then sailed off to Tambelan and stayed there for a year. 74

The Epic of Siak On the other hand, Sultan Palembang, whose daughter eloped with Tuan Sayyid Idrus to Mampawah, wanted to attack Mampawah. The Sultan requested to have Tuan Sayyid Idrus to be delivered to him. However, Raja Mampawah refused, as Tuan Sayyid Idrus was also son-in-law of Tuan Besar Mampawah. Sultan Palembang attacked Mampawah with a force of a hundred boats. Pangeran Sarif and Pangeran Prabujaya led the attack. The war waged on for a year but the forces Palembang couldn’t defeat Mampawah. The Palembangs’ plan was to wait it out. Yang Dipertuan Siak in Tambelan heard the news and decided to solicit help from his brothers to aid the Palembangs in taking down Mampawah. “We will help the Palembangs as we owe them favours for all they’ve done for us,” said Yang Dipertuan Siak. The brothers all agreed. After the discussion, Yang Dipertuan Siak ordered the broken boats to be fixed. Altogether, there were twenty boats to be fixed. The moment all the boats were fixed, Yang Dipertuan departed to Mampawah. As the Siak reached Mampawah, the Palembangs still didn’t know their purpose. Pangeran Sarif ordered Ki Agus Bustam to meet Yuan Dipertuan Siak to inquire his intention. So, off Ki 75

The Epic of Siak Agus went and asked, “By the order of my commander, Pangeran Sarif, I have come to meet you. Is Yang Dipertuan here to meet my commander?” “I’ve received news that the Sultan Palembang wanted to take down Mampawah. I was in Tambelan and thought I should give a hand as I’m also a Sultan. Sultan Palembang’s shame is my shame. And that’s the reason I’m here,” answered Yang Dipertuan. Ki Agus Bustam was overwhelmed with joy upon hearing his words. He relayed the intention of Yang Dipertuan Siak to Pangeran Sarif. With overwhelming joy, Pangeran Sarif ordered the welcome of the Siak forces to Mampawah.

All

hundred

boats

approached.

The

Mampawahs fell into chaos upon learning that the Siaks are here to help the Palembangs. Yang Dipertuan Siak believed that Bugis Tuwajoks, who were of his tribe, were in shambles from the news. It was this time His Majesty ran out of money, but he thought that it wouldn’t be polite to request aid from the Palembangs. So Tengku Abdul Rahman suggested, “Don’t worry, Your Majesty, because the Palembangs love gambling; we will fight in the day and gamble at night. I shall take the winnings from the Palembangs.” Yang 76

The Epic of Siak Dipertuan grinned. So, Tengku Abdul Rahman, along with a few commanders of his choice, gambled with Pangeran Prabujaya. Tengku Abdul Rahman won. Then, a few other Palembangs joined in for a bet, but all lost to Tengku Abdul Rahman. All his selected commanders gambled day and night too, winning every bet. Tengku Abdul Rahman gambled for one whole month, never losing once. None of the Palembangs dared gamble with him again. He won a total of ten thousand rials and recouped the fees for fixing the twenty boats. Even Yang Dipertuan was amazed b Tengku Abdul Rahman’s fortune in gambling. The war raged again. It had already happened three times and there is no certainty now that it would not happen again. One day, Tengku Abdullah expressed his wishes to His Majesty that he would like to be assigned to another boat and His Majesty complied. Tengku Abdullah then invited his brothers, Tengku Musa and Tengku Abdul Rahman. Then said the second of the brothers, “After you,” before ascending onto the other boat. When the boat arrived at the fort, some sailors asked, “Where is the boat heading to?” The man on the boat replied, “We are sent by His Majesty.” So the boat 77

The Epic of Siak continued downstream without further questions asked. His Majesty then commanded all the other boats to travel downstream. And so did His Majesty’s too. Onlookers of Mampawah watched the boats travel downstream towards Kampung Tuan Besar and so did the boat of Tengku Abdullah and his brothers. Arriving at the Tuan Besar Quay, there was a boat owned by the Panembahan and Tengku Abdullah took it over. The Bugis people came demanding for a payment of three hundred, threatening to attack the boat if payment was not fulfilled. Tengku Abdullah roared, “Have we arrived at a sound conclusion?” “What is there left to be discussed. In times like this, let us all just face it,” Tengku Musa answered. Tengku Abdullah laughed as he heard the reply of his second brother, entered the gate of Tuan Besar and waited there. Tuan Besar invited them into the house. The brothers were served coffee by Tuan Besar. Then the enemy came banging on the doors of Tuan Besar. The angered Tuan Besar went out to face them and commanded them to leave. The hooligans left and His Majesty ascended onto the quay. With the loss of Mampawah, the Panembahan retreated. Thus, all of Bugis Tuwajok remained to meet 78

The Epic of Siak His Majesty and came the people of Palembang arriving at the quay. Pangeran Sarif invited His Majesty to travel to Palembang together to meet the sultan because His Majesty helped defeated the Mampawah. And His Majesty said, “Alright then. It is time that I meet the sultan as well.” And His Majesty then bestowed Tuan Besar as his own master and also for his brothers. Not long after, Pangeran Sarif sailed off with all the necessities for the travel. And His Majesty travelled to Palembang. Soon after the boat arrived at Palembang. Pangeran Sarif, who was the first to arrive, went ahead to greet the sultan to present the news of the loss of Mampawah and that the defeat would not have happened without the aid of His Majesty of Siak. He also went on to report that His Majesty was present with him and the Sultan of Palembang became very delighted. And the news of His Majesty’s arrival at delta of Songsang spread across the state and Sultan of Palembang welcomed him. Then sultan asked, “Where did the attack come from trying to sink our boat?” And the sultan went on to pick up some duku fruits and he threw them to his servants nearby, while delightfully marching into the city until they arrived at Lema Abang. That was 79

The Epic of Siak the return of the sultan. So, commanded the sultan to Kerangkah Jelusin to escort His Majesty onto land. As Kerangkah Jelusin and Kerangkah Juptar came to meet His Majesty of Siak, Kerangkah

Juptar

greeted

His

Majesty.

“I

was

commanded by His Highness to escort Your Majesty onto land.” And His Majesty replied, “Well then, whichever His Highness commands, I’ll comply.” And His Majesty ascended onto land while being escorted by Kerangkah Jelusin into their home. And the sultan commanded that a monthly allowance of one thousand rial to be granted to His Majesty along with three sacks of rice every month. His Majesty will be staying here for the next six months. This showed that Sultan was clearly very fond of His Majesty. Unexpectedly, His Majesty yearned to leave, so he went to meet the sultan to express his wish. “I would like to set sail again,” said His Majesty to the sultan. And the sultan was concerned, “Why does my son wish to leave the state? If anyone is at fault, name him and I will have him beheaded. Is there anything more you yearn for, my child? As Palembang is already granted to you. I will grant anything as you wish, my child.” The Sultan of 80

The Epic of Siak Palembang treated Yang Dipertuan Siak just like he was his own son. Then His Majesty answered, “There is nothing wrong or lacking in here, Your Highness. I am blessed and thanks be given to Your Highness.” Sultan was pleased and delighted at the answer of His Majesty, Yang Dipertuan Siak. “I will go to Terengganu for I have errands to get done.” So the sultan replied, “Well then, if you ever need more money, you may request from home, as much as you need, my son.” Then His Majesty replied to the sultan, “Next time I will return to greet you here in Palembang again.” The sultan again, became pleased to hear that. Then His Majesty excused himself and descended onto the boat and Sultan of Palembang commanded that monetary gift, ten sacks of rice, ten buffaloes, chickens, ducks, complete with sirih, pinang, tobacco, gambir, coconut, vegetables, fruits and fishes, all granted by the sultan himself to His Majesty. On top of that, His Majesty was also bestowed the royal robe and dresses, keris, the spear of honour and also enough sets of clothes for the brothers of His Majesty, complete with its accessories. The messengers completed the delivery and returned to

The Epic of Siak the sultan expressing gratitude from His Majesty and his brothers. Sultan was very delighted. After that, His Majesty went on to install cannons on his boat, followed by his brothers. Then the sultan fired off his cannons as a reply to Yang Dipertuan Sultan Hamat Abdul Jalil Syah. Commanded the Sultan of Palembang, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let your journey be safe and prosperous wherever you may be.â&#x20AC;? His Majesty then set sail downstream and continued his travel. On his way, he stopped at Tambelan to pick his family up. Then the journey continued on until they arrived at Siantan. At his arrival, he saw signs of rebellion. Forts were already built and the powerful force of Dewa Perkasa in Siantan could be felt.

The Wedding of King Ismail in Terengganu Upon his arrival, His Majesty commanded that Dewa Perkasa be summoned to him immediately. Dewa Perkasa appeared before His Majesty. At the edge of the boat, Tengku Abdullah pressed Dewa Perkasa down with force and commanded that he be arrested. The people of Siantan were punished. Some were thrown out of the 82

The Epic of Siak country and some were stabbed to death. Then, all the silk in the country were divided equally amongst the people in the state. His Majesty continued his voyage to Terengganu and arrived shortly after. His Majesty was asked to be escorted by Yamtuan Terengganu. His Majesty went to greet him and was granted a village and a house. All the ladies in the state came to see His Majesty (Yang Dipertuan Siak). His Majesty stayed for a while. Then, not long after, His Majesty requested to meet Yamtuan Terengganu to express his wish of a marriage, as His Majesty was already engaged. Yamtuan Terengganu agreed and the preparation for the wedding began. For forty days and forty nights, the preparation for the wedding went on. Various types of joget dance performances from Java, Siam and China and also other musical preparations including the gong, flute and trumpet were arranged for the big celebration. When the auspicious time came for the wedding, His Majesty began his parade. Unknowingly, all the other kings in the state plotted to embarrass His Majesty instead. As His Majesty paraded, the pillars of His Majesty, Tengku Musa and Tengku Abdul Rahman were by His Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side and Tengku Abdullah, who led the 83

The Epic of Siak parade at the front, continued marching with the sounds of the drums, flutes and trumpets. The parade was led by the people of Siak. When the parade arrived at the city gate, it was locked by the locals from the inside. His Majesty waited but the gate remained closed. His Majesty became upset. Seeing this, Tengku Abdullah became enraged as well. He quickly jumped to the ground and roared. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I command for the gate to be opened at this instance, otherwise I will cross over myself!â&#x20AC;? Tengku Abdullahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loud roar travelled to the ears of Yamtuan Terengganu and

Yamtuan himself

was

significantly upset at what happened. Then the gate was immediately opened and the parade marched into the city. His Majesty was escorted into the palace by the kings and was sat next to Tengku Enid at the wedding hall. Cautious of what has just happened, the brothers of His Majesty kept an eye on the surroundings, afraid that His Majesty would be harmed by the people of Terengganu. Wherever His Majesty went, his brothers followed. As His Majesty that stayed on in Terengganu, Yamtuan Terengganu decided to return the rightful ownership of Terengganu to Yang Dipertuan Janggut as the people of Terengganu loved him. 84

The Epic of Siak The War of Terengganu-Kelantan I Later on, the words of Raja Kelantan wanting to go on a war against Terengganu spread across the state. Yamtuan Terengganu became upset upon hearing that. He prepared for the war, readied his boats. Soon after, the war commenced and many lives of the people of Terengganu were sacrificed. The news was quickly made known to Yamtuan Terengganu that his people died. At that point of time, Tengku Abdullah got into an argument with Yang Dipertuan because Tengku Abdullah was very unhappy with Tengku Daud. All the other brothers were on Tengku Abdullah’s side. Only Tengku Musa was with His Majesty (Yang Dipertuan). Tengku Daud was rumoured to have been involved in an incestuous relationship with Tengku Saliah. However, Tengku Saliah was eventually poisoned by Tengku Enid. As a matter of fact, Tengku Daud has yet to reach puberty. His Majesty then commanded, “According to the Islamic Law, we cannot execute him yet.” Tengku Abdullah was enraged upon hearing that as Tengku Saliah was already dead. And His Majesty replied, “Tengku Saliah did not die by hanging. She died vomiting blood although she should have been executed if 85

The Epic of Siak appropriated by the Islamic Law.” Upon hearing that, Tengku Abdullah replied, “If Your Majesty has decided as such, my fellows and I will not follow you anymore.” And said His Majesty, “Well then, let me banish Tengku Daud to Bugis.” Tengku Abdullah still did not want to oblige. At this point of time, His Majesty is furious. Both of them were enraged and began to approach each other. Tengku Musa came in to break the fight and he told Tengku Abdullah to back off. He challenged Tengku Abdullah to fight him if he wishes to go against the Yang Dipertuan, their king. Tengku Abdullah eventually left and His Majesty went back into the palace. Soon after, rumour has it that Raja Terengganu wished to attack Kelantan. When His Majesty (Yang Dipertuan) heard the news of Yamtuan Terengganu’s departure for war again, His Majesty commanded for the boats to be repaired. Also, another fifteen boats were to be left for Tengku Abdullah as he wished to leave the state. Then, only Tengku Musa remained with His Majesty. His Majesty was summoned by Yamtuan Terengganu to follow him to Kelantan and His Majesty obliged and so, the journey to Kelantan began. Upon arrival, Yamtuan Terengganu ordered Yang Dipertuan to 86

The Epic of Siak become the sergeant for the army troops at war. When the next day arrived, His Majesty began his journey along with Tengku Musa towards the war zone with three thousands soldiers. However, they were ambushed by the enemy on their way there. Thus, the war began with spears flying around. Some of the soldiers retreated but His Majesty charged ahead on his elephant commanding his troop to not give up the fight. Unexpectedly, the soldiers of Siak sounded the horns. Unfortunately, the troops of Terengganu did not want to advance anymore. Eventually the soldiers of Kelantan retreated but His Majesty continued fighting on. As dusk falls, His Majesty returned to meet Yamtuan Terengganu and reported that the soldiers of Terengganu did not put up a good fight. His Majesty also added that if he survives at the war zone the next day, then Kelantan will be conquered over. His Majesty further requested, “I want the soldiers to begin attacking early morning tomorrow and if the enemy is not defeated, I will command for the aid of Siak soldiers to fight.” Upon hearing that, Yamtuan Terengganu replied, “As you wish, Awang.”

The Epic of Siak The next morning, the soldiers of Terengganu attacked the enemy’s fort but the troops of Kelantan continued

provoking.

Five

thousands

soldiers

Terengganu fought on but to no avail, the defence of Kelantan was unbreakable and they had to retreat. Consequently, His Majesty decided to retreat but was stopped by Tengku Musa himself. His Majesty warned, “If you are not letting me pass, then tell me your wish.” Tengku Musa replied, “I wish to fight them.” Tengku Musa’s request was declined by His Majesty but Tengku Musa was adamant. Tengku Musa paid his respect to His Majesty and marched on towards the enemy’s fort with his troops. Tengku Musa and his army charged on relentlessly untouched by the spears and daggers of the enemy. Upon witnessing this, the enemy was shocked. Tengku Musa continued his fight until he arrived at the fort. He and his people let out a loud roar which eventually scared the enemy off. His people chased after the enemy and killed them all. The fort was conquered over by Tengku Musa and he quickly returned to meet His Majesty.

The Epic of Siak Consequently, His Majesty (Yang Dipertuan) commanded that the victory be made known to Yamtuan Terengganu that Kelantan has been defeated and the people of Siak occupied Kelantan. Awhile after the war, Yamtuan Terengganu summoned for Raja Kelantan and he came to meet Yamtuan Terengganu. Yamtuan then returned the king’s title to Raja Kelantan under oath. Yang Dipertuan Siak ordered his boats to head towards Siam to fetch the abandoned people of Siam. His Majesty then returned to Terengganu. Not long after, the people of Siam arrived in Terengganu, all five hundred people of men and women. His Majesty then commanded Panglima Tuha to bring two hundred of them to Palembang and be presented to the Sultan of Palembang, Pangeran Ratu and the ministers. Panglima Tuha began his journey towards Palembang. Upon arrival, the sultan’s messenger, Kerangkah Jelusin escorted Panglima Tuha to see the sultan, bringing the news from His Majesty (Yang Dipertuan Siak). The sultan smiled after reading the letter and asked Commander Tuha. Then, Commander told the sultan that his son had settled down at Terengganu. The sultan asked “What is the gift that you gave to your daughter-in89

The Epic of Siak law?” Commander answered “I cannot afford to give anything to them. He claimed that he is poor too.” sultan replied that no one is poor in Palembang. Thus, Sultan Palembang ordered all of his men to send something to Commander Tuha’s son. Sultan Palembang sent diamond hairpins and ten thousand rial. His men sent diamond ring and earings. Commander Tuha wore his uniform and started to sail. Then, he met Sultan Terengganu and read the letter from Sultan Palembang to him. A year later, Sultan Palembang sent a small boat full of tin to Terengganu which will be sent to Yang Dipertuan Siak. Yang Dipertuan Siak received it and replied with a letter which said, “I feel guilty because I never done so much for you before this.” After Sultan Palembang read the letter, His Majesty laughed and stated it was for Yang Dipertuan Siak’s expenditures at Terengganu. Then, Tengku Abdullah wanted to sail while Tengku Abdul Rahman does not want to sail, but he sent off two hundred of his men. Tengku Musa and Tengku Abdullah had five hundred men for each of them. Tengku Abdullah left after telling this to his pregnant wife, Tengku Enid. 90

The Epic of Siak Nine months later, Tengku Enid gave birth to a beautiful princess, Tengku Jenab. Tengku Musa married to Tengku Embung Maimunah.

The War of Terengganu- Kelantan II King of Kelantan would like to trigger the war. This news spread to Yamtuan Terengganu and caused his anger. He ordered to get everything ready for a war and called Yang Dipertuan Siak. He informed Yang Dipertuan Siak that “People of Kelantan wanted to start a war and you are coming with me.” Yang Dipertuan Siak agreed to it. People of Kelantan had prepared the fort before Yamtuan Terengganu reached there. The people attacked them. Yang Dipertuan Siak ordered his men to attack the fort. After few days of siege, the fort fell into Yamtuan Terengganu’s hand. King of Kelantan escaped but he got back his fort after rampaging about it. The boats were shot by cannons fired from the fort. King of Kelantan got angry and scolded the people of Terengganu for their failure. He ordered his brother, Tengku Musa to attack them. Tengku Musa agreed and 91

The Epic of Siak attacked. Siak warship also attacked by cannons. Tengku Abdullah and his men led their team and they besieged Kelantan’s fort. King of Kelantan escaped from the west of fort and went to the forest with his men. Yamtuan Terengganu ordered his son, Tengku Muhammad to be Yamtuan Kelantan. Terengganu’s king came back for that occasion too. After few days, the messenger of Sultan Palembang ordered to bring tin to Terengganu and will be led by Yang Dipertuan Siak. After reaching at Terengganu, he took one thousand of the tin and left a letter, written, “I am taking these tins in order to cover the expenses of attacking Siak.” The Palembang boats returned. After Sultan Palembang read the letter, His Majesty smiled.

