Palembang history

Palembang is one of the oldest cities not only in Indonesia, but in all of Southeast Asia, with a history inextricably linked to the powerful maritime empire of Srivijaya. Sprawling across the banks of the mighty Musi River, the city has served as a key political, commercial, and cultural hub of the region for centuries.

Foundation and the Srivijaya Era

The first written records of Palembang date back to the 7th century. A stone stele found in Kedukan Bukit, dated to 683 AD, confirms the emergence of a major settlement here, which soon became the capital of the great thalassocratic (maritime) empire of Srivijaya. From the 7th to the 13th century, Palembang was the heart of this state, playing a dominant role in the history of the entire Malay Archipelago.

Key Factors of Development

The city owes its rapid rise to a unique combination of several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the Musi River, near its confluence with the sea, gave Palembang strategic control over maritime traffic through the Strait of Malacca — the most vital trade route between India and China.
• Trade: The city transformed into a bustling international port, attracting merchants from across Asia. Gold, spices, precious woods, and other exotic goods were exported from here.
• Political Power: As the capital of the Srivijaya Empire, Palembang possessed immense influence that extended across Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and parts of Java.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During its heyday, Palembang was not only an economic giant but also a recognised centre of Buddhist culture and education. The Chinese pilgrim I-Tsing, who visited the city in the 7th century, described it as a major scientific centre with a magnificent library where a thousand scholars studied. The city's economy was based entirely on the control of sea routes and international trade, ensuring its prosperity and wealth for many centuries.

Key Dates in the History of Palembang

• 683 AD — Foundation of the settlement that would become the capital of the powerful maritime empire of Srivijaya, as evidenced by the ancient Kedukan Bukit inscription.
• 7th–13th centuries — Palembang serves as the capital and main centre of the Srivijaya Empire, controlling maritime trade routes in Southeast Asia.
• 1025 — The city suffers a devastating attack by the South Indian Chola dynasty, leading to the weakening and subsequent decline of Srivijaya.
• 14th century — The territory of Palembang falls under the influence of the Javanese Majapahit Empire.
• 1659 — Following the establishment of a Dutch East India Company trading post, the Palembang Sultanate is founded in the city, becoming an important local political centre.
• 1740 — Construction is completed on the Great Mosque of Palembang (now the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Great Mosque), one of the city's main architectural symbols.
• 1821 — As a result of a military expedition, the Dutch capture the city, and in 1825 the Sultanate is abolished, placing Palembang under direct colonial administration of the Netherlands.
• 1942 — During World War II, the Battle of Palembang takes place, resulting in the occupation of the city and its strategically important oil fields by Japanese forces.
• 1950 — After the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, Palembang becomes the administrative centre of the South Sumatra province.
• 2018 — Palembang, alongside Jakarta, hosts the 18th Asian Games, which contributes to the modernisation of urban infrastructure.

Key Stages of Palembang's Development

The history of Palembang is a series of rises and falls, reflecting the changing of eras and rulers. Each period left its mark on the economy, culture, and urban landscape, shaping the modern metropolis. Below are the main milestones that defined the city's development path.

• Centre of the Srivijaya Empire (7th–13th centuries): During this period, Palembang was not just a city, but the capital of a powerful maritime empire. Its strategic position on the Musi River allowed it to become the main centre of international trade between China, India, and the islands of the archipelago. The economy flourished through control of sea routes, and the city itself became one of the most important centres of Buddhism in the region.
• Era of the Palembang Sultanate (1659–1825): After the decline of Srivijaya and a period of Majapahit influence, the city regained political independence with the founding of the Sultanate. This stage was marked by a cultural revival and the development of Islamic architecture. The Great Mosque was built, becoming a symbol of the city, while Palembang remained an important trading port, albeit with less influence than in previous centuries.
• Dutch Colonial Period (1825–1942): With the abolition of the Sultanate, Palembang came under the direct rule of the Netherlands. This period brought significant urban planning changes: colonial infrastructure was created, European buildings appeared, and the economy was reoriented towards the needs of the metropolis. The city became an important administrative and economic centre on Sumatra.
• Development of the Oil Industry (from the early 20th century): The discovery and development of oil fields in the South Sumatra region in the late 1920s and 1930s radically changed Palembang's economic profile. The city turned into a strategic industrial centre, attracting foreign companies such as Shell, and determining its economic development for decades to come.
• Provincial Capital in Independent Indonesia (from 1950): After the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, Palembang was confirmed as the administrative centre of the South Sumatra province. This provided impetus for population growth, the development of education, healthcare, and public administration, as well as the formation of a modern urban agglomeration.
• Hosting the 2018 Asian Games: This large-scale international event became a catalyst for unprecedented modernisation of the city's infrastructure. New sports facilities and bridges across the Musi River were built in Palembang, and, crucially, a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system was launched, connecting the airport to the city centre. This significantly improved transport accessibility and gave the city a modern appearance.