Attack on Siak Yang Dipertuan Siak was determined to attack Siak and prepared for it. Warship and cannons left Terengganu. Tengku Musa was told to bring his father, Tengku Busut in Terengganu. Tengku Abdullah was told to go to Kedah in order to seek help for the war. Tengku Hussain was told to ask help from Yamtuan Konta and Yamtuan Selangor 92

The Epic of Siak to repair the cannons. Yang Dipertuan Siak left to Tanah Putih and lived there. People of Siak prepared to face the worst situation. Tengku Musa reached Kuala Retih. Sekanak people came with three boats at night. One of the Sekanak people was stabbed by sharp bamboo stake. Others were shocked and ran away. Meanwhile, Tengku Musa sailed to Tambelan and was welcomed by Patinggi. He then lived in Kampung Melayu. He requested to marry the daughter of Datuk Maharaja Dewa, Encik Akil. He got married and sailed to Serasan and welcomed by Orang Kaya Muhammad. Tengku Musa requested for another girl to be his spouse. Orang Kaya proposed the granddaughter of Datuk Kaya Panjang, Encik Salmah. Then, Tengku Musa married her. He chose another girl, Encik Tiai to be his concubine. After that, he went to Pontianak. The new Pontianak took charge by Pangeran Sarif Abdul Rahman, son of Tuan Besar Mampawah. Raja Haji then came from Riau with ten warships. Sultan invited him to attack Sanggau. So, Raja Haji dan Tengku Musa went together to Sanggau and returned after they managed to defeat Sanggau. Tengku Musa 93

The Epic of Siak wanted to go to Kendawangan without meeting Tengku Busu at Palembang. Then, he heard the news that Tengku Busu passed away in Palembang. Tengku Busu’s body will be brought to Kendawangan and will be buried in Mangkula. Tengku Musa thought of going back to Siak but he had nothing left with him. Yang Dipertuan Siak stayed at Tanah Putih and waited for his brothers to return from Kendawangan, Kedah and Konta. He repaired his boat at the forest. People of Siak came to attack Tanah Putih but was stopped by Yang Dipertuan Siak as no one dared to go against him. Tuan Besar was married to Tengku Kamariah, daughter of Yang Dipertuan Siak. Tengku Kamariah said to her husband, “Attack Siak as soon as possible, I am sure you can defeat them.” Then, he got ready with twelve boats and four warships. He left with his siblings which were Tengku Kamat, Tengku Hasan, Tengku Mahmud, Tengku Taib and Tengku Yasin. They sailed continuously even after they reached Kuala Siak. They stopped at Buantan and performed their prayers. They heard the news that Yamtuan Muhammad Ali was having illness and Hassan took over the court. He arrived at first followed by many 94

The Epic of Siak other boats at the back. Jawa’s boat arranged well for the war. Encik Hassan waited with the warship. Unfortunately, Encik Hassan got shot by the bullet and died. Yamtuan Muhammad Ali was kidnapped to Sungai Mampura at Kampung Hakim. The warship burnt by Tengku/Taib and soldier’s room was set on fire by Muhammad Naina. So Yang Dipertuan Siak ran away, however his boat got stuck at the bridge. Tengku Embung and Datuk Awi came for rescue and lead him to meet with his brother, both crying. Thus, Siak was possessed by Yang Dipertuan Siak.

Tengku Muhammad Ali Becomes Yamtuan Muda Yamtuan Muhammad Ali escaped to Petapahan and ordered to bring his siblings there too. Tengku Muhammad Ali reached there and the servant bowed, “Yang Dipertuan and his sister would like to have you, My Highness, to return to Siak.” So, Tengku Muhammad Ali said, “I will come only if Raja Ngah and/or Embung come to take me.” They did as Tengku Muhammad Ali requested. He told Tengku Embung to bring his brother. Tengku

Embung

did

that

Muhammad Ali delighted. 95

which

makes

Tengku

The Epic of Siak Tengku Muhammad Ali said to Tengku Embung “If you want to leave your brother, go ahead.” Tengku Embung replied “If you become Yamtuan Muda, please accept me back.” Tengku Abdullah said that both of them should take an oath. Tengku Abdullah brought back Yamtuan Muhammad Ali and said, “You must take an oath now.” Yamtuan Muhammad Ali did that and was brought to meet Yang Dipertuan Besar and he united with Embung. This also marked that Tengku Muhammad Ali became the Yamtuan Muda. However, one day, came Yang Dipertuan Muda to Yang Dipertuan Besar. Yang Dipertuan Muda took over Tengku Muhammad Ali’s place. Yamtuan Muda returned with disappointment, heartbroken, in pain and shouted. He abused his wife, Tengku Embung until she bled. This news spread to Tengku Abdullah. Tengku Abdullah asked Tengku Embung, “Did your husband abuse you?” Tengku Embung replied with a yes and fainted. Yamtuan Muda was jailed because of his cruel deed. Sultan Hamat Abdul Jalil who had been working for Government of Siak was ill. He couldn’t be cured even with proper medication.

The Epic of Siak Death of Sultan Abdul Jalil Ahmad Syah Sultan Ahmat Abdul Jalil Syah asked for Sultan Abdul Jalil Ahmad Syahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body to be brought to hall. He called all of the important people and told the forth magistrate to take charge of him. He had eleven children, three princes and eight princesses. First child, Tengku Yahya, also known as Tengku Sulung, followed by Tengku Abdul Rahman and Tengku Salih. The eight princesses were Tengku Saidah, Tengku Asiah, Tengku Bijah, Tengku Badariah, Tengku Kamariah, Tengku Safiah, Tengku Jenab and Tengku Puteri. It had been a while he was in sick before he passed away. Tengku Sulung was in charge after his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death. Sultan Abdul Jalil Ahmad Syah was buried in Mampura. Tengku Abdullah then requested to attack Kampar as the King of Kampar was Tengku Baki. So, Tengku Abdullah proceeded and won the war, eventually became the King of Kampar, known as Tengku Besar Kampar. He had seven children, three princes and four princesses. The princes were Tengku Idris, Tengku Musa and Tengku Muhammad while the princesses were Tengku Hamidah, Tengku Andak, Tengku Aisah and Tengku Saidah. 97

The Epic of Siak Tengku Musa, the Wanderer Tengku Musa sailed from Kendawangan and entered Pontianak. Sultan gave him a boat full with trades. He sailed to Belitung and stopped at Karimata. After arriving in Belitung, he met Raja Alang. He called Raja Alang to come and see him, so Raja Alang came and presented a ring while all the commanders presented golden accessories. Tengku Musa then robbed his way to Jawa. Tengku Musa ordered to bring Encik Salmah from Pontianak so Commander Tahir went. Commander Tahir went to see the sultan once he reached Pontianak and said he was there to bring back Tengku

Musaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

concubine.

Sultan

allowed

that.

Commander Tahir then sailed and reached Karimata. Tengku Mansur was in Karimata and was asked to be sent to the people of Belitung. Commander Tahir reached Belitung and met Tengku Musa. All the commanders and people came with three big boats to be given to Tengku Musa. People were asked to take the cannons from the spoiled ship. Encik Salmah was pregnant that time. His men went to Palembang which was led by Tengku Salim with Adipati Belitung. Tengku Musa attacked boats of people who came in Belitung. Ki Agus Bustam was asked 98

The Epic of Siak to go to Belitung by His Majesty to check out what happened. He went on a boat named “Bintang Beralih”, and Tengku Salim went with him too. Upon arriving, the people and commanders went to Jawa. Raja Alang Jambi stayed. Tengku Musa was staying in Ara Island at that time. So, the people of Palembang joined him. Upon arrival of the boat, the people rode onto Tengku Musa’s ride and arrived in Tanjung Ru. Tengku Musa was mad and he boarded a ship, accompanied by Panglima Tahir and Raja Halang. Tengku Musa ordered his men to paddle, to the ship “Bintang/Beralih”. Suddenly, the boat was surrounded by Ki Agus Bustam. And the people of Palembang prepared themselves, holding onto their weapons. Tengku Musa made his way to the front of the boat. Panglima Kahar jumped onto the boat first, landing on top of one of the cannons. Tengku then climbed onto the boat. Surprised by his actions, many were left speechless. Tengku Musa then climbed up to the veranda and faced Ki Agus Bustam. Tengku Musa said, “Ki Agus, don’t you see? We’re helping the Sultan to attack Mampawah, and Tengku Salim is just hiding behind Raden Badar.” After hearing the words of Tengku Musa, Ki Agus Bustam was 99

The Epic of Siak shocked, kneeling down before Tengku Musa and said, “I’ve never thought that Tengku would be arriving here in Belitung. Tengku should head towards Palembang.” Tengku Musa replied that he was just about to head there. And so the warships of Jawa Mandura were returned to Ki Agus Bustam. Tengku Musa then returned to his boat. The Jawas came, carrying loads of cannons. Many boats from Jawa joined in, then together Tengku Musa sailed to Pontianak. Upon reaching in Pontianak, Tengku Musa was graced with a child named Tengku Akil Ali. And he was requested by Sultan Abdul Rahman, to be the child’s godfather. And the son of Sultan Abdul Rahman, Syarif Othman, is given the rank of Sultan to Tengku Musa. Shortly afterwards Tengku Musa sailed to Tambelan, stopping at Sambas on his way. Tengku Musa met Sultan Sambas there and was given blessings from His Majesty. Sultan Sambas gave Tengku Musa everything that he needed. Thus, Tengku Musa gave his promise to the Sultan, that all their children and relatives would help each other out, like how cousins do. Tengku Musa then requested to sail to Tambelan.

100

The Epic of Siak Upon arriving in Tambelan, Tengku Musa was graced with a daughter named Tengku Khatijah. Soon, Tengku Musa sailed to Karimata. Upon arriving, Encik Tiai asked Encik Salamah to go to Pontianak. Then Encik Salamah was freed and brought to meet Tengku Musa. Then, Tengku Musa sailed to Belitung, met with Raja Halang Jambi. Commanders and people from afar brought boats and cannons. Tengku Musa received all the boats and built ten cruiser warships fully armed with cannons. Tengku Musa then set sail, stopped by at Lingga where he met Orang Kaya Megat Ayup. Tengku Musa gave Orang Kaya Lingga gifts. Afterwards, Tengku Musa returned back to Siak, arriving in Bukit Batu. The news of his return reached his brother, Tengku Embong. Tengku Embong met Tengku Musa and the two spent their time together. A month had passed since Tengku Musa arrived in Bukit Batu, Encik Tiai gave birth to a son and named him Tengku Seman. At the same time, Riau was attacked by Dutch, but survived the attack. Then Dutch retreated back to Malacca.

101

The Epic of Siak Plans to Attack the Dutch in Malacca Raja Haji prepared ships to attack Malacca. Raja Haji then went to Malacca, and stayed in Ketapang. There, Raja Haji sent a letter together with a bullet from the Dutch to Tengku Musa. Tengku Musa replied saying Siak is an ally of Malacca. Tengku Musa then sent a letter to Riau saying Malacca was falling into Raja Hajiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands. The King of Malacca sent a letter to Yamtuan Muhammad Ali, demanding a boat from Siak in order to give blessings to the land. Thus Yamtuan Muhammad Ali prepared ships to aid Malacca. All of the Rembaus came to Malacca. Not long after that, Raja Haji had been killed. The people of Riau returned home and Raja Ali became Yamtuan Muda Riau.

Siak-Malacca Pact Tengku Musa in Bukit Batu contracted a marriage between Tengku Enik and Sayyid Ali, child of Sayyid Othman, descendant of Raja Deli. After the marriage, Tengku Musa entered Siak.

102

The Epic of Siak Afterwards, Malacca attacked Riau and won. Yang Dipertuan Besar Mahmud fled to Lingga while Raja Ali to Mampawah, creating a new state in Sikudana. Meanwhile, Yamtuan Muhammad Ali went to Malacca and made an agreement to attack Selangor, as Raja Haji had attacked Malacca. Because of Yamtuan Muhammad Ali’s ambition to attack Selangor, he married Tengku Embung with Sayyid Jaafar’s blessing. Yamtuan Muhammad Ali then went with his child Sayyid Ali to Selangor. The Dutch joined forces with them, and together they attacked Selangor. Thus, Selangor’s army was defeated, Sayyid Ali entered the city and became Yamtuan Selangor. And so the previous Yamtuan Selangor, who fled to Pahang, attempted to reclaim Selangor at the command of his king. Yamtuan Muhammad Ali with Sayyid Ali returned to Siak and asked to have Bukit Batu, and Tengku Musa gave it to them. Then, Tengku Musa was blessed with four children. The eldest one, Tengku Saidah, got married with Sayyid Ali, then the second one, a boy named Tengku Endut, then the youngest one, a girl named Tengku Minah. Another two sons named Tengku Ibrahim and Tengku Salih respectively, living in Terengganu. Tengku Minah 103

The Epic of Siak married Tengku Yahya, son of Marhum Mangkat Di Balai, also known as Yang Dipertuan Besar of Siak.

Siak Forces Deploys to Terengganu Thus Yang Dipertuan Besar took his mother to Terengganu. And Tengku Endut was taken along, and was made as Tengku Panglima Besar. His majesty ordered Tengku Endut to go to Kampar with two boats accompanying beside him with twenty others. Those who stayed were Orang Kaya Empat Suku, Tengku Musa and Tengku Daud. After everything was ready, Tengku Endut started to sail towards Terengganu. He did not stay long in the sea, Tengku Endut had to stop on the west side of Kabut Island because his boat was damaged by the strong winds. Thus, Tengku Endut entered Pahang and made a stop there to repair his boat. After the boat was repaired, Tengku Endut wanted to sail but was stopped by the Bendahara. Tengku Endut refused to stop because he was late and so he continued to sail towards Terengganu. The villagers of Siak all cheered upon Tengku Endutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival to Terengganu. Tengku Panglima Besar (Tengku Endut) stayed in 104

The Epic of Siak Penyusuk, there he met with two boats of the people of Batu Bahara who came from Jawa. Tengku Endut ordered to call in the sea captain but wasn’t answered because the sea captain was afraid that Tengku Endut would ask for something that he couldn’t afford to give. The sea captain said in defence, “There is no king of the sea, I cannot give what you are asking for.” Panglima Muhammad Naina said in return, “Tengku Panglima Besar Siak wants to depart for Terengganu. If you refuse to come with us, present yourself since it has become a tradition to every son of Minangkabau.” Still the sea captain refused to go and kept giving excuses not to. Tengku Panglima Besar was upset about this news so he went off to kill the sea captain. The first cannon shot hit the sea captain’s ship. The second had killed the sea captain and sank his ship. The rest of the sea captain’s ships fell into Tengku Panglima Besar’s hand.

Thus,

Tengku

Panglima

Besar

sailed

for

Terengganu to meet with Yang Dipertuan Besar. Yang Dipertuan Besar went to get Yamtuan Janggut, and Yamtuan Janggut asked, “Is my child here?” Tengku Panglima Besar replied, “Yes, he is, Your Majesty. I came to bring my mother back to Siak, My Lord.” 105

The Epic of Siak Yang Dipertuan Besar replied, “Very well, my child”. Thus, Tengku Panglima Besar went inside the palace and was greeted by the other members and went out again afterwards. Soon, it was time to sail again. Tengku Panglima Besar readied the boat to set sail. Then, he requested for Yamtuan Janggut’s blessings as he was about to set sail. “Be safe, my child,” says Yamtuan Janggut before returning back to his palace. Tengku Panglima Besar was provided with a set of the best clothes. After done preparing, Tengku Panglima Besar set sail to Siak. Tengku Panglima Besar’s arrival was celebrated by the people of Siak. The news reached his father and he invited his son to the palace. Tengku Panglima Besar and his mother went inside the palace shortly after. Thus, Tengku Panglima Besar had a good time in Siak.

Sayyid’s Family Attacks Senggora Padang, Simpang and Sambas Sayyid Ali went to attack Senggora Padang with his army strength of thirty battleships. The army of Senggora had lost in just three days with their treasures taken away 106

The Epic of Siak from them. After that, Sayyid Ali continued to sail until he reached Setiu Island. From there, he heard a gossip about the people of Terengganu preparing to attack him with a hundred ships. Yang Dipertuan Lingga was coming to Terengganu at that time. Sultan Mahmud also came together with Raja Terengganu. At that time, Yang Dipertuan Janggut requested aid from the British ships. Then, Siak ships along with Yang Dipertuan Lingga had cornered the Terengganu ships. The Siak ships were preparing to attack as Yang Dipertuan Lingga headed over to Yamtuan Janggut’s ship. Yang Dipertuan Lingga summoned Sayyid Ali along with his brothers Sayyid Abdul Rahman, Sayyid Zain, and Sayyid Alwi along with the veteran commanders as well. They all arrived inside Yamtuan Janggut’s ship. Yamtuan Muda Terengganu and other princes were present too therefore the ship was packed. Sayyid Ali was about to walk towards the veranda when he was stopped by Tengku Musa. He ignored Tengku Musa and continued walking until he was next to Yamtuan Muda Terengganu. He then felt his legs grabbed, it was Tengku Musa. With Tengku Musa’s sudden action, Sayyid Abdul Rahman readied his keris. 107

The Epic of Siak In angered voice, he said, “Are you trying to bring shame or ready for a battle?” He looked at Sayyid Ali’s condition and they started arguing. “Why are you making shame of me? I summoned him here,” replied Yang Dipertuan Lingga. He took Sayyid Ali to see Yamtuan Janggut but he had only disappointed His Majesty. In His Majesty’s anger, he ordered all his commanders to destroy Sayyid Ali’s ship. The people of Terengganu became anxious of His Majesty actions so they took the side of the people of Siak. Yamtuan Janggut went to His Majesty and pleaded his consent, “Your Majesty, we shouldn’t be doing this to Sayyid Ali because I can make things work for both you and I so let us work together instead. I am on Sayyid Ali’s side on this because he appreciates me.” In the end, Sayyid Ali and the people of Terengganu made peace and thereafter, it was harmonious between Siak and Terengganu. After that, Sayyid Ali requested to go back to Siak. Sayyid Abdul Rahman and his brothers all went together with him. Upon arriving in Siak, Sayyid Ali was separated from his brothers. Sayyid Abdul Rahman went sailing towards Serasan and was greeted by the people there. Panglima Besar took in a mistress named Encik Sariah 108

The Epic of Siak while in Serasan before sailing to Sambas next. He wished to protect Sambas from any outside invaders. Upon arriving at the Sambas River, the junk was spotted and attacked. The junk was then brought to Kabong Island. News of the attack reached the ears of Sultan Sambas and he ordered his son, Pangeran Gayung, along with thirty ships to intercept the Siak force. The Siak attempted to make a stand at Semasak Island. As the Sambas ships approached, a skirmish broke out between the two forces. Eventually, cannons were fired. Ships were dragged in with hooks. The Sambas were routed after forty-five shots. Pangeran Gayung was quickly escorted away from the battlefield. Pangeran Temenggung abandoned the ship and was killed. Pangeran Pasu managed to retreat with only four ships. His warship was salvaged and retrieved. Sayyid Mustafa then suggested to head to Pontianak with the intention of reclaiming his wife who was divorced on the order of the sultan. Passing through the river, they arrived at Batu Liang. The Pontianak people grew restless as the Siak approached. Sayyid Mustafa then clarified that their intention was only to retrieve

Encik

Salmah. 109

Thus,

Panglima

Muda

The Epic of Siak accompanied by Tengku Akil welcomed the Siak ships. As his Panglima Besar greeted Tengku Akil, so did Sayyid Abdul Rahman. The following day, the ships finally arrived upstream.The sultan instructed Sayyid Jaafar to bring Sayyid Abdul Rahman along to meet the suktan. After the meeting, Sayyid Abdul Rahman visited the Tengku Akil residence to meet Encik Salmah. Sayyid Abdul Rahman then settled at the residence. It wasn't long before the sultan requested that Tengku Akil has to be brought to Siak. The sultan decreed that Sayyid Abdul Rahman must not hand over the goods to the children of Tengku Akil until His Majesty wills it. Soon, Panglima Marus got injured due to a conflict with the Chinese and the life of a crewman was lost. The furious Sayyid Abdul Rahman prepared his ships for war. However, his request to launch an attack was not approved by the sultan. Sayyid Abdul Rahman then made the bold statement that he would attack regardless of sultanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval. A nobleman from Terentang was then asked to deliver a catty of gold (approx. 604 g). As the payment arrived, Tengku Akil wanted the gold or else she would refuse to set sail from Pontianak. This infuriated the 110

The Epic of Siak sultan, who chased out Encik Salmah. Sayyid Abdul Rahman then set sail for Kubu under the guidance of Tuan Besar, joined by Encik Salmah. Arriving in Kubu, Tengku Akil was infected with smallpox. Fortunately, she was cured by Tengku Mansur. Soon, Sayyid Abdul Rahman beseiged Simpang and emerged victorious. He then set sail for Tambelan where he was given a residence by the Patinggi. Sayyid Abdul Rahman was husband to Tengku Khatijah, younger sister to Tengku Akil. The two were united in marriage by Sayyid Abdul Rahmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Tengku Musa back in Siak. Sayyid Abdul Rahman sent a letter to his brother. Sayyid Ali in Siak, requesting a joint attack on Sambas. Upon receiving the letter, Sayyid Ali readied thirty ships and set sail for Lingga. There, Sayyid Ali was given a seal. Sayyid Ali then sailed to Bangkah and entered the Kenit River. It is at that time that Ki Agus Serbudin caught wind of this and set out from Palembang with forty ships and one brig in search of Sayyid Ali. Sayyid Ali then met Sayyid Hamid, son of Datuk Marang in Terengganu and came to an agreement by trading five ships. He then met with pirates and made a similar agreement as well. 111

The Epic of Siak Meanwhile, Ki Agus Serbudin headed towards Belitung in search for Sayyid Ali who left for Belitung from Bangkah. There, the two forces met and clashed at the mouth of the Cerucuk River. As the closed in on the Palembang Siak brig, cannon were fired and the Palembang forces were routed. Ki Agus Serbudin abandoned his ship to escape from the Siak onslaught. Not a single Siak blade met its mark during this daring escape. The surviving Palembang ships were then absorbed into the Siak army. Stopping shortly at Belitung, Sayyid Ali then set sail for Sambas. A messenger was dispatched to inform Sayyid Abdul Rahman at Tambelan that Sayyid Ali is standing by at the mouth of the Sambas River. Sayyid Abdul Rahman prepared his ships for battle. Sayyid Abdul Rahman had reached Sambas before Sayyid Ali, who was still bolstering his force in Pontianak. Shortly afterwards, Sayyid Ali arrived with new allies, Panembahan Kasim and Sayyid Mustafa at the command of the Sultan of Pontianak. All ships met up at the stream of Kota Bangun. Sayyid Ali agreed to attack with canoes the following day. As dawn broke, the siege on Sambas began. The Sambas fought back fiercely, in part thanks 112

The Epic of Siak to the courage and skills of their sultan in battle. Eventually the canoes were ordered to retreat and cruisers to take their places in the battle. About half of the Siak forces advanced on foot, among them were Sayyid Abdul Rahman, Sayyid Mustafa, Panglima Haru and Panglima Alih. During the battle, the gunpowder on Panglima Subuh's ship caught on fire, and the land forces had lost Penghulu Haru and Panglima Alih. Sayyid Abdul Rahman had no choice but to order a retreat. Sayyid Ali wasn't happy about this. A junk and brig was mobilized with Sayyid Hamzah and Tengku Mansur at the helm of each ship. The two ships carried on the assault. During the assault, the brig was hit by cannon fire and sunk. Nearly all sixty men on-board drowned, including Tengku Mansur. It was at this point that Sayyid Ali decided to retreat as well. In confusion, many more officers under Sayyid Ali were slain by the Dayak. Sayyid Ali pulled his armada out of the Sambas River and headed towards Pontianak. From there, Sayyid Ali continued sailing towards Tambelan where he contracted Sayyid Abdul Rahman and Tengku Khatijahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marriage. Sayyid Ali then sailed to Siak, where he lost Tengku Long to the Siantan water during a storm. Upon 113

The Epic of Siak arriving at the straits, Sayyid Ali met Tengku Ibrahim who informed him that his father was located in Rantau. Sayyid Ali then went to Rantau. Soon Yamtuan Muhammad Ali arrived from Pekan Baru to meet with the Yang Dipertuan Besar and Tengku Ibrahim. A buffalo was slain and a feast was held. After the feast, Yamtuan Muhammad Ali mentioned that Tengku Ibrahim had plans to have the rule of the state split between Raja Muda and Sayyid Ali with both of them splitting the rule of the state. Tengku Ibrahim admitted his plan, though the decision was up to Raja Muda. Tengku Ibrahim did state that without his help, Marhum Mampura was sure to fall, allowing him to oppose Raja Muda. Hearing that, Yamtuan Muhammad Ali cried, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It's enough having you to be killed once.â&#x20AC;? With that, the remaining kings participating in the feast paid their respects to the Yang Dipertuan Besar and the event ended. Soon, Sayyid Ali, Yamtuan Muhammad Ali and the Yang Dipertuan Besar went to obtain a seal for Yang Dipertuan Besar while Tengku Ibrahim headed towards Menduh to obtain construction materials. To Sayyid Ali, the whole thing is just an act; everyone was aiming to become king of Siak themselves. 114

The Epic of Siak Assault on Petapahan Sayyid Ali had returned to Pekan Baharu, where Yang Dipertuan Muhammad Ali was losing patience with Petapahan. Sayyid Ali was commanded to attack Petapahan

and

succeeded.

The

Bendahara

Petapahan escaped to Lima Kota, where he requested for help. Tuan Haji of Padang answered the request and attacked Sayyid Ali. Sayyid Ali swam for his life, leaving Sayyid Zain Pangeran and Emping Berantah in Petapahan. The two had to offer Sayyid Ali's treasures in order to escape safely. They then met up in Pekan Baharu with Yamtuan Muhammad Ali and Sayyid Ali. Yamtuan Muhammad Ali then sent a message to Yang Dipertuan Besar Yahya and Tengku Ibrahim explaining the humiliation they suffered. Tengku Ibrahim immediately returned home, with Tengku Ibrahim following shortly. Arriving at Pekan Baharu, Tengku Ibrahim offered to make the Petapahan pay for their humiliating defeat. When Tengku Ibrahim arrived from Siak, he immediately set sail for Petapahan. Upon seeing the approaching Tengku Ibrahim, the people of Pertapahan and Lima Kota stood down, stating their

115

The Epic of Siak intentions to avoid conflict with Tengku Ibrahim as their true enemy is Sayyid Ali. Upon reaching land there was no one left, the people of Lima Kota had left to attack Pekan Baru. Tengku Ibrahim quickly returned to Pekan Baru, to meet his father and to face the people of Petapahan. Soon, the Lima Kota army of three-thousand approached. Sayyid Ali prepared the city for the attack. Sayyid Abdul Rahman stood guard at the fort. The Lima Kota commander, Paduka Yang Kasad, was shot by Sayyid Abdul Rahman as their army closed in. Paduka Yang Kasad was then beheaded and the Lima Kota army scattered into the forest. Tengku Ibrahim then requested a peace talk with Tuan Haji of Padang. The Lima Kota forces demanded that their long houses to be replaced and Yamtuan Muhammad Ali agreed to do so. Thus, the two forces made peace. The trouble settled, Tengku Ibrahim returned to Siak and Sayyid Ali to Bukit Baru.

116

The Epic of Siak Plan to Attack Lingga One day, Sayyid Ali bin Syekh of Palembang came to Siak and asked for help to attack Lingga on behalf of the Sultan of Palembang. Tengku Musa and Sayyid Ali were ready to aid Palembang in the attack. After acknowledging the Siakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to help, Yang Dipertuan of Lingga commanded the Tengku Besar of Kampar to welcome the Yamtuan of Lingga, Sultan Mahmud in Bulang. There, the Tengku Besar and Yamtuan agreed to become sworn brothers. That was the royal origin of Lingga, with irrefutable proof behind the story. Tengku Abdullah, Tengku Besar of Kampar is then gifted a cruiser with cannons as part of the agreement. Tengku Abdullah then returned to Kampar and retold the events that occured in Bulang to Tengku Ibrahim. Hearing the story, Tengku Ibrahim got into an argument with his father, Tengku Tua, but quickly made peace afterwards. Tengku Ibrahim prepared twelve ships, and requested permission to face off Jawa ships at Sengelar. Tengku Tua instead commanded Tengku Ibrahim to wait directly at Palembang. Tengku Ibrahim then set sail, first stopping at Muntok before arriving at Palembang. The Sultan of 117

The Epic of Siak Palembang was delighted to see Siak reinforcements arrive.

Sayyid Ali’s Strategy to Attack Siak Once upon a time there is a country known as Siak. At that time, Yamtuan Muda Muhammad Ali has fallen ill. He passed away after suffering for two days. And Yamtuan Muda move upstream to Pekan Baru to bury his father.

Yamtuan

Muda

went

purchase

some

necessities. During that time Sayyid Ali was in Batu Hill. He heard that his father died. So, he prepared ships to attack Siak. Sayyid Ali voiced that he wanted to move to Batu Bahara. Soon, Yang Dipertuan Muda caught wind of the plan and informed his father Sayyid Ali’s intention to attack Siak. Tengku Musa then ordered Tengku Hussain and Sayyid Ali Bin Syekh to meet with Sayyid Ali. There, Tengku Hussain with Sayyid Ali bin Syekh asked Sayyid Ali, “I was ordered by Tengku Musa to check this boat and where it’s heading to.” And Sayyid Ali said, "I’m scared to stay here since my father is no longer alive. Tengku Tuha is the only man I can rely on. But, I am scared of Tengku Besar Kampar," Sayyid Ali bin Syekh said, "Tell 118

The Epic of Siak me the truth, because Tengku Musa told me something different." And Tengku Hussain asked, "If you are just going to move, why are you so well-prepared as if you’re ready for a war?" And Sayyid Ali replied, "I fear the elder brother. I have no intention of betraying him. It is the elder brother who would take my father’s position. I too, want to face my elder brother." Tengku Hussain and Sayyid Ali bin Syekh returned to Siak and met Yang Dipertuan Besar. Tengku Hussain and Sayyid Ali bin Syekh told Sayyid Ali’s story. "There is no bad intention against Your Majesty. And if father order me to sleep, then I would sleep.” Sayyid Ali bin Syekh said, "Raja Muda, Siak is fine, I would be responsible for what I said." Yamtuan Muda remained silent. After a moment, somebody came and informed the news that Sayyid Ali had set sail with twenty boats fully equipped with armour. Yamtuan Muda gave an order to Bentara Ibrahim, "Alright, we will build a fortress." Bentara Him answered, "Yes My Highness." Bentara Ibrahim prepared the fortress. Tengku Musa heard of this, and ordered his son to meet him. Tengku Musa asked Yamtuan Muda, "I heard that you’re intending to build a fortress, because in my opinion, you should not change 119

The Epic of Siak Ali's loyalty. It is not our principle and if Ali's loyalty changed, we are doing nothing wrong. So Yamtuan Muda answered, "That is true Your Majesty. However, why Sayyid Ali move upstream with so many ships fully equipped with armour? And who wants to attack Abang Uda? I think that Sayyid Ali wants to attack me and Yang Dipertuan's son as well. Sayyid Ali is a tricky man and a liar. Tengku Berahim has a boat, if you order him to go out, he will immediately move out." Tengku Tuha felt that this story seems to have offended His Majesty. The furious Tengku Musa said, "If you build that fortress, I will condemn your action." Knowing his father was angry, Yamtuan returned back and no fortress was built. Hence, Sayyid Ali came. All boats were anchored at Sayyid Alwi residence. Tengku Musa went to check Sayyid Ali's boat and asked him, "You come with so many boats, as if to attack Siak. You better state your intention. "Sayyid Ali answered, "I come here carrying my relatives, who wants to go to Batu Bahara. I prepared all of this because I was afraid, Marhum Pekan is gone, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Tuanku left. Yamtuan Muda cannot be relied on. And I'm afraid of my elder brother who is in Kampar." Tengku 120

The Epic of Siak Musa said, "You should not be afraid of your brother. Even if he wants to kill you, I will not allow him to do so. Sayyid Ali answered, "Your Majesty, I have no intention to commit treason. One more thing, please ask Yamtuan Muda if he is in agreement with me, unless I ask him to join in attacking Kampar. Because my elder brother, Abdullah, is my enemy." Tengku Musa said, "All right, I will talk to your brother." So His Majesty returned to have a chat with Yamtuan Muda as Sayyid Ali desired. Then, Tengku Musa and Yamtuan Muda met with Yang Dipertuan Besar. Tengku Musa said, "Sayyid Ali surely would attack Kampar, it will be good if we join him." Yamtuan Muda then returned to the palace, and commanded that this information to be delivered on the same night. Sayyid Ali planned to deceive Yang Dipertuan Besar too. So he met with Yang Dipertuan Besar at Belubur Garam at night. The Yang Dipertuan Besar seemed to agree with it. So, Sayyid Ali said, "Don't run, Your Majesty. I want to attack Raja Muda. It is better for you to run to Mendu River." The Royal Council was in a dilemma. Bentara Malik went up to Yamtuan Muda with tears, "Your Majesty, 121

The Epic of Siak I cannot bear to see any destruction. The elder brother of Yang Dipertuan Besar wants to run away to Mendu. Sayyid Ali only intends to attack Tengku." Yamtuan Muda was furious and asked Tengku Agung to meet with Yang Dipertuan Besar. Yamtuan Muda was going to attack Sayyid Ali's boat. Tengku Embung found out and joined Yamtuan Muda. Tengku Embung was lying on the ground, demanded mercy killing. Yang Dipertuan Muda said to his mother, "Tuanku, please get me Yang Dipertuan Besar to meet me alone.â&#x20AC;? Tengku Embung went to Yang Dipertuan Besar, and asked, "Is it true that Your Majesty will go to Mendu?" Yang Dipertuan Besar answered, "Yes, it is true." Yamtuan Muda is already waiting outside. Yang Dipertuan Besar went downstairs to meet his wife. Yamtuan Muda said, "If Your Majesty wants to go to Mendu, don't bring my sister along with you." Yang Dipertuan Besar replied, "I have no intention to go." Yamtuan Muda said, "If Your Majesty is staying, entrust me your cousin for I wish to bring her to Mampura River." Yang Dipertuan Besar agreed with it. Then, all of them was brought onto the boat, named Pekapekan. So, all of the friends and family of Yang Dipertuan Besar was 122

The Epic of Siak brought along, with all the properties and also the women inside the palace. After the sunrise, Sayyid Ali boat was near across the Kamaraja's house. And Kamaraja talk with Orang Kaya Muda and Orang Kaya Lima Puluh, asking them to betray Sayyid Ali. Yamtuan Muda was summoned by the Royal Council to Panglima Dalam Rahmat. After three attempts, still goes nothing. During that time, Tengku Musa went to Sayyid Ali's boat, checking it. Panglima Dalam Rahmat was angry, so he pulled out his sword and slashed Kamaraja. Kamaraja then jumped into the water. And Panglima Dalam Rahmat was on the boat of Panglima Lasik, and goes up to the armour side. It was bombarded by people, hit it right and dead. Sayyid Ali met Tengku Musa, "Tengku Abu was on a mass killing." Tengku Musa said, "You cheated on me Ali." Then, Tengku Musa got out of Sayyid Ali's boat, landed to meet his son Tengku Abu and Bentara Him brought him back. Yamtuan Muda departed. Tengku Embung held on his child, not giving it up. Tengku Musa came, asked to retreat, but his son refused. Yamtuan demanded Tengku Akil to bring along his wife, Tengku Fatimah. Tengku Akil moved upstream, brought his elder brother to Sungai 123

The Epic of Siak Mampura.