The architectural appearance of Palembang is a vivid reflection of its rich and multi-layered history. As a major trading port and the capital of ancient states, the city has absorbed Malay, Chinese, Islamic, and European traditions, creating a unique and eclectic urban landscape.

Traditional Malay Architecture

The foundation of local architecture is traditional Malay houses, ideally adapted to the hot and humid climate. The most famous type is the Rumah Limas, a wooden stilt house with a characteristic multi-tiered roof in the shape of a truncated pyramid. Such houses were built from precious woods and were intended for the nobility, with their multi-level floors symbolising social hierarchy. Another type, the Rumah Rakit, is a floating raft house, highlighting the inseparable connection of the citizens' lives with the Musi River.

Islamic and Chinese Influence

With the arrival of Islam and the founding of the Palembang Sultanate in the 17th century, the construction of monumental religious structures began. The jewel of this period is the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Great Mosque, built in the 18th century. Its architecture is a unique synthesis of several cultures: the main structure with a multi-tiered roof resembles traditional Indonesian buildings, the roof shape and decorative elements are borrowed from Chinese architecture, while some details and columns bear European influence. Chinese influence is also visible in the appearance of old shophouses (ruko) and temples, such as the pagoda on Kemaro Island.

Dutch Colonial Period

From the 19th century, when Palembang came under the administration of the Dutch, European-style buildings began to appear in the city. Colonial architecture introduced elements of Neoclassicism and, later, Art Deco to the city's appearance. One of the most iconic buildings of this era is the Kantor Ledeng — a former water tower which today houses the city hall. These structures are characterised by massive walls, high ceilings, and large windows adapted to the tropical climate.

Modern Architecture

After Indonesia gained independence, and especially in the 21st century, Palembang has been actively developed with modern buildings. The Ampera Bridge, built in the 1960s, has become one of the main symbols of the modern city. Large-scale infrastructure modernisation took place ahead of the 2018 Asian Games, when the Jakabaring Sport City complex was built, giving the city a more modern and dynamic look, connecting historical heritage with aspirations for the future.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Palembang

Palembang, one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, has given the world many brilliant individuals who have left their mark on history, politics, culture, and sport. Their destinies are closely intertwined with this city, which was once the capital of a mighty empire.

• Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II (1767–1852) — The last ruling Sultan of Palembang and a National Hero of Indonesia. He led the resistance against Dutch and British colonisers in the early 19th century, fighting desperately for the independence of his Sultanate. The main museum, the airport, and one of the city's central streets bear his name.
• Raden Patah (approx. 1455–1518) — A historical figure of immense importance, the founder and first ruler of the Demak Sultanate, the first Islamic state on Java. According to historical chronicles, he was a prince from Palembang, which underscores the city's ancient ties with other parts of the archipelago.
• Adnan Kapau Gani (1905–1968) — A versatile personality of the independence struggle era: a doctor, politician, actor, and military figure. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of Indonesia, was the first Governor of South Sumatra, and one of the founders of Sriwijaya University in Palembang. In 2007, he was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Indonesia.
• Joe Taslim (born 1981) — A modern actor and martial artist born in Palembang who has achieved international fame. A former member of the Indonesian national judo team, he became famous for roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as "The Raid", "Fast & Furious 6", and "Mortal Kombat".
• Mohammad Ahsan (born 1987) — One of the most decorated badminton players in the world in the doubles category. A native of Palembang, he is a three-time world champion, winner of the Asian Games, and a multiple medalist of prestigious international tournaments, bringing glory to his hometown and country on the global sports stage.