Yang

Dipertuan

Besar

went

ahead

accompanied by Tengku Musa and Yamtuan Muda. In the evening, they reached the base; during dusk, stopped by the base. On the next day, all of them were walking. During the next afternoon, they meet with their saviour from Kampar. Tengku Muhammad arrived, and returned to them. On that evening, they reached the side base and stopped by there. In the next morning, they went downstream to Pelalawan. They arrived there in the evening. And Tengku Besar came in, brought all the child to safety, His action was agreed by Tengku Musa. The fortress was set completely. Tengku Besar also agreed with it, and wanted his order to be sent to Yamtuan Lingga. After mutual agreement, Yamtuan Muda got his boat ready. Tengku Muhammad accompanied him and wrote a letter.

Seeking Lingga's Assistance After that, Yamtuan Muda went down to the boat, then Tengku Muhammad came and gave his order. He said, "Bring along Raja Akil and Raja Simbuk to Raja 124

The Epic of Siak Muhammad's boat." Yamtuan Muda went downstream. On the next morning, they went downstream to meet His Highness at Lebuhan Balik. It was stopped there later in the night. And Tengku Besar Kampar was asked to bring along his son Tengku Muhammad but was turned down because he felt something bad would happen. Tengku Muhammad returned. Tengku Akil went into the Yamtuan Muda's boat and sailed. After arrived in Ungaran, His Highness asked to send the Kayas from Ungaran to Bulang. Engku Muda heard that news, said that Yamtuan Muda came from Pelalawan and was ordered to welcome them. His highness met with Engku Muda and asked, "Bring this letter to Yang Dipertuan Lingga, Siak had defeated, cheated by Sayyid Ali," He asked for permission to Lingga. Pesukuan people allowed them in, and they went to Lingga. A moment later, they reached Lingga and informed Megat Inu. Then, Yang Dipertuan Lingga were informed that Yamtuan Muda came from Kampar and brought a letter. Yang Dipertuan Lingga was welcoming Yamtuan Muda. Yamtuan Muda came to meet with him. Yamtuan Muda showed that letter and it was read by Yang 125

The Epic of Siak Dipertuan Lingga, asking for help because Siak had fallen to Sayyid Ali. He remained silent. Yamtuan Muda greeted him and went back to his boat. On the next day, Yang Dipertuan Lingga gave them two boats. Then, Tengku Besar Kampar with Yang Dipertuan Besar Siak came to Lingga and asked for help. His Highness from Lingga ordered to mend forty units of boat. Tengku Musa then came from Kampar with a letter by his side, asked for ammunition supply because Siak people wanted to retaliate. Tengku Besar Lingga did not send the ammunition. Yamtuan Muda said that he wanted to go Belitung to pick up his younger brother, Tengku Berahim because Yang Dipertuan Lingga asking back his boat which was taken by Tengku Berahim. Soon after that, there's a news said that the Siak people will come and attack Kampar.

Sayyid Abdul Rahman Attacks Kampar Sayyid Ali was told by Sayyid Abdul Rahman to attack Kampar by using twenty boats. Sayyid Abdul Rahman went to Kampar. Soon after he reached Kampar, he attacked Tengku Musa fortress. Tengku Kamat waited for him. The cruise of Tengku Muhammad was near to 126

The Epic of Siak the big fortress. Siak people’s boat was rowing closer to the port’s entrance. Tengku Tuha came out and saw the boat was getting closer to the fortress. His Highness launched a counter attack by setting up a cannon and a cruise. The hit from the cannon resulted to seven to eight deaths. Tengku Tuha called up Panglima Kamal and gave an order to him "Hey Kamal, fight with your passion. You don’t know who was behind this fortress. My head was fully dusted by those cannons.” Panglima Kamal said while kneeling on his feet, “My pardon Your Highness, I will not betray on you.” Then Encik Deris settled and Panglima Kamal was kicked from the boat. The boat sailed away from the port entrance, drifting downstream. Then, Panglima Kamal informed Sayyid Abdul Rahman, said that his father was there at a big fortress. Sayyid Abdul Rahman retreated to the opposite side of Tengku Kamat’s fortress. Tengku Muhammad’s boat was submerged, and the gunpowder was wet, there is no more war. His Majesty agreed to retreat, and sailed back to Siak. All women was ran away to Batang Nila. Inderagiri’s men had been betrayed. Those all Pelalawan was left for Inderagiri. 127

The Epic of Siak Hence, Yang Dipertuan Muda sailed to Belitung. Yang Dipertuan Besar Siak and Tengku Besar heard that Kampar had lose. All their women ran away to Inderagiri. Tengku Besar requested a boat from Yang Dipertuan Lingga, to pick up all those women. Yang Dipertuan Lingga had approved that request and all those women sent to Lingga. Yamtuan Muda set sailed and reached Muntok. He met with Kerangka Abdullah. Yamtuan Muda was invited to Palembang, but he refused to. Then he sailed to Belitung. At Belitung, Yamtuan Muda met with Tengku Berahim and Tengku Mahmud. Yamtuan Muda sent Tengku Berahim to the fortress, calling up Sayyid Hamzah, Tengku Berahim kneeled and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My pleasure Your Highness, please set an ambush in Palembang Strait. Then, returned back to Tanah Putih.â&#x20AC;? Yamtuan Muda was refused to do that, and was furious with his brother. He requested a boat, Tengku Berahim has asked Tengku Akil to give it to him. Tengku Simbuk was with Yamtuan Muda, and soon after the boat ready, they sailed to the fortress. Tengku Berahim sailed to the straits of Palembang, unfortunately there was no boat picking him up. 128

The Epic of Siak Fortunately, the ceremony was delayed. There were many changes especially among the kings. Tengku Berahim sailed back to Bulang and met her mother, Tengku Embung Maimunah. After that, his highness wanted to sail to Tanah Putih. Meanwhile, Tengku Akil requested to go to Lingga so he asked for his parent’s permission. So, Tengku Berahim and Tengku Akil set sail on a different occasion. After reaching Lingga, Tengku Akil met his mother. His mother was gifted with another son, Tengku Taib Ali at the time.

Trouble at Tuan Besar Idrus’ Residence Tuan Besar Idrus and Sayyid Muhammad were called by Yamtuan Muda. Yamtuan Muda requested a cannon from Datuk Demang. However, the cannon belongs to Sayyid Ali. Sayyid Hussain witnessed the scene and reported to Tuan Besar Idrus. Tuan Besar Idrus was provoked and gathered everybody. “No one shall ever hand over the cannon to the enemy of Sayyid Ali, what a disgrace to the general.” After some discussion with Sayyid Hussein, Tuan Besar Idrus then decided to meet Yamtuan Muda. Yamtuan Muda then arrived, accompanied by his followers. 129

The Epic of Siak After they met each other, Tuan Besar Idrus was furious, “How dare you take the cannon without my permission,” Tuan Besar Idrus scolded. His Highness replied “I took after Sayyid Muhammad permitted it.” Tuan Muda Idrus ordered the boat to be moved and the cannon to be retrived. I’m not at fault here, please call Sayyid Muhammad,” said Yamtuan Muda. Tuan Muda Idrus was mad and demanded that Sayyid Muhammad to be found. Sayyid Hussain brandished his spear and attempted to assassinate His Highness from behind but no avail. Yamtuan Muda then drew his keris and fought back. Sayyid Hussain began to escape. The scene was chaotic and everyone joined in the fight. His Highness’ loyal servant Si Rasu died while Si Hussain was injured while escaping to the boat. Panglima Utus died as well. Tuan Besar appeared to stop the fight. Encik Amat, a servant of Yamtuan Muda wanted to stab Tuan Besar Idrus but was stopped by His Highness. Yamtuan Muda sustained injuries on his hand and had to leave his keris behind. Si Mak Ulut, despite suffering major injuries, he still managed to go into Tuan Besar Idris’s room and assassinate him. Tuan Besar Idris died immediately. Si Mak Ulut then returned to the boat Encik Amat advised 130

The Epic of Siak him to stay behind. Encik Amat let out a battle cry which caused people to run for their lives. This resulting chaos left the city of Tuan Besar began to ruin. The chaos lasted from dusk to dawn. After the people in the city fled, Yamtuan Muda obtained ships and requested weapons. After His Highness is fully armed, he then planned to besiege Sayyid Muhammad’s city with Encik Amat as an ally. Mr. Amat came forward and met Yamtuan Muda. “Where to, My Highness?” asked Encik Amat. “I am going to attack Sayyid Muhammad’s city,” replied Yamtuan Muda. “Unfortunately I am injured and unable to help.” Yamtuan Muda then asked, “How are we going to reach the boat? There are people coming for us.” Yamtuan Muda then swam for the boat. The people who are chasing behind caught up and attacked Yamtuan Muda. As a result, His Highness got injured in the thigh.

Yamtuan Muda Siak Retreats Yamtuan Muda reached the boat and was helped by his followers. His Highness got on board with Encik Amat. Si Mak Ulut informed Yamtuan Muda that he had 131

The Epic of Siak killed Tuanku Besar Idrus. Therefore, he ordered His Highness to Panglima Dalam to fight with all his will. Si Muhammad Tahir had already armed the cannons but Panglima Dalam put the fire out. “We ask for their mercy”, said Panglima Dalam to everybody in the boat. The Rantaus then attempted to beg for mercy but was murdered by the Dayaks. Yamtuan Muda ordered, “Fight with all your might as Tuan Besar Idrus is dead.” General Laidin then motivated the followers, “Those who are fighters, follow me.” “No one is a better fighter than me, I shall follow you,” said Yamtuan Muda. Yamtuan Muda then landed on the shore with General Laidin but His Highness cannot walk anymore with his injured leg. The Dayaks rushed in armed with harpoons but were killed by Yamtuan Muda. The Dayaks began to throw rocks and wood at Yamtuan Muda as the remaining Dayaks moved in for the kill. Wielding a spear, Yamtuan Muda kept the Dayaks at bay. His followers went to retrieve the boat. Yamtuan Muda cannot get aboard due to his injury so His Highness summoned ten people to his sides including his younger brother, Tengku Simbuk, Encik Amat and Panglima.

132

The Epic of Siak The people kept on shooting. Sayyid Muhammad was taking a few shot too but not a single shot hit. “Yamtuan Muda shall live today,” said Sayyid Muhammad. Yamtuan Muda quickly headed towards the mouth of the river. A clash happened when the Kubu people confronted His Highness. The Kubus fled after losing. “If I do not survive, please take care of my little brother,” ordered Yamtuan Muda to Sayyid Hussain. His highness and his followers disembarked the ship in the afternoon. Yamtuan Muda walked along the woods alongside with Encik Amat and Panglima Dalam. However, the Kubus were searching for them with hounds. The news reached Sultan Pontianak. His majesty summoned Panembahan Kasyim in an effort to search for Yamtuan Muda. His majesty ordered that should the corpse of Yamtuan Muda was found it shall be buried the royal way. Back in the woods, Yamtuan Muda found a canoe. He made a wish, “If I am of true royal blood, the rain shall fall right now.” His Highness’s wish was heard and the rain dropped instantly. Yamtuan Muda ordered to row the canoe with all their might. However, the Rantaus were too hungry for that. They collided into a patrolling boat, startling everyone. 133

The Epic of Siak Yamtuan Muda swam to land. It was dawn and the searching party came found His Highness with their dog. Encik Amat lay down on Yamtuan Muda’s chest, hoping to die alongside with his highness. The dog came near, licked the wound of His Highness and then looked elsewhere, barking. His Highness hid inside forest for fifteen days. Yamtuan Muda’s brother Tengku Simbuk requested to leave the forest due to extreme hunger. Yamtuan Muda agreed, “We will leave our fate to the will of God.” Panglima Dalam also requested the same thing but was stopped by his highness, “Do not leave the forest as they might kill you.” “As long as I am not dead, I shall continue to serve as a royal servant,” replied Panglima Dalam. Panglima Dalam then accompanied Tengku Simbuk out of the forest. “If anybody asks about me, tell them that I am already dead,” His Highness ordered his younger brother. Tengku Simbuk walked to the riverside and met the Bugis. Panglima Dalam shouted and alerted them. The Bugis killed General Dalam and took Tengku Simbuk to Panembahan. Tengku Simbuk was then took to Panembahan’s boat with food provided by Panembahan. Tengku Simbuk and Muhammad Tahir was placed

134

The Epic of Siak differently. Tengku Simbuk ate only little food because he is missing his elder brother, Yamtuan Muda. After eaten the food, Panembahan asked Tengku Simbuk, “Where is Yamtuan Muda?” “Dead,” replied Tengku Simbuk. “Where is Yamtuan Muda’s relative, whose name is Tengku Akil? I heard that they are all together?” “Tengku Akil lived in Belitung with Tengku Berahim.” “How about Yamtuan Muda’s relative, Raja Akil, is that you?” asked Panembahan. Tengku Simbuk replied, “I am not His Highness’s relative. I am a citizen of Lingga, just paid by Yamtuan Muda to be his servant.” Panembahan then looked at their behaviour. “This is the relative of Tengku Akil,” said Panembahan. Muhammad Tahir cried, “Please kill me but do not kill Tengku Simbuk.” Panembahan took them to the Kubu. The news spreaded to Tuan Hasan and he asked Panembahan to hand over Tengku Simbuk but refused by Panembahan. Tengku Simbuk was handed over to Panembahan Sayyid Husain to be taken care of. Tengku Simbuk

and

Muhammad

Tahir

was

separated.

Muhammad Tahir was then executed. After that, Sayyid Husain handed over Tengku Simbuk to Sayyid Hamzah

135

The Epic of Siak from Tayan. Tengku Simbuk then lived with Sayyid Hamzah and was cared by Mr. Perak.

Yamtuan Muda in Disguise In the meantime, Yamtuan Muda was still in the forest, feeding Umbut as food. His Highness got a canoe and rowed towards Kuala Sapak. While rowing the canoe, Yamtuan Muda faced a pirate and was caught. “Why are you all injured?” asked the pirate. Answered Yamtuan Muda, “I am from Lingga, slashed by the people and my boat’s captain fled. I would like you to follow us as our boat’s captain.” The pirate was happy when he heard that. However, the pirate was hungry and he went to Kubu. “We shall not let our face reveal to the Kubus,” Yamtuan Muda told Encik Amat. The Kubus then go near to the pirate’s boat. “Did you saw my big boat?” The pirate asked them. “Your humongous boat had been released to Sikudana. Meanwhile, did you met Raja Siak? He killed Tuan Besar Idrus and gone crazy, “asked the people from Kubu. “If you got Raja Siak, you will be rewarded with three grands,” he added. “Yes. I got him but he was dead.”

136

The Epic of Siak The pirate was left unharmed and he set sail. The pirate was chasing his big boat. His Highness was relieved. The pirate asked His Highness, “Do you know the way to Sikudana?” Yamtuan Muda answered “Yes”. The pirate then made his way to Sikudana, going into the river. Just as the boat was rowing along the river, General Senang from Belitung saw them and the captain in his boat recognized His Highness. So he told his General Senang, “Yamtuan Muda Siak is at the pirate’s boat.” General Senang said, “Stop lying.” “I’m not lying. Of course, I saw him.” General Senang went out, calling the pirate’s boat. “Hey my friend, come on and visit my boat, I’ll provide you whatever you short of.” So the pirate went on board. General Senang was looking at Yamtuan Muda, he went down and gave him a hug. The pirate asked General Senang, “Why are you taking my captive?” “I thought you should know that this is His Highness Yamtuan Muda. You guys should get up to my ship first.” The pirate then went up to the ship. General Senang provided his highness and Encik Amat food while the pirate is provided with rice. After finished eating, the pirate asked General Senang, “Who are you guys?” General Senang replied, 137

The Epic of Siak “This is our master, His Highness who fought with Tuan Besar in Terentang.” “If I knew that, I would have got the three grand,” said the pirate. One of the Kubu asked me, but I am not acknowledged.” His highness said, “Don’t be sad my friend, if you follow me, I can help you with a ship and your expenses.” The pirate was happy to hear that. General Senang summoned Pangeran Aria to spread the news about his highness was under siege from the Kubus, Tuan Besar’s death and His Highness escaped. Besides that, Pangeran Aria was told to provide them with food and rice. Utin Salmah was also involved by providing them clothes. The ship set sailed. The Kubus then returned and spread the news. By then, a ship came, General Senang and ten followers set sailed to Belitung. When they were at the sea, General Senang’s ship was knocked by the other ship but General Senang escaped. He jumped into the Cerucuk River. They met His Highness’s father, Tengku Mahmud. At the moment, Sayyid Abu Bakar Rum was in Belitung. The Bruneis, Bendahari Sera’il who was called by the Kubus and Tengku Mahmud knocked against each other’s ship. His majesty had to move Cerucuk. The people of Brunei do not dare to follow and the Kubus 138

The Epic of Siak retreated. His Highness was called to receive nursing from Tengku Mahmud. His Highness then sat alongside with his father, Tengku Mahmud.

Sailing to Terengganu and Tabualih Legend once said there was a king, Tengku Musa, who heard a news about his son, Tengku Muhammad was a nuisance at Terentang released to Belitung. His Majesty set sailed to meet his son at Belitung and his little brother. After further discussion, Tengku Musa decided to bring his son back to Lingga. So, His Highness returned to Lingga. After returned to Lingga, His Highness met with his siblings and his mother. After a year, Tengku Muhammad and his younger brother, Tengku Deris wanted to sail to the straits of Palembang. His Highness set sailed. There was a letter from Tanah Putih written by Tengku Abdul Rahman to Yang Dipertuan Besar, saying that he was having a fight with Tengku Berahim and Tengku Salih died. Sayyid Ali’s letter came as well, the letter was handed to Yamtuan Muda, “This is my brother, who doesn’t hope for help from his brother. If he wanted 139

The Epic of Siak to take over anywhere in Siak, he can just do it.” Yang Dipertuan Muda then sent a letter to Sayyid Ali, saying that, “By now if you are still alive, please come to Siak. It is not your time to take over the ruler’s place yet; if you are dead, I will bring your daughter to Siak and will not treat her as slave.” Yamtuan Muda wanted to sail with Yang Dipertuan Besar but Yang Dipertuan Besar refused. This caused a misunderstanding as Yang Dipertuan Besar wanted to have a pirate as son-in-law. Yamtuan Muda then set sailed with three ships along with Tengku Deris and Tengku Muhammad to Air Hitam and into the river. One day into the voyage, strong wind had separated Tengku Mahmud from the group. He continued the voyage to Batu Buruk and met with Sayyid Kuning's servant there. Later, Yamtuan Muda stopped at Muntok to get some food and then set sail to Belitung. Suddenly, the boat started to sink while he was on the way to Punguk. So, the boat crashed at Galis and the journey was continued with a canoe. Finally, Yamtuan Muda reached Terengganu and met Yamtuan Terengganu. Yamtuan Muda decided to stay in Terengganu for few months. He stayed at Sokmah‘s residence, the place 140

The Epic of Siak where Yamtuan Terengganu and Tengku Puteri enjoyed their meal. Yamtuan Muda was idling throughout the period in Terengganu. After the windy season ended he decided to bring Sokmah, Tengku Akil and Encik Uri to continue the journey. They reached Belitung and met with Panglima Lintang. Meanwhile, Tengku Salim came and asked His Highness for a ride to Sekak. Yamtuan Muda continued the journey to Tabualih and met with His Highness's father, Tengku Musa. After that, Raden Keiling came and invited His Highness to stay in Tabualih for boat repairs. Then, Tengku Akil and Tengku Musa prepared for war.

About Tengku Simbuk Tengku Simbuk stayed in the fort, protected by Sayyid Hamzah. After Saayyid Hamzah and his wife passed away, Sultan Pontianak commanded Pangeran Ratu Othman to arrest Tengku Simbuk. He gave the clothes and money as a grant. Meanwhile, Encik Naya Mut came to meet with Sultan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You brought Raja Simbuk here?'', asked sultan.'' "I'll comply if sultan commanded me to do so." said Encik Naya Mut. Encik Naya Mut then travelled with Tengku Simbuk, meeting Tengku Mahmud 141

The Epic of Siak at Tambelan. Tengku Simbuk met with Datuk Patinggi. The Patinggi circumcised Tengku Simbuk. Tengku Mahmud and Tengku Simbuk then continued the journey to Sambas. There, they met Tengku Abu Bakar and Pangeran Anum and stayed in Durik.

Trouble in Belitung Pangeran Anum commanded Tengku Mahmud to bring Yamtuan Muda from Belitung. So, Tengku Mahmud went to Belitung to meet Tengku Musa and Yamtuan Muda. After that, Tengku Mahmud and Yamtuan Muda set sail to Sambas and repaired the boats. Tengku Akil followed his father, Tengku Tuha to Palembang while Tengku Mahmud made his way to Sambas. There, Tengku Mahmud met Sultan Sambas. Yamtuan Muda Siak stayed peacefully with Sultan Sambas. In fact, Yamtuan Muda wanted to revenge on Sayyid Ali because Sayyid Ali was undeserving. His Highness refused to accept that he had not been given any throne. Tengku Musa continued the journey with his son, Tengku Akil after boats were repaired. 142

The Epic of Siak They reached Palembang and met with Sultan Palembang. Sultan Palembang commanded them to take care of Kerangka Semail and to deliver a letter to Adipati in Belitung. So, they set sail and crossed Strait of Palembang and reached Belitung. The letter was delivered to Adipati. Tengku Musa and his son decided to stay in Belitung. Raden Jaafar came to Belitung and was informed that Tengku Salim was in Busung Ara Island. Without further delays, he went to Busung Ara Island with a strong line-up boats to attack Tengku Salim. Tengku Salim ran away with the merchant vessel. Meanwhile, Tengku Akil heard the roar of guns reverberated in Kuala Cerucuk, so he commanded servants to look for it. A moment later, his servant came and informed him of the fight between Raden Jaafar and Tengku Salim. Hence, Tengku Akil decided to sail upstream and brought along his father. Later on, Raden Jaafar arrived upstream. Tengku Akil met Raden Jaafar. "Where is Sayyid Abu Bakar?'' said Raden Jaafar." "He is upstream.'' said Tengku Akil. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kill him when you see him!'' said Raden Jaafar. Panglima Raja obeyed. After Tengku Akil heard about Raden Jaafar's plans, he went back and informed 143

The Epic of Siak Sayyid Abu Bakar. "Don't go! You'll be attacked by Raden Jaafar." said Tengku Akil. "We can attack him together." said Sayyid Abu Bakar. "We can't. Father and Raden Jaafar both carry the sultan's letter." said Tengku Akil. Sayyid Abu Bakar did not heed Tengku Akilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warning and stayed behind. Raden Jaafar's boat arrived. The servant came and informed Sayyid Abu Bakar the bad news. Meanwhile, Haji Abduladi advised Sayyid to run away. So, Sayyid Abu Bakar did so and built a fort. He worked together with the captains who followed him. Sayyid Abu Bakar's asset were all taken. Then, Raden Jaafar commanded Tengku Musa and asked for the assets of the Lingga people but Tengku Musa informed His Majesty that no such thing exists. So, His Majesty commanded the servant to repair the boat. After that, His Majesty boarded the boat, now fully equipped with armour. His Majesty set sail and continued his voyage to Palembang. Later on, he reached Tabualih and waited for the loan.

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The Epic of Siak War with Bugis Tengku Mahmud brought along Tengku Musa, Tengku Muhammad Tahak and Raden Amat set sail to Belitung. Tengku Mahmud reached Kuala Cerucuk while Raden Amat reached Kalamambang Island. There, Raden Jaafar's servant came and invited Tengku Mahmud to meet Raden. Meanwhile, the Keling people came and informed Tengku Mahmud that Raden and Panglima Raja actually planned to attack him. Therefore, Ketapang suggested Tengku Mahmud to run away with the boat prepared. Suddenly, a strong line-up of boats came from the rear to attack Tengku Mahmud. In consequence, Tengku Mahmud won against the enemy and continued the voyage to Tambelan. Tengku Musa came Palembang and informed others that Raden Jaafar was on the way to Belitung, he wanted to attack Adipati. Later, Tengku Musa continued the voyage to Muntok. He stayed there for two days and set sail to Retih. There, he met with Bandar Retih. Meanwhile, Tengku Akil continued the voyage to Batin Enam Suku. Then, he set sail to Ungaran and met with Ungku Muda's son, Wan Ku. Wan Ku invited him to continue voyage to Bulang. Ungku Muda commanded 145

The Epic of Siak Wan Ku to set sail with a strong line-up of boats to Riau and attacked Raja Ali Bugis. They were surrounded by the Bugis people while they reached Penyengat. Panglima Ralih Bugis Tuwajok constructed a fort with Ungku Muda. Meanwhile, Tengku Akil and his father, Tengku Husain sent reinforcement to help Tengku Musa fought against the Bugis people. The real war began. A bullet shot from the Bugis people ended Tengku Husain life. So, Tengku Akil decided to set sail and brought along his father body to Bulang and raised a memorial gravestone for him there. Yang Dipertuan Lingga came Riau and succeeded to persuade Raja Ali and Ungku Muda to reconcile.

Death of Sultan Yahya in Terengganu Tengku Akil continued his voyage to Tambelan, then to Mandah and stayed there for a month. Then, he set sail to Lingga to meet his family. His mother, Tengku Embung Besar brought the marriage of the prince Tengku Besar and Tengku Saedah to pass. After that, Tengku Akil and Tengku Adullah's son, Tengku Muhammad continued voyage to Rembau. 146

The Epic of Siak Then, Tengku Akil set sail to Terengganu after he knew that Yang Dipertuan Besar was there. He lost the throne and left nothing so he decided to stay in Terengganu. Yang Dipertuan Yahya passed away, his memorial gravestone was set in Sungai Dungun, Terengganu. Then, people from Selangor came and confessed that he was Yang Dipertuan's son. His majesty believed and recognized him as his son. After that, Tengku Jainal came Terengganu to meet Yang Dipertuan Besar and told him that he was his real son but His majesty did not want to acknowledge him. He was so upset, so he sent a letter to his mother, Tengku Embung and informed the situation to her. Tengku Embung sent a feedback letter with the truth stated. Yamtuan Terengganu became highly incensed after he knew the truth. In consequence, Si Lamat was summarily executed. Later, Yang Dipertuan Besar Yahya passed away in Dungun.

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The Epic of Siak Rembau Royal Wedding Tengku Muhammad and Tengku Akil set sail to Rembau. They met with Yamtuan Muda Rembau there. After that, they wanted to go back to the boats. Yamtuan Raja Akil commanded the minister accompanied them all the way into the boats. "Your Highness want to stay here?" asked Yamtuan Raja Akil. "My pleasure." said Tengku Muhammad. So, the head informed Yamtuan Raja Hasil the willingness of Tengku Muhammad. Yamtuan Raja Hasil was so happy. Then, Tengku Muhammad got married with Raja Khatijah. They enjoyed their marriage life. Later, Tengku Muhammad became the mastermind.

Tengku Akil's Trip to Lingga Tengku Akil informed Raja Hasil that he wanted to sail back to Lingga. So, Tengku Akil and Raja Umar continued sailing to Malacca after the boats repaired. There, they met with Bandar for loan. Bandar lend forty rial to them. After two days, Tengku Isya came to Malacca and borrowed keris from the king. Then, he sailed to Lingga. 148

The Epic of Siak He continued sailing to Belitung. There, he met with Tengku Muhammad Tahak and Panglima Raja who came back from the war. The Sekak people and lahut gathered together with Panglima Raja. Meanwhile, Tengku Akil commanded Kalang and Juru to look for gamat. His Majesty

arrived

Cerucuk

and

met

with

Tengku

father,

Tengku

Muhammad Tahak. Tengku

Muhammad

Tahak's

Mansur passed away in a boat incident when Sayyid Ali attacked Sambas. Meanwhile, Tengku Mansur's father, Tengku Busu passed away in Palembang, his memorial gravestone was set in Mangkula. Tengku Akil continued the voyage to Ara Island. Panglima Raja's servant came and informed him the demand for opium of Panglima Raja. Therefore, Tengku Akil met with Panglima Raja and sold the opium to him. Tengku Akil decided to stay in Ara Island.

Argument with Panglima Raja Tengku Akil had been staying in Busung Ara for ten days before he asked the Panglima Raja to pay for the opium. However, Panglima Raja says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to 149

The Epic of Siak pay; the demolition of the small pondok is my will!” Tengku Akil was angry after what Panglima Raja said. “I’ll agree with what you said for now. I’ll come again to collect the payment!” After that, Tengku Akil prepared to sail back to Lingga. They sailed for three days to reach Lingga and met up with a junk for trade. A few days later, his father Tengku Musa came from Retih and stayed in Mapar. Few days after that, Tengku Akil divorced his wife, Tengku Saedah gets married with Tengku Badariah, brother to Tengku Embab, the prince of Marhum Mangkat Di Balai.Tengku Akil stayed in Mapar with his parents.

Tengku Akil, Wanderer and Trader Tengku Adil brought Tengku Kecil Muda, prince of Yamtuan Muda, Tengku Sulung Muda and the prince of Yang Dipertuan Besar who died in Dungun to meet with Yamtuan Muda in Sambas together with the ship “Tukang Emas”. It took them six days to reach Murik and awaiting the wind at Serasan.

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The Epic of Siak Finally, Tengku Akil met his brother, Yamtuan Muda in Sambas after sailing for a few more days. His brother Tengku Simbuk also came from upstream to meet him and brought them home. After that, he met Sultan Sambas and stayed there for a month. He then headed to Tambelan with his brother and sister to deliver a letter to his uncle, Tengku Mahmud. Reaching Tambelan in three days, Tengku Akil met with his uncle. Tengku Muhammad Tahak came to an agreement with Tengku Akil. Tengku Akil married Tengku Hitam while Tengku Simbuk returned to Sambas as his wish. His father, Tengku Musa died after learning the news of his marriage with Tengku Hitam and is buried at Maparlah while Tengku Abdullah, his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister is buried at Setajam. Tengku Akil then sailed to Karimata with Tengku Mahmud on his new sloop. They met Pangeran Mangkurat there and Pangeran Mangkurat asked them to go Kayung but Tengku Mahmud refused. So, they kept on sailing for a few days more and reached Kotaringin. Tengku Mahmud met with Pangeran Ratu and his sister Tengku Dara there. 151

The Epic of Siak Tengku Akil continued his voyage after replenishing their supply of rice from Tengku Dara. He reached at the river and gets Kendawangan on board. They stopped by at Pulau Bawal before heading towards Belitung to fetch his sister Tengku Muhammad Tahak. After Tengku Muhammad Tahak received word that her brother is coming to her, she started to sail downstream, brought opium for her brother. They met upstream of the Cerucuk River. Tengku Muhammad Tahak gets four-hundred bags of rice from her brother and left all her loans to him before she went off to Palembang. After that, Tengku Akil stayed at Belitung for a year before he went back to Lingga.

Revenge of Tengku Akil Yang Dipertuan Lingga honoured Wan Ku as Temenggung and married to the princess of Raja Buntinah. After that, Tengku Akil arranged the marriage of his nephew Tengku Irang and Tengku Said. After the wedding, Tengku Akil sailed to Cerucuk, Belitung and met with Adipati. “I planned to attack Panglima Raja if you join forces with me since he upset your sister,” said Adipati. Tengku Akil replied “He caused my anger too. I will attack too.” 152

The Epic of Siak Tengku Muhammad Tahak prepared ten ships for the attack with all the traders following. At the same time, Sekak, Panglima Hitam and his oarsman rowed out to sea in an attempt to trick Panglima Raja. Panglima Raja fell for the ruse and sailed out to intercept the enemy. So, he went to Pulau Mengkungkung while Tengku Akil waited at Tanjung Ru. Seven days later, Tengku Muhammad Tahak told everyone about the time to attack will begin early in the morning. Next, Tengku Akil with many ships of the Kalang people encircled the ship of Panglima Raja at Mengkungkung. “Please forgive me! I was just following the orders from my lord,” Panglima Raja yelled in fear. Tengku Akil demanded pendings and swivel guns from Panglima Raja in order to let him go. One pending and a pair of swivel guns were given to Tengku Akil. Then, Ki Agus asked for swivel guns from Panglima Raja too, since he saw Panglima Raja giving a pair of swivel guns to Tengku Akil. Sulaiman was caught by Panglima Raja when he was trying to get the swivel guns from Panglima Raja for Ki Agus. “If anyone tries to attack me, I’ll kill you,” said Panglima Raja with Sulaiman in his hand.

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The Epic of Siak Tengku Akil and Tengku Muhammad Tahak drew closer to the ship of Panglima Raja to attack him with cannons. At the same time, Sulaiman jumped into the sea while Panglima Raja tries to stab him but to no avail. Then, cannon was fired by Tengku Akil. Panglima Raja also jumped into the sea right after that. His ship was commandered by the Sekak people. Tengku Akil took the ship, armed with eighteen pairs of swivel guns and gave to Adipati. However, Adipati wanted to take all the swivel guns for himself. This action caused anger of Tengku Akil. So Tengku Akil struck a deal with Adipati, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want your cannon back, hand me the swivel guns,â&#x20AC;? said Tengku Akil. Adipati then handed over fourteen pairs of swivel guns to Tengku Akil in order to get his cannon back.

The Story of Tengku Akil and Encik Wan Ahmad (Hamat) Tengku Akil returned to Lingga after his work is completed. Panglima Raja too fled to Lingga to seek the help of Encik Wan Hamat. Encik Wan Hamat is infuriated after he listened to what Panglima Raja told him. Therefore, they went to meet Yang Dipertuan Lingga, to

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The Epic of Siak ask his permission to find out where Tengku Akil was. “As you wish, Encik Hamat,” said Yang Dipertuan Lingga. A few days later, Tengku Akil arrived at Pulau Mapar on a sloop together with a cargo ship. After Encik Wan Ahmad knew the arrival of Tengku Akil, he came to him with four ships following on the next day. While Tengku Akil was still sleeping, four of his men had been caught. Then, Raja Usuh was arrested by blunderbuss. Tengku Akil wanted to get off his ship but Megat Inu stopped him. Later, Megat Inu received a command to meet Yang Dipertuan. Thereupon, Yang Dipertuan said “If nothing can stop this, we will be attacked by Orang Kaya, because he is not the one who attacked Si Akil. They attacked Orang Kaya at first.” “Yes, my lord,” Megat Inu answered. Yang Dipertuan commanded all the Siak people to go back Mapar and help Tengku Akil. Policemen also went to Mapar to stop Encik Wan Hamat from fighting. However, Raja Usuh do not want to follow the command, he still wanted to take Tengku Akil’s ship and ride on it although all his people against him. Then, the Mapar people yelled with sharp weapons in their hands, “Hey, Labuk people!

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The Epic of Siak Don’t you dare come closer to our ship, we will blow you all out of the water!” After that, Encik Wan Hamat also went to Lingga and met Yang Dipertuan. “What have you done, Encik Hamat? You went to attack Pulau Mapar! Don’t you know Si Akil and the Orang Kaya Megat Inu are not kinsfolk. If you and Si Usuh didn’t back to Labuk, I’ll kill you. Do you want me to start a war?” Yang Dipertuan scolded him. Encik Wan Hamat cried “I don’t want to disobey your orders, but Si Usuh.” “You’re under my control. Orang Sekak Belitung are being attacked and their boss is Adipati. So, why are we bothering? Is Belitung yours?” Then Encik Hamat answered “No, my lord.” Yang Dipertuan said “Well, better we step out of this.” Encik Wan Hamat agreed with it and returned to their place with Raja Usuh.

Tengku Akil Travels for Business Next, Tengku Akil moved to Lingga and builded a house there. After that, Tengku Akil sailed to Belitung and get some goods onboard before they sailed to Pontianak and sold sea cucumber and akar-akar. Later, he back to 156

The Epic of Siak Lingga again. A while later, his child was born and named Tengku Unus. At a later time, Sultan Mahmud was sick and passed away. Therefore, Tengku Akil went to Belitung for few days. He was then sailed to Palembang and stopped by Muntok before he back to Lingga again. Soon, after he stayed in Lingga for a few days, he started to sail to Belitung and stopped by at Muntok again. He was then being called by Pangeran Sarif Umar and brought him to meet with an Englishman, Kornil Iblis.

Tengku Akil Contacts the British During the meeting, Sarif Umar introduced Tengku Akil to Kornil “Tengku Akil is one of the kings. Sir, you may ask Raden Keling to come, Tengku Akil is his best friend.” “I’ll do so if you would like to ask him to come. We had been called him for few times but he never comes,” said Kornil. Tengku Akil replied “We can go for sure. But there’re two things we have to consider. The first is, we all are businessman, if we pick up the job for our friend, and our business will not be stable. And we actually have no responsible to help our friend. Second, what’s the 157

The Epic of Siak reason you want to call Raden Keling? If you want to ruin him, I’ll not go. But if you want to build a friendly relationship, then I’ll go.” And Kornil said “You can come and pick us up on tomorrow.” On the next day, Tengku Akil went to fetch Kornil together with Pangeran Sarif Umar. Kornil told Tengku Akil “Let’s go to get Raden Keling. We will not do anything to him, and you can help our company. In the end, our company may give you some benefits in return.” “Alright,” said Tengku Akil. He promised Kornil to help for eighteen days. Tengku Akil went back to his ship and sailed to Tabualih. At Tabualih, Tengku Akil met with Raden Keling, and told everything about Kornil to him. Raden Keling shocked “I’ll be happy if you want to bring me with you. No matter good or bad, I’ll accept it.” Then Tengku Akil replied “Don’t worry, we will overcome the obstacles together.” He continued and said “I’ll left my children and all my things here. Only my nephew, Tengku Said will be following us.” “Okay, bro,” Raden Keling replied happily. After their discussion, they prepared their ship for the upcoming journey. The ship was ready after ten days.

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The Epic of Siak So, Raden Keling sailed to Muntok and reached within a few days. One day after Kornil made his promise, he felt worried. He was scared of Tengku Akil or Raden Keling will kill him. So, he ran away and get Mejar Rabeson to replace him before Tengku Akil reached Muntok. When the ship reached, Tengku Akil and Raden Keling get on the ship and met Mejar Rabeson. “Who are you?” (Mejar Rabeson asked.) Tengku Akil answered “Is me. Kornil Iblis asked me to bring Raden Keling come. So, here’s Raden Keling.” Mejar Rabeson asked “What’s the reason that Raden took so long to come? We had been called you for three times.” Raden did not answer. So, Tengku Akil said “Raden Keling did not understand your words. I’ll help him to speak.” “Okay, you may help,” said Mejar Rabeson. Tengku Akil answered “Raden was scared of you might catch him. But now he came because I brought him here.” Mejar Rabeson asked “Did he sold lead to Pontianak people?” Raden answered “Yes, I did sell lead because I got nothing to eat. Palembang didn’t produce rice. Besides, I haven’t received any command from my Lord.” Then, Raden Keling gave Benggali people a ship. This made Mejar Rabeson very happy, and asked 159

The Epic of Siak why Adipati Belitung did not come Muntok. “We don’t know about this,” answered Raden Keling. Mejar Rabeson then told Raden Keling, “You may bring the warship with you to Belitung.” Raden Keling then said “If Tengku Akil not going with me, we are not brave enough to bring the warship.” So Mejar Rabeson asked Tengku Akil to help again. And Tengku Akil agreed to help. So Raden Keling went with Tengku Akil by the warship, Kapitan Rabeson. After all, Tengku Akil sailed to Belitung. Soon, they reached Pulau Kelamambang and Raden Keling asked to call Adipati. So, Raden Keling stepped went to get Adipati. He told him the warship and orang besar were waiting for him. Then Adipati followed Raden Keling to reach the warship. Adipati received the command to go Muntok. So, Adipati asked “Can Raden go Muntok with me?” “Raden Keling will follow us to Tabualih. If you want him to go with you, then you have to wait at here first.” “Okay,” answered Adipati before he went back. Tengku Akil then said “I’ll stay at Belitung for a month. You may dock the ship at Tabualih and go Belitung to fetch us after that.” “Okay,” said captain.

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The Epic of Siak Tengku Akil then brought a canoe before he returned to the sea. Arriving from Tabualih, Tengku Akil invited the Adipati on a trip to Muntok. Adipati asked for permission to fix his boat before leaving. Tengku Akil waited on the sea for more than two months. Adipati is still not ready to leave. “We still have to perform checks on our ship. You may go to Tabualih first and wait for me there. Tell Raden Keling to get ready.” Tengku Akil realized that Adipati would not go Muntok with him. So Tengku Akil asked the warship to return to Lingga. He sailed to Tabualih and met Raden Keling who has gone crazy.

Tengku Akil Feuds with Adipati Belitung Tengku Akil stayed at Tabualih and waited for fifteen days, Adipati never appeared. So, Tengku Akil sailed to Muntok and met Mejar Kot. He told Mejar Kot, Adipati Belitung did not come. Mejar Kot was so angry “That’s why we bring warship there!” Tengku Akil answered “I have to back Lingga first since the wind direction cannot bring us to Belitung.” Mejar Kot said “Don’t go for too long.” Tengku Akil answered before he sailed to Lingga “I’ll come back by ship after five months.” 161

The Epic of Siak After staying Lingga for three months, Tengku Akil received letters from Mejar Kot, twice, calling for him. Tengku Akil then sailed with his son, Tengku Said and met with Mejar Kot in Muntok after two days. Mejar Kot asked him to travel to Belitung to meet with the Adipati. “You will soon be a famous man in Belitung. If the adipati does not show up, we can attack them right away.” After three days, Tengku Akil sailed to Belitung together with Haji Deladi. They arrived at Belitung and went to the upstream of Cerucuk with a small boat. The Adipati took the letter from British and read it, and said, “I do not believe you. You are lying to me!” Tengku Akil became angry and said, “Why did you say that? If you lost faith in me, if you do not trust me anymore, it’s fine.” Then, Tengku Akil went back to the downstream. Tengku Simbuk and Si Enid arrived together along with the other three boats. Then the adipati reached an agreement with Tengku Jainal, Raja Lingga and Panglima Raya to attack Tengku Akil. Haji Deladi withdrew to Muntok with his people. He ordered Si Enid to go to Muntok and get help from Mejar Kot. The Tengku then went to Kelamambang Island while Tengku Jainal 162

The Epic of Siak decided to attack Tengku Akil. Tengku Akil had been awaiting Tengku Jainal's arrival for days, but he never showed up. So, Tengku Akil reunited with his people at Kuala Buding. After that, he moved to Sungai Sijuk, awaiting a response from his servant who had been sent to Muntok. Soon, after receiving Tengku Akil’s letter, Mejar Kot brought along his warships and soldiers to aid Tengku Akil. Unfortunately, they went through a lot of hardships along the way before giving up and returned to Muntok. The dignitary said, “We are unable to assist you anymore, why don’t you return to Muntok for further discussions”. Tengku Akil started worrying. The Adipati heard Tengku Akil’s predicament and was delighted with it. Still, Tengku Akil did not give up and he wanted to win, whatever might be the cost. There was a particular Minangkabau, Malim Bongkok. He had passed away and all of his properties had been dispossessed by the Adipati. Raja Hitam, Malim Bongkok’s son asserted his right over the properties but had been denied by the adipati. So Raja Hitam sent a letter to Tengku Akil detailing the humiliation that he received from the adipati, “Let’s fight the Adipati together 163

The Epic of Siak since I already had an agreement with the Minangkabau people of Cerucuk.” Tengku Akil prepared his boats. Then, they heard that the Adipati will attack from the sea while the Belitung people from the land. So, Tengku Akil said, “We will attack pre-emptively. If we give them time to prepare we are sure to lose for they are superior in number.”

War with Belitung Tengku Akil made the first move with his cruiser. On the sea, he said to his son, Tengku Said, “You stay here and command the cruiser. I will sneak in and face Raja Minangkabau in a duel.” Tengku Said said, “I want to be with you through thick and thin. If you want to fight, I want to be there for you”. “I want you to stay here as you are the only one that I trust. I will be fine, you need not worry,” replied Tengku Akil. There was nothing more for Tengku Said to say. Tengku Akil moved in with a rowboat. When they arrived at the estuary of the Cerucuk River, Tengku Akil commanded the ships rowed as fast as they could.

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The Epic of Siak After that, Tengku Akil arrived upstream and along with his supporters, the Minangkabau people went rampage on the Adipati’s people. Many of Adipati’s people die. The Adipati died by the hand of the Maharaja's scribes. When morning came, all of the weapons were loaded onto the boat and shared equally among those who fought. Then, all of the ships travelled downstream and awaited for attacks from the Belitung people at Tanjung Pandan. After nine days at the river bank, the Belitung people finally arrived and attacked Tengku Akil with their forty-one boats, all of them equipped with cannons. “Enemy attack!” shouted the people inside the boats. From land, there are four hundred people with swivel guns and weapons tasked to built a stockade. “Get on land and don’t let them build the stockade,” commanded Tengku Akil. Then all of the Minangkabau’s people got on land along with their weapons and fought with Belitung’s people. Then, Belitung’s people ran away. Tengku Akil drew his sword and declared war. As the night came, all fights had been over. “Tomorrow all of you must follow me and we will return the enemy's fire,” said Tengku Akil. When morning came, the helmsman betrayed Tengku 165

The Epic of Siak Akil and took Panglima Enid’s side. “Where’s our helmsman?” asked Tengku Akil. “He went to Panglima Enid”, replied Tengku Said. “Who else can take his place?’’ Everyone kept their mouth shut because no one knows how to handle the boats. “If there is no one else who can, then let me take his place,” said Tengku Said while standing on the top of the boats. “In that case, I will take care of our swivel guns,” said Tengku Akil. Suddenly, all the enemy boats surrounded Tengku Akil’s boats and begun their attack. The bullets were coming from all directions. Then, Tengku Akil moved his swivel guns and aimed towards Raden Ali’s boats. He looked behind and saw his son was steering their boats while standing. “Son, you should sit down while steering. Don’t put an unnecessary burden on your body.” Tengku Said replied, “This is me when I’m in war. We should fight together when the boat is near with the enemy’s boat. Let’s launch our attack on them.” After Tengku Akil heard his son, he drew his keris, warded off the enemy’s attack and commanded their boats to charge the enemy. The enemies all ran away and retreated to Lingga and Pontianak.

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The Epic of Siak In the battle, the enemies boats were chased down as they retreated and they held their ground when the enemy approached. They then, rode the winds from the land, away from the enemies. “We should set sail to Muntok,” said Tengku Akil.

Tengku Akil Makes Peace with the British Then Tengku Akil and his people arrived at Muntok and met with Mejar Kot. Mejar Kot greeted Tengku Akil. “I have killed the Adipati and his people. All of his belongings are with me and I wish to give it to the royal council,” said Tengku Akil. “It’s fine. You may keep them,” answered Mejar Kot. So then Tengku Akil and his people lived at Muntok with an allowance of 100 ringgit a month with two bundles of rice. When he lived there, the royal council also wanted to pay a seven hundred rupiah stipend to him but he rejected. After a year living in Muntok, Tengku Akil met with Mejar Kot and requested for permission to go to Belitung to give the royal council a hand. Mejar Kot did not give any response so Tengku Akil waited for a few days and then came back to ask for the second time. “We can go 167

The Epic of Siak together,” said Tengku Akil. “I’m afraid I could not go with you. Since the Dutch has returned to that land and the British no longer have any power towards that land, I can only supply you with weapons,” replied Mejar Kot. Tengku Akil prepared his boats after he took the weapons that been given by Mejar Kot. He sailed to Pangkal accompanied by Mejar Kot. As soon as they reached Pangkal, Tengku Akil continued his journey to Belitung while Mejar Kot sailed to Tabualih. When he arrived at Belitung, he moved to Tanjung Pandan. As soon as he arrived there, he built houses and settled there. After that Tengku Akil went to Muntok for food supplies and met with Mejar Kot for that matter. Then, Mejar Kot gave two bundles of rice and money. “It would be much better if you meet with the Dutch and have a talk with them. Bring along the seal that we gave to you,” said Mejar Kot.

Tengku Akil Makes Peace with the Dutch Tengku

Akil

went

see

Pangeran

Sarif

Muhammad’s and discuss his plans. Then, Pangeran Sarif Muhammad said, “I want to follow you if you are

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The Epic of Siak going to Betawi”. Tengku Akil replied, “I’m happy to hear that, Dad. I shall wait another three days and then we will go together.” Three days later, Tengku Akil sailed with Pangeran Sarif Muhammad and stopped at his house at Belitung to meet with his brother, Tengku Simbuk and their friends. Later, Tengku Simbuk with his nephew Tengku Said followed Tengku Akil to Betawi. While Pangeran Sarif Muhammad travelled on the same boat as his son, Tengku Sahak followed them from behind. After six days at sea, they reached Betawi and went to Kampung Pekojan then rented a house there. Hence, Pangeran Sarif Muhammad and Tengku Akil met with the British General and said, “The British higher-ups already gave us Belitung, why do the Dutch have the right to that territory now? Please tell them that Belitung belongs to us.” “Okay, let’s settle this properly. Why don’t you meet with their higher-up and give them our message,” replied the General. Tengku Akil and the rest went home with Raden Muhammad. Tengku Akil then went to the mayor to settle his issues. Mayor asked, “What can I help you with, Tengku Akil?” “This is a letter that I received from the British 169

The Epic of Siak higher-ups stating that Belitung’s belong to us,” replied Tengku Akil. The mayor went through the letter and gasped, “This is an official letter acknowledged by the British. I shall bring it to our leader”. Tengku Akil interrupted, “If possible, I would like to meet with your leader.” “Of course, I will inform him,” said the mayor. After a few days, Tengku Akil met with General Kalifah and he said, “Why don’t you have Residen Muntok’s letter?” “I didn’t have the chance to meet the resident. He wasn’t in the whole time I stayed at Muntok and I had to sail to Betawi,” said Tengku Akil. “I think you should discuss with Muntok’s Resident and return here since I have no details of that territory,” answered the general. So Tengku Akil returned to Betawi and watched Chinese theatre there. Tengku Akil then went back to Belitung with a Chinese girl. Tengku Simbuk also brought a Bugis girl back to Belitung. Upon arriving in Muntok, Tanjung Pandan Tengku Akil invited his comrades to meet with the resident. Unfortunately, his father refused as he wanted to go back to Pontianak. So Tengku Akil set up his boat and as soon as he is finished with his job, he set sail for Muntok. Then Tengku Akil arrived and met with 170

The Epic of Siak Tuan Inas, the resident. “Where have you been, I’ve been waiting for you since the people informed me that you want to meet me. I was worried,” said Tuan Inas. “Our boats got stuck at Selat Lipar and it took a long time for us to continue our journey. We haven’t eaten for three days.” Then the resident said, “Get some rest. You may move your boat to Muntok Asin,” Tengku Akil obeyed and moved his boats. After moving his boats, Tengku Akil met the resident and said that he talked with the Governor General about Belitung. “He told me that I should go to Muntok and meet the resident as he knows about the Belitung territory. That’s why I came here to meet you, if you won’t help me then I feel it would be better for me to leave,” said Tengku Akil. Then the resident replied, “Hold that thought, My Lord, I will send a letter to my higher-ups about this.” “I want to go with you if you don’t mind. However, I do not have enough money to eat, what would you suggest I do?” asked Tengku Akil as he is worried about his financial problem. “I will lend you two hundred rupees for two months and fifty catties of rice.” The resident also gave thirty riyal to Tengku Simbuk. Tengku Akil then built a house and lived there at Muntok. 171

The Epic of Siak Hence, the responsibility of resident at Muntok had been passed from Tuan Anas to Tuan Kemis. The resident required help to send rice to Tabualih and Tengku Akil willing to help him. After done his job, sending rice to Tabualih, Tengku Akil returned to Muntok. Not long after that, Idelir Menteng from Betawi also came to Muntok. Tuan Somesir had also been waiting for the arrival of Tengku Akil and Pangeran Sarif Muhammad. Cannons were shot in celebrating the arrival of Idelir Menteng along the sea to the bulwark. Tuan Kafrom a former Komisaris invited Idelir Menteng to his house. Thus, Tengku Akil stayed together with Idelir Menteng for a few days. Idelir then commanded Tengku Akil to send a letter to Pangeran Karmadirokja. Then Tengku Akil set sailed along with his son, Tengku Said. Arriving at Songsang, Tengku Akil met with Pangeran Karmadirokja, and then with the ministry of Sultan Muda. “May I know why you are here?” then Tengku Akil replied, “I have been command by Idelir Menteng to ask about whether the large ship is already here”. The ministry replied that it is not. Tengku Akil then returned to Muntok to report to Idelir Menteng. Then once again, Idelir Menteng commanded Tengku Akil to go 172

The Epic of Siak Sonsang. Tengku Akil went along with his son, Tengku Said. As soon as he arrived, he met with the pangeran and asked if the large ship is already here. The answer that he got was, “It will arrive by tomorrow.” So, Tengku Akil went back to meet with Idelir Menteng and reported that the large ship had arrived. Idelir Menteng then invited Tengku Akil to come along with him to Palembang. “Bring all the boats you have,” said Idelir Menteng. At that time, Tengku Simbuk had already left for Palembang. While Tengku Akil prepared the boats. Idelir Menteng then boarded the boats and sailed to Palembang. When they arrived at Kuala Sonsang, Tengku Akil joined Idelir Menteng on his ship. All the boats were then commanded to tow the large ship. When the ship arrived at Sonsang, they got on Sultan Tuha’s ship, the Kandapersita. They then sailed for nearly two days and two nights until they reached Palembang.

Tengku Akil as the Dutch’s “Keeper” Idelir Menteng went and toured the plant. Tengku Akil returned and fetched his brother Tengku Simbuk. 173

The Epic of Siak The house of an interpreter was given to Tengku Akil. Tengku Akil was the one who followed Idelir Menteng in Palembang, like a keeper. When the Pangerans of Palembang came, Tengku Akil and Tengku Said will stand behind Idelir Menteng, Tengku Akil on the right, and Tengku Said on the left. Both of them would only leave after the Pangeran did. That’s how Tengku Akil humbled himself to the Dutch. When Idelir Menteng met Sultan Tuha, he brought both of them too. At night, Tengku Akil would stay awake with Tengku Said, while Tengku Said would sleep on the chair. One night, Tengku Akil was out watching a Chinese opera. Tengku Akil and his son then spent time on a rowboat. Suddenly, some of the Palembang people houses were caught on fire. Idelir Menteng called for Tengku Akil, and when he finally came to Idelir, he was scolded, “Don't you go anywhere. We had a hard time looking for you. We hope you stay in Palembang.” One night, Pangeran Karmadirokja came to Idelir Menteng and said that Sultan Muda wanted to send a letter to the British in Bangkahulu, asking for help. The next day, Idelir called Pangeran Dipati to check if the news was true. Pangeran Dipati did not follow his 174

The Epic of Siak instructions and said Sultan Muda did not make that statement. Idelir Menteng then made a contract and asked Tengku Akil to check it. Pangeran Karmadirokja came to tell Idelir that the British was already at the downstream of Beliti. Ki Demang Wirasentik was asked to take them down and Idelir called for Tengku Akil. “Where is Demang Wirasentik?” asked Idelir. “He told me that he was going to kill the buffalo.” Then Idelir said, “You tell the ships to guard the downstreams of Ogan and Udik. We can ask Raja Simbuk to go upstream to check.” Then Idelir provided ships to Pangeran Natadiroja. Thus, Tengku Simbuk went upstream while Tengku Said went downstream of Ogan and Musi. After five days sailing upstream, Raja Simbuk got the news that the British was gone. He then passed the message to Idelir Menteng. Idelir then ordered Pangeran Dipati to ask Sultan Muda to sign the contract, but Sultan Muda refused. Idelir got mad and said, “If the sultan refuses to sign it, we will use the warship to destroy the city.” Sultan Muda then signed the contract. “Since the British has gone, you can have it,” offered by Idelir but Pangeran Dipati rejected.

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The Epic of Siak Disagreement with the British The next day, the British has gone. Tengku Said went back too and told Idelir that the British had entered Kota Lama. Idelir then called for Pangeran Muhammad. Tengku Akil was with Colonel Baker and the soldier kapitan on the boat. When everyone were gathered, they talked about it, “If they don’t follow our rules, we will surely start a war with the British.” The boats were anchored opposite the city. Idelir Menteng went to Pangeran Natadiroja’s house with Pangeran Muhammad. Idelir told Pangeran Muhammad, “You can start to gather our men first. Pangeran has told me, we have a lot of friends in Palembang. That is why we need to head to Palembang. For now, we have nothing.” So Idelir scolded him, “Because of you, I am humiliated. If you make one more mistake, I'll have you beheaded!” Idelir Menteng went to Pangeran Natadirokja’s house and told him, “Can you get Sultan Tuha? Tell the sultan to get ready. We will ask the soldiers to attack the British. If they won't obey our rules, we must attack them. Are you with us, Pangeran Natadirokja?” “My men and I are with you, Idelir,” he said. And Idelir went back to the plant. 176

The Epic of Siak Idelir Menteng called Tengku Akil and said, “Can you go the sultan’s city? If no British people follows you, we will attack the city.” Then Tengku Akil said, “Yes, we can help.” Tengku Akil went back and gathered all his friends, sisters and brothers. All went to meet Idelir Menteng with their weapons, swords and shields. Idelir Menteng was happy to see them. “Glad to see you, Raja Akil, and your fellow friends.” Tengku Akil rejoiced, meeting the sultan with Tuan Fandarwik, as well as his twelve soldiers. Kota Lama, the place where the British stayed, was cleared out. And the door was closed. Inside Kota Lama, there were four hundred Chinese and ten from Maskat who helped Sultan Muda. Tengku Akil said to Tuan Fandarwik, “We shall not let the Palembang people enter.” They let go of those who chose to leave Kota Lama. Tengku Akil was given food by Sultan Tuha. Idelir Menteng sent a letter to British and have a talk at the plant but they refused. After being persuaded for three times, only then they agreed. The colonel brought Tuan Fandarwik down to the boat. Everyone in the city jumped and ran away. Sultan Muda and his soldiers 177

The Epic of Siak protected the Kota Lama, not letting anyone in or out. The British soldiers heard that their colonel was caught by the Dutch and so they went back to Bangkahulu. Sultan Muda and the British colonel were sent to Betawi, while Sultan Taha was promoted as the sultan in Kota Besar. Idelir Menteng wanted to travel to the upstream of Belitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s river bank with the sultan. The sultan prepared fifty big boats and followed Idelir, bringing his son as well. It took them fifteen days of traveling to reach the upstream of the river bank of Beliti, and the British soldiers had just walked back to Bangkahulu. Idelir Menteng gave a letter to Mister Raffles before he went back downstream. When he reached Palembang, he saw Tengku Akil was there too. Then, news came saying that the British were coming with four hundred soldiers and one colonel, and they were already at upstream of Beliti. Mister Raffles asked Raja Pagaruyung to have a talk with Sultan Taha and Raja Minangkabau in Palembang. He was caught by the British at the upstream of Beliti. All Minangkabau people decided to knock down the Dutch there and the British started to move to Palembang.

178

The Epic of Siak Before he started to travel upstream, Idelir called for Tengku Akil and said, “You should stay at the river bank of Rawas, do not come with the British.” Tengku Akil then travelled with his son and Ki Demang Unus in two boats, reaching Selangor after six days. Demang Unus said to Tengku Akil, “We better talk to Bandar Dirokja, the Malay headman here.” Then came Bandar Dirokja and the adipati to meet Tengku Akil, “Why did you travel here from such a far place?” “I came here with an order from Sultan Tuha and the Dutch, to reach an agreement with you.” The adipati said, “We cannot decide this before the Dipati Selangor is here.” After a while, Dipati Selangor came and met Tengku Akil. Tengku Akil said to him, “We are here, ordered by the sultan and Idelir Menteng, to tell you that Idelir Menteng wants to travel to the river bank of Beliti to get the British. We hope you will allow us to pass through, who knows he will want to stay in Rawas.” The Adipati replied, “What else can I do for you?” Tengku Akil replied, “I would like to bring Bandar Dirokja to meet Idelir. It will be even better if you come along as well.” The adipati said, “I shall reach an agreement with the others. If you wish,

179

The Epic of Siak you can come to my village and have a look.” Tengku Akil said, “I would love to meet them too.”

Opposition from the Adipati Tengku Akil decided to travel to the upstream together with Bandar Dirokja. Upon reaching the village, a buffalo was slayed to serve the Minangkabau people. Not long after, Tengku Akil wanted to travel to the upstream of the Selangor village. Panglima Putih came to meet him and said, “You should not use this big boat nor the small ones for this travel. The water is running fast and the sharp corals might sink your boats. Tengku Said laughed and said, “Of course we know about this. We are the sons of the Raja Siak, not Raja Palembang. After all, we are familiar playing with the sea waves and the rivers.” Tengku Akil smiled, looking at his angry son. After hearing those words from Tengku Said, Panglima Putih quickly said, “We did not mean that, Tengku Said.” He asked Bandar Dirokja, “What should we do now?” Bandar Dirokja said, “I will take care of everything, do not worry.” Panglima Putih came to Tengku Akil and said, “All the Adipati and I have come to an agreement to serve you as our lord.” Tengku Akil then 180

The Epic of Siak said, “No one will want to hurt his adherents, not without the permission of God. Therefore, our travel to upstream this time, we shall not be afraid of anything else. After all, we are the descendent of Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain.” They started travelling, with two sampans. When they reached Selangor, they stopped across the adipati’s village. They waited for so long, Nibsi Bandar Dirokja got angry and said, “Why is there no one coming to meet us?” The Adipati asked them to take a boat to come across. Bandar Dirokja told Tengku Akil that he wanted to gather all the Minangkabau people at the court. And so Tengku Akil left. When the night came, Adipati showed up and invite Tengku Akil. Thinking that he might be called chicked-hearted, he then said to his son, “Let’s go.” Tengku Akil brought another man, who room, it was full of people and Tengku Said sat right next to the Selangor Adipati. The friend of Tengku Akil sat behind him. Everyone started to look at them and one of them asked, “Who is this whom sitting near you?” Tengku Akil replied, “He is my son, Tengku Said.” The Adipati was shocked and said, “Please come and sit near your father.”

181

The Epic of Siak Tengku Akil said, “Let him be since he likes to sit with you.” When the food was served, Tengku Akil said, “Let’s eat.” After the meal, Tengku Akil went back to the boat. Nibsi Bandar Dirokja came to meet him and said, “The Adipati already had an agreement with the Minangkabau people. But I am not with them, because for me, you are the lord for all Minangkabau people. Whoever wants to oppose you, they must cross over my dead body. Tomorrow we should go to the court and see what they do.” The next day, Tengku Akil went to the court with Tengku Said. “How do you feel now, my son?” Tengku Said answered, “Why would you ask that? Wherever you go, I will follow you with no regrets.” Tengku Akil said, “We were once a child of our fathers, then a father of our children. Before this, the Dutch were so far away. How can we predict what will happen?” Tengku Said then said, “When Idelir Menteng asked you to come to this land, he did not even provide you enough manpower and tools. Who knows you might get killed here? If we die here, who will ever notice? That is why, I do not wish to separate from you, my father. Those words from Nibsi Bandar Dirokja, you have heard them too. The Adipati on this land 182

The Epic of Siak wanted us killed. For me, we should live as long as we can.” Tengku Akil said, “I feel the same too, so we shall stay on this land.” After the talk, they went to the court, and was invited to be seated with the Adipati. The Minangkabau people finally said, “We already knew Tengku Akil will be our lord. For that, we will not go against him nor betray him.” When its noon, Tengku Akil went back with the Adipati and Nibsi Bandar Dirokja. After three days in Selangor, he went back to the headman’s

house.

They

got

letter

from

the

Minangkabau people from the downstream of Beliti, saying that Raja Pagaruyung was caught by the Dutch and they wanted to fight against the Dutch. When the headman asked for advice from Tengku Akil, he replied, “It

better

bring

you

Idelir

Menteng.”

Both of them started to travel back to Beliti.

Issue Regarding Raja Pagaruyung They finally arrived in Beliti after five days of travelling. Along with his son Tengku Said, Tengku Akil brought the chief to rendezvous with Idelir Menteng. “It 183

The Epic of Siak has been a while. Any good news?” asked Idelir Menteng. “Here is the chief, he wishes to see you”, said Tengku Akil. “A Minangkabau is being held captive by us. We should return him to his king. Whether it is good or bad, it is about the king and this chief,” said Idelir Menteng joyfully. His Majesty then said to the chief, “We better summon Panglima Perang too”. The chief replied, “If Your Highness is willing to compensate him, I am sure he will come.” His Majesty agreed to pay and the chief was sent to call for Panglima Perang as commanded. Later on, along with fifty of his followers, Panglima Perang came as summoned and asked, “What is your wish, Your Highness? Each and every one of us from Minangkabau wishes to avenge the humiliation that we have suffered. We have been humiliated. Even worse, our lord had to bear it too. Give the orders and we will assemble and deploy at once.” “I am the one who should be ashamed. I wish no fighting between any of us and it is beyond our capability to do so. We will have to take responsibilities if the captive are not released.” said Tengku Akil. Panglima

Perang

remained

silent

afterward.

Panglima Perang met with Idelir Menteng later. “The 184

The Epic of Siak captives are now released including the king and all the chieftains,” said Idelir Menteng. “I came here to ensure my lord’s safety,” said the chieftain to Idelir Menteng, who then replied “We wish for peace between our people and Minangkabau. It is all up to Tengku Akil for what we have to say.” His Majesty then returned to the ship along with Penghulu Bandar Dirokja and Panglima Perang. Upon arriving at the canoe, a meeting was held between the chiefs and Panglima Perang. Raja Minangkabau was present too. “I think we should finish this at once and stop fighting. I shall request this to my father,” said the prince of Minangkabau. “That is one thought to have, how about the others?” The company then agreed that they should all travel to Selangit as suggested by Bandar Dirokja because it would not be wise for Raja Minangkabau to continue the fight as his children and wife were still in Palembang. After the meeting, Tengku Akil met with Idelir Menteng, requested for compensation of the damages caused to the Minangkabau prince. Tengku Akil said that the prince will be brought to Selangit. According to their tradition, a buffalo shall be sacrificed and His Majesty requested three packs of opium to treat the guests. The 185

The Epic of Siak requests were granted by Idelir Menteng and was told by Tengku Akil that they will depart together with the prince on the next day. Once they boarded the ship, they informed Penghulu

Bandar

Dirokja

and

Panglima

Perang

regarding the matter. “Very well. Tell the prince that we will depart tomorrow,” said Panglima Perang to the chieftain. The chieftain then did as ordered and told the prince that His Majesty will be sent to Selangit. The prince agreed. Tengku Akil asked Idelir Menteng for the money to buy a buffalo and was given along with a gem ring, clothes, keris and a pack of opium. The next day, Tengku Akil and his son Tengku Said arrived at an orchard where they decided to take a rest. With the money given by Idelir Menteng they bought a buffalo and held a feast. The people of Minangkabau participated and everyone got their equal shares of the opium. Two days later, they continued their journey to Selangit. Halfway through the journey, Panglima Perang left without Tengku Akil and Tengku Said knowledge. When Tengku Akil reached Selangit, all the other chieftains were there except for Panglima Perang. Tengku Akil then asked, “Panglima Perang is not here 186

The Epic of Siak yet?” “Your Majesty, it has been two days since we last saw Panglima Perang back at the orchard,” replied the chieftains. “Perhaps we should discuss about this,” said Tengku Akil to Penghulu Bandar Dirokja, who then replied, “Perhaps he should not have done that.”

The Conflict between Idelir Menteng and the People of Minangkabau After Tengku Akil departed, Idelir Menteng too, went on his journey to the orchard where His Majesty had stayed before. Then came Panglima Perang who ventured through the woods and found Nakhoda Muhammad. Meanwhile, Idelir Menteng called for the troops to be prepared for deploy. Rumour has it that the people of Minangkabau attacked Idelir Menteng in Beliti. “Curse those savages, this is what they truly are. Treacherous and wish us humiliation!” said Tengku Akil furiously. With haste, His Majesty then travel to Beliti. It took four days for them to reach Beliti. Upon their arrival, Komandan Umut asked to land on shore as requested by Idelir Menteng. Along with

187

The Epic of Siak his son Tengku Said and four other comrades, Tengku Akil then followed the commander to Idelir Menteng. When Tengku Akil made his appearance on the field, all the Minangkabau people retreated at once. After two days on foot, they finally met up with Idelir Menteng. The news of their arrival brought cheers to Idelir Menteng. “Did the escort of the prince of Minangkabau went well?” asked Idelir Menteng. “I was in Selangit when I received the news that Beliti was under attack. I came here at once. And also Panglima Perang should not have abandoned the company without any notice. I would not have sent him if I knew he’d do that. All the chieftains have agreed that Panglima Perang is at fault here.” “Very well, we shall leave now, notify me if anything goes wrong again,” said Tengku Akil. Idelir Menteng personally escorted Tengku Akil and his comrades to the end of the river. There came Pangeran Semangus along with three hundred men and treachery on his mind, he spoke to Idelir Menteng, “I am here to escort our lord to Palembang.” “I am grateful for your help,” said Idelir Menteng. Pangeran Semangus also tried to persuade Idelir Menteng to join forces with him. “If we join our forces together, I can make Your Majesty as 188

The Epic of Siak the ruler of this region. If you’re not agree, just remain silent about this matter but do not work with the Dutch. They will not return to Palembang. I shall not die this year as said by my judgement.” said Pangeran Semangus. Those words were heard by Tengku Said. “You know nothing of His Majesty. For your information, we will do anything for His Majesty, whether it be down to the deepest oceans or up to the highest mountains. Even under the hill, all the districts shall be beneath His Majesty,” said Tengku Said. Pengeran dare not raise his face after being overawed by those words. He withdrew himself as he realised that he had overstepped his boundaries. Idelir Menteng then called for Tengku Akil and asked, “A commander named Pak Bakar wishes to help us in fighting the Minangkabau. He brought along a force of four thousand men. Should we accept the offer?” “Let us not trust any more deception,” replied Tengku Akil. “But according to Sinyor Bilem, he is trustworthy.” “How can Sinyor Bilem know for sure?” asked Tengku Akil. Three days passed. Pak Bakar came, along with thirty of Sinyor Bilem’s men. Idelir Menteng called for Tengku Akil. Pak Bakar was on Idelir’s boat when His 189

The Epic of Siak Majesty said, “Tengku wants you to take a vow if you really wish work for us.”

“Just like that Pangeran

Semangus, we must not trust him so easily. After we leave, ask him to stay in Tuan Sturler’s boat. What we know for sure now is that this man here wishes to wreck the Rawas delta area. Barricades are all set as command by Sultan Tuha,” whispered Tengku Akil to Idelir Menteng. After considering Tengku Akil’s advices, Idelir Menteng immediately called for Tuan Sturler and discussed about Tengku Akil’s words. After Tuan Sturler returned, Tengku Akil asked Pak Bakar once again, “Would you or would you not take on this vow?” Pak Bakar remained silent and said nothing. The next day, fight was heard and Pangeran Semangus was said to be on rampage. Tengku Akil asked Pak Bakar to go on to the land and see what was happening. “It is true. We were almost scammed by that fellow back then,” said Idelir to Tengku Akil. Then came Tuan Sturler, with his hands covered up in blood and wounds. “That pangeran we brought that day on the boat was a bastard. He attacked us. Luckily we have a sergeant by our side, grabbing his hair and stabbed that guy with a bayonet. We threw rocks at him until he took 190

The Epic of Siak his last breath. Everyone ran away after that,” said Tuan Sturler. “We know now, that pangeran was no good, same goes to that Pak Bakar. Nothing more to be said now. We should leave this foul land, foul down to the very heart just like its ruler,” said idelir Menteng. After their leaving to Beliti, the company arrived at Musi after traveling for one whole day. “Once we are at Rawas delta, we will be at war,” said Tengku Akil. With that, they sailed to Rawas delta. The area was fortified heavily with barricade on the either sides of the river. The commander was giving out order to the soldiers, a hundred of them on the left shore, another hundred on the right shore. As soon as they reach the shore, war broke out. Tengku Akil ask Pangeran Muhammad to charge the barricade together but the pangeran fell back instead. With his boat carrying canon, Tuan Sturler arrived at the barricade but his boat was crashed and stuck. With no other options, the men dived into the water but were all shot by gunfire from above. All were either dead or heavily injured. Meanwhile, the Minangkabau people were trying to board one of the boat but Tengku Akil noticed it. He 191

The Epic of Siak ordered his boat to head for Tuan Sturler’s aid. “Do not worry, we can lead a charge to the barricade. Tell the commander to cease fire,” said Tengku Akil. As ordered, the firing ceased. Then Tengku Akil turned to his son, Tengku Said and said, “You will come with me.” Tengku Said followed. Together with his son and five other man, Tengku Akil breached into the fort but all the guards were long gone. They killed those who were left behind and returned. As His Majesty returned, Idelir presented a glass of grape for each of them and start mocking Pangeran Muhammad for his cowardice, “You dare disobey our lord, you traitor! What had you contributed so far? You, useless old scoundrel!” Again, they set sail and move on until they arrived at a cape where they met Tuan Fabrisus and his brother, Tengku Simbuk, Tengku Clinik dan Tengku Mansor. The company just returned from a business trip and brought along forty soldiers. Idelir Menteng was overjoyed by the news. The next day, when they were continuing their journey, a boat carrying an order from sultan came to them. In the letter, sultan had ordered them to drive out any Dutch forces. Upon arriving at the capitol of Palembang, Idelir Menteng brought the letter to the sultan in order to find 192

The Epic of Siak out the credibility of that letter. “It is indeed our seal that was on this letter, yet I have never given out this order. Pangeran Natadiroka was the person in charge of keeping the seal,” said His Majesty. Idelir Menteng ask to leave afterwards, ordering the colonel of the boat to depart immediately. “No wonder we were attacked, letters with royal seal were sent out. His Majesty should not have done this,” said Idelir Menteng.

Tengku Akil Returns to Siak Words were sent out that Tengku Akil had returned. Tengku Akil’s sister came to met him. “I am so scared that we might not meet again! Everyone wanted you dead now.” Tengku Said greeted Tengku Simbuk and said, “We almost became the dinner for those tigers. There were enemies surrounding us. Her Majesty was very caring, yet for many moments I could not recognize her face. Then I told myself, “I shall not die by the hands of those Westerners.’” Tengku Simbuk answered, “Once I heard that you have escaped, we were terrified so we borrowed a boat and set sail to search for you. All the sailors row the oars so hard, hoping that we can reunite again. Even if we were to be dead, then together we must 193

The Epic of Siak be.” Tengku Simbuk cried whole heartedly. After the reunion, they each went back to their boat.

The Dutch-Palembang War The next day, Idelir Menteng ordered the colonel to stand guard at the sea outside the capitol of Sultan. The colonel placed a boat near the shore and another by the downhill of the capitol. The name for those boats were ‘Ek’ and the other ‘Endrak’. Idelir Menteng then asked Her Majesty the Sultan’s mother to summon the Menteri Yang Empat and his children, Pangeran Ratu, Pangeran Taib, Pangeran Judin, Pangeran Karmadirokja and Pangeran Kacung. “If His Majesty did not know that the ministers are bringing treachery, it is best that His Majesty stays in Betawi,” said Idelir Menteng. Upon receiving the news, His Majesty asked for a discussion with Tengku Akil but that was unable to be simulated as Tengku Akil has fallen sick. The Sultan said to Idelir Menteng, “If we ask for the pangeran at this very moment, he is sure to rebel against us. Let us act cautiously. No good will come of poking that hornet nest.” Yet, Idelir Menteng would not accept those words and summoned the pangeran anyway.

194

The Epic of Siak Once the rumour of exiling reached the pengeran’s ear, he straight away went to meet the Sultan, “Your Highness is like a lion, nothing can be done without the power from its claws. I shall fight as Your Highness would not do anything.” Not a word was spoken by the Sultan. Pangeran was fully prepared to launch an attack. As an immediate response, Idelir Menteng ordered a troop of two hundred men to stand guard at the capitol. None was to be allowed to meet Sultan. One day, a minister came to see Sultan but was later halted by the guards as he was reaching the bridge. The minister stabbed the soldier who was trying to seize him. The disturbance caused the soldiers from inside the gate to come out to stop the fight. Suddenly the canons were fired, and the royal guards started to attack. The boats were loading their canons to start the bombardment on capitol wall. With that, the war began. Idelir had prepared three rafts for Tengku Akil to send more soldiers to the war and Tengku Akil had been called for a discussion after he sent the soldiers across. Within one-hour time, the war ended and the white flag was raised. Temenggung Hassan came across and stopped at the side of the boat. He called upon Tengku 195

The Epic of Siak Akil and said, “Tell Idelir, Sultan is leaving the city, don’t try to challenge me, otherwise I won’t give chance to Palembang anymore.” Tengku Akil came in to Idelir and said, “Sultan went out to meet Pangeran Dipati and they are not allowed to have any battle with others.” Idelir asked Temenggung Hassan to send the letter to sultan, however, he refused to do so and said that he will only send the letter if that was Tuan Raja Akil’s order. Idelir was then wrote the letter to Pangeran Dipati and mentioned that, “If you want to take any advantages from the Sultan, you better meet me and we welcome you to reconcile with us.” Tengku Akil returned and passed the letter to Pangeran Dipati. Pangeran Dipati said, “They won’t let me go easily, don’t lie to me.” Nevertheless, Pangeran Dipati was persuaded by Raja Akil to meet up with them as Tengku Akil mentioned that the issue happened can only be solved with the help of Pangeran. Pangeran Dipati replied, “Well, I will make sure that there is a White resident to protect sultan so that His Majesty will let me go and meet up with you.” The news was brought back to Idelir Menteng and he agreed with the suggestion given by the Pangeran. 196

The Epic of Siak Tengku Akil went to Pangeran Dipati, again and asked him to perform his task. However, Pangeran refused to do so as it was already late in the afternoon. Tengku Akil departed to report the latest news to Idelir Menteng and said, “He will be here at 8 o’clock tomorrow to meet Sultan.” Tengku Akil and Idelir Menteng were then conducted a discussion on how to make a winwin situation so that a war or battle can be avoided. “You will never get Pangeran if you insist to get him by this way. Let’s take him down by using money, ten ringgit, will do,” said Tengku Akil. However, the suggested way was obviously not an effective solution as they had agreed that money will not be included in the discourse, “That is a deal.” said Idelir. Meanwhile, since all the soldiers of Kota Lama had returned to the plants, all the foods were not send to those who were busy to repair the gun carriage at both side of the city, preparing for the great war at day time. The war began when the Sultan’s city started to strike Kota Palembang. However, the city was not collapsed even when it was attacked by the enemies for three days continuously. All the Pangeran were proud with their achievement. Since they had won the war, the 197

The Epic of Siak Palembang people decided to incinerate the war ship. The situation became chaotic when the fire that set to the war ship was too garish. Tengku Akil followed them and witnessed the ship destroying process. He was then dropped by in Muntok with Idelir Menteng. Shortly, Idelir Menteng and Tengku Akil went to Betawi. As they were leaving, Tengku Simbuk became the leader of the five boats. An unxpected news about the Palembang people building barricade were spreading out and Tengku Simbuk, Tengku Said, Tengku Cilik, Tengku Mansor and Panglima Dalam Enit were instructed to go to the upstream of Kota Bangka in order to investigate the validity of the rumour. Another war began when a barricade was found built in Palembang. The war between Tengku Simbuk and Palembang started once they noticed that they were invaded by Tengku Simbuk. However, he decided to leave Palembang tentatively when his soldiers get injured after the three days battle. Resident of Muntok divided the soldiers and commandant into two groups, which included marine team and land route team when Kota Bangkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition was reported. They invaded Kota Bangka again and attacked their barricade until they surrender. 198

The Epic of Siak Tengku Akil came back from Betawi right after the war ended and told Tengku Simbuk that a boat reached and started to attack the marine general of Selub Banah. All people were glad when they saw Tengku Akil. Tengku Simbuk’s sister said, “Your son and I will be the karwis.” Tengku Akil went and asked Colonel Kil to replace Residen Somesir as he had been killed by Bangka people at Sungai Liat. The colonel came and asked Tengku, “Who comes with you, Tengku?” Tengku answered, “I come with the boat leader from Palembang. Since all the boats are anchored in Palembang, we are able to go to Muntok. The karwis was called to find Arina Marina boat at Kuala Jebus. We walked from Penjalin by land route and turned into Muntok, however, karwis refused to stay in Muntok.” The resident went silent. Commandant Karwis came to Muntok once he get knew that Tengku Akil was back. Tengku Akil asked Karwis when they met up at Muntok. “Why are you staying in Muntok? We will not use land route if we knew it earlier,” said Tengku Akil. Commandant Karwis was then told Tengku that it was a better way for him to stay at Muntok. Therefore, Idelir Menteng came to Muntok. Tengku Akil was then called by the resident to order five 199

The Epic of Siak boat leaders to guard at Palembang’s confluence and attack Selub Banah. Tengku Akil assigned his third son and Tengku Simbuk to bring along five boat leaders to guard at the confluence and Tengku Simbuk was appointed to be the commandant to lead boat leaders. At the first half month, Selub Banah was called by Idelir Menteng when he entered Palembang. However, Tengku Akil followed him when he was to enter Palembang again. Tengku Simbuk decided to pass back the command to Tengku Akil when they met up in Palembang. He informed Sekub Banah that they were no longer commanding on all the boats, as all the power will be returned to Tengku Akil. Sekub Banah called upon Tengku Akil and wanted to assign a person who was good in epistolary. Tengku Akil called up his son and said, “This is my son, Tengku Said.” Sekub Banah asked, “Are you secrecy,” and he answered, “Yes, I am. I may help you to keep secret.” Sekub Banah told Tengku Said their main purpose was to report to sultan on what had been done by Tuan Menteng in Palembang so that Sultan may fight with him if needed. “If we are allowed to do so, for sure we will find the best solution to Palembang,” said Sekub 200

The Epic of Siak Banah. He was then asked Ki Demang Unus to bring the letter to see the Sultan. Ki Demang Unus told Sekub Banah not to blame on him if he is being arrested by Sultan. However, he was told by Sekub Banah to send the replied message to him even he is being arrested. Demang Unus started his journey together with all the boat leaders, travel towards upstream of Palembang by a small boat. In order for the boat to moves, Tengku Akil and the leaders from Jawa both travel together next to Demang Unusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boat while the sloop was followed behind them. Their journey was not as smooth as they thought it will be since they were bombarded by Palembang people along the paths. Tengku Akil and the sloops were separated to the different direction. The sloop which travelled to the left was attacked by the enemies. Four deaths and four injuries were contributed in the demoralization and the anchor chain was fouled. The enemies hide in the jungle when the sloop and boat countered-attack. After the fierce offensive, Sekub Banah ordered the boat leaders to check whether the barricade of Palembang people was built in the jungle. The team was then continued their journey for five days and reached the downstream of Palembang. 201

The Epic of Siak The sloop checked the route and found that they only have one way to go through, the straits of Burang. All the boats followed the path and reached Kelambara Island after two days. They found few barricade placed at several place, included the middle of the river, the river mouth of Pelaju, and one more was built at Kelambara Island. The barricade at the middle of the river at Kelambara Island was built from bamboo rafts and were tightened with iron chain. Since the barricade built was too tough, Sekub Banah and the colonel decided to attack them after three days. All the sloops and boats started to attack the barricade at Kelambara Island on the third day, right after the incoming tide. Sekub Banah decided to retreat after the three â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battle but his decision was being denied by the Palembang people. They came with a small war boat and wanted to seize Arina Marina. Tengku Akil was helped by his team to protect Arina Marina from being seized by their enemy. After Palembang people retreated, Sekub Banah dealed with Idelir Menteng and asked him to find for help from Betawi. The war stopped after three days. Sekub Banah moved to Muntok and ordered a war ship to stop at the river mouth of Songsang, while two 202

The Epic of Siak sloops were asked to guard at the river mouth of Palembang. Sekub Banah sent a letter to Betawi when he reached Muntok. The letter that called for Sekub Banah and Idelir Menteng was received after one month. Idelir Menteng found Tengku Akil and told him that they were required to go to Betawi. He said, “We are going to Betawi, how about you, tuan raja?” Tuan Raja Akil replied that he would agree on whatever decision that made by Idelir Menteng. Tengku Akil left after the discussion ended. An interpreter, Tuan Karseman came on the next day and looked for Tengku Akil. Tengku went to find Idelir Menteng and told him, “Sekub Banah are calling for us.” Idelir refused to go as he said he did not know what they requested for. Tengku Akil was then followed the interpreter and told Idelir that he will tell him the latest crossover. Tengku met up with Sekub Banah when he went up to the ship and a letter was passed by Sekub Banah to Tuan Karseman to be interpreted. “This is an order from the government general of Baron Fandar Kafilah. We plead for your cooperation to the government. We

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The Epic of Siak know that Tengku and son had contributed much to the government, but we hope to get help from youyou’re your son this time,” said Tuan Kaserman. Sekub Banah was then told Raja Akil that they have no reason to go against the needs of Tuan Besar anymore. “I may accept what had been requested by Tuan Besar, but, I want to ask for salary increment for my son, servants, and I,” said Tengku Akil. Sekub Banah promised him and asked him for the increment percentage. “I want to ask for five hundred rupiah increment, my son one hundred rupiah, my kindred one hundred and five rupiah, helmsman fifteen rupiah, and matrus twelve rupiah,” Tengku Akil replied. Sekub Banah said, “We agree to pay your salary as requested, we will pay your son and kindred on seventy five rupiah, but you have to pay on your own salary to the others.” Sekub Banah was then asked the servants to find for twelve boats and some people as well. At that time, Tengku Jaafar’s brother and Tengku Jaafar came from Lingga with Tengku Sulung. Right after all the boats and people were get ready, Tengku Akil told Idelir Menteng that they were required to follow the command from Betawi, to take the salary given and control the twelve boats ordered and Idelir agreed with 204

The Epic of Siak the action done. Tengku Akil prepared two hundred people and all the boats that were missing. After twelve days, when all the boats were ready, Sekub Banah gave order to guard from Muntok to Tabualih and to take down all the Palembang boats that go to Bangka. Besides, he also ordered all the people to give lesson to Bangka people who did not want to follow the instruction given. All the boats departed once everything was getting ready and stopped at Nangka Island to rest for three days. Meanwhile, they attacked the boats which approached Nangka Island. After attack their enemy, his highness entered Bangka Kota and take down a boat leader that travelled from Palembang successfully. Tengku Akil continued his journey to Menduk while Tengku Jaafar and Sulung can only enable to go to Nangka Island. However, Tengku Jaafar was forced to travel together with Tengku Sulung as his boat was destroyed by the strong wind. The will of Tengku Sulung to dominate Kota Beringin was not reachable due to the accident happened. Tengku Akil was waiting for him at Kota Beringin but it turned him down. Tengku Akil was forced to go back to Muntok since all the rice were finished. He discussed with 205

The Epic of Siak Colonel Kir regarding the issue of descending Kota Beringin. Colonel Kir promised him that he will send two hundred soldiers and Tengku Akil prepared boats to descend Kota Beringin, and they will start to attack Kota Beringin on the next day. Once they reached the destination, Colonel Kir discussed the best way to trounce their enemy with Tengku Akil, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll follow the best solution that offered by Tengku, we have no experience to fight in the jungle.â&#x20AC;? Tengku Akil ordered a sampan to look for the surrounding. All the river banks along the routes were found blocked with woods and they could not passed by it. Tengku Akil and his team was then chopped down all the woods to reach the barricade and prepared for the demoralization. The next day, all the leaders and soldiers got down from their boats with the gun carriage team followed at the back. They travelled all the way to the barricade and met up with the Palembang people at the barricade. Soon after the argument between both parties, Tengku Akil started to bombard the barricade and all the Palembang people. After one hour of demoralization, all the barricade were ruined and the Palembang people started to run into the jungle. After won the fight, Dutch 206

The Epic of Siak people started to build their own barricade at the same place, some soldiers were commanded to guard at Beringin while Colonel Kir departed to Muntok.

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The Epic of Siak

Glossary Adipati: A nobleman of corresponding ranking in certain other countries. Apilan: Thick boards on the hull of a ship that serves as armour against cannonfire. Bendahara: Also known as Prime Minister. They assumed the position as sultanate but the divisions remained only among the elites. Cap: An embossed emblem, figure, symbol, word, letter, etc., used as attestation or evidence of authenticity. Cembul: Container made of steel for putting areca nut or tobacco. Gambir: A herbaceous plant with that is used to cure various ailments. Gurab: Grab, a type of ship evolved from the galley, a ship propelled mainly by rowing.

The Epic of Siak Imam: A person that will lead worship services in a mosque. In Malay context, an imam will also provide religious guidance and may serve as a community leader. Impalement: An act of execution in the feudal Malay era. Jelatang: A type of plant. Joget: A type of traditional Malay dance. Keris: A Malay or Indonesian dagger with a wavy blade. Khatib: A person who delivers a sermon during Friday prayer and Eid prayers. Kici: Brig, a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. Kupang-kupang: A type of weighing unit of gold. Laksamana: A position within the armed forces, similar to the position of admiral in Malay sultanate.

The Epic of Siak Lela: Swivel gun, a small cannon mounted on a stand which allows a large range of movement when aiming. Menyembah: Bowed in obeisance / Bowed in homage. An act of giving respect in a royal environment. Nobat: A large drum; a type of band that performs during royal ceremonies, installations or burial. Pangeran: A prince or other male noble of high rank. Pending: Jewellery that made of gold and decorated with complex patterns. It can be worn on the chest or waist. Pinang: also known as Indian nut, usually consumed with sirih. Rial: A silver or cupronickel coin and monetary unit of Iran. Semboyan: A sign to tell something, i.e emergency (the sound of the horn, raising the flag, etc.).

The Epic of Siak Sepah: A type of gem (it has picture of roots or wood in it). Sirih: A species of palm `which is mainly found in the tropical Pacific and Asia (usually consumed with pinang). Sultan: A noble title to address the kings from the Malay Archipelago.

He also known as Sultan Abdul Jalil Syah Sultan Mangkat because he was killed in a carrier which was Dijulang: a carrier which was carried by a few people to the mosque for Friday prayer. His story was popular he was now known as Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang according to history carried by a few people to the mosque for Friday prayer. His story was popular he was now known as Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang according to history. Tabuh larangan: A large drum beaten when important occasion happpned.

The Epic of Siak Temenggung: An old Malay title of nobility, usually responsible for the safety of the monarch. Tepak: A type of large drum beaten when important occasion happen.