Tanjung Pinang history

Foundation and First Mentions

The historical journey of the city of Tanjung Pinang spans several centuries. Its name literally translates as "Cape of the Areca Palm," referring to the characteristic coastal vegetation that served as a landmark for seafarers. Initially, the settlement developed as a strategic outpost, gaining particular significance after the fall of Malacca in the early 16th century. The history of the city is inextricably linked to the development of Malay civilization in the territory now occupied by Indonesia.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant regional center was driven by a number of strategic advantages:

• Geographical Location: The city is located on Bintan Island, in close proximity to the busy sea routes connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
• Political Status: Tanjung Pinang long served as the administrative and command center for the powerful Johor-Riau Sultanate, and later the Riau-Lingga Sultanate.
• Protected Harbor: The natural features of the coastline allowed ships to moor safely, which facilitated the development of port infrastructure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the moment of its foundation, the city formed as a multicultural trading hub. The early economy was built on the maritime trade of spices, textiles, and ceramics, as well as fishing. In addition to the indigenous Malay population, Bugis people and Chinese merchants, who established their communities here, played an important role in the city's development. The region also became famous as the cradle of classical Malay literature and language.

Key Historical Milestones

• Early 16th Century: After the fall of Malacca, the region becomes an important center of Malay culture and trade, attracting refugees and merchants.
• 1722: Strengthening influence of the Bugis people, who established themselves on the neighboring Penyengat Island and became Viceroys of the Sultanate.
• 1784: The famous battle in Ketapang Bay led by Raja Haji Fisabilillah against the Dutch fleet.
• 1824: The Anglo-Dutch Treaty divides the Malay world, and Tanjung Pinang falls under the Dutch sphere of influence.
• 1828: The colonial administration declares the city a free port, attempting to compete with British Singapore.
• 1911: The Dutch government officially abolishes the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, establishing direct rule over the territory.
• 1942: During World War II, Japanese forces occupy the city, using it as a strategic naval hub.
• 1945: After the proclamation of independence achieved by Indonesia, the process of integration into the new state begins in the region.
• 1957: The city becomes the first capital of the newly formed Riau province before the administrative center was moved to Pekanbaru.
• 2001: Tanjung Pinang officially receives autonomous city status (Kota), separating from the Bintan regency administration.
• 2002: The separate Riau Islands province is created, and the city is confirmed as its permanent administrative center.
• 2011: Opening of the new terminal at Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport, symbolizing the modern development of the region.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of the city of Tanjung Pinang represents a series of ascents, changes in status, and large-scale restructuring. Each era has left its mark on architecture, culture, and the economy, turning a former outpost into a modern provincial capital.

• Flourishing of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate (18th–19th Centuries)
  During this period, the city and the adjacent Penyengat Island became a center of Islamic scholarship and Malay culture. The significance of this stage is colossal: it was here that the foundations of the modern Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) were laid and masterpieces of classical literature were created, cementing the region's status as the cultural heart of the Malay world.
• Declaration as a Free Port (1828)
  The decision by the Dutch administration to open the port for duty-free trade became a powerful economic driver. This attracted flows of merchants from China, India, and the Middle East, forming the city's unique multicultural landscape and a lively trading atmosphere that is still felt on the old streets today.
• First Capital Experience (1950s)
  After Indonesia gained independence, the city briefly became the capital of the vast Riau province. Although the administrative center was later moved, this period confirmed the city's strategic importance and contributed to the development of primary state infrastructure.
• Gaining City Autonomy (2001)
  Separation into a distinct administrative unit (Kota) allowed local authorities to manage the budget and planning independently. This launched urban planning reforms aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens and modernizing public services.
• Status as Capital of Riau Islands Province (2002)
  A key event in recent history that led to a construction boom. The transfer of the new province's administrative center here led to the erection of a government complex on Dompak Island, the construction of bridges, and the expansion of the road network, radically changing the face of the city.
• Creation of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)
  The introduction of a special economic regime in the 2000s stimulated an influx of investment and industrial development. This strengthened ties with neighboring Singapore and Malaysia, turning the city into an important logistics and manufacturing hub in the region.

The architectural appearance of the city of Tanjung Pinang represents a unique fusion of cultures, where Malay traditions coexist with Chinese pragmatism and the heritage of European colonization. The urban development of the city can be clearly traced through several key zones, each corresponding to a specific historical era, reflecting the rich history preserved by Indonesia.

The Sultanate Era: Traditional Architecture and Classicism

The historical and spiritual core of the region is Penyengat Island. Here, the architecture serves as a testament to the power of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate (18th–19th centuries). Structures from this period combine local materials with elements borrowed from Europeans and Indians.

• Style: A blend of traditional Malay style (stilt houses) and colonial classicism.
• Landmarks: The Sultan Riau Grand Mosque (Masjid Raya Sultan Riau), famous for its yellow walls and the legend regarding the use of egg whites in the building mortar. Ruins of palaces and forts made of brick and laterite have also been preserved.

The Trade Era: Chinese-Colonial Eclecticism

The old city center, adjacent to the port, was formed during the period of active maritime trade (late 19th – early 20th century). This area is characterized by dense development and functionality.

• Style: Chinese shophouses (ruko) and colonial architecture. A characteristic feature is the "five-foot ways"—covered galleries along the facades that protect pedestrians from tropical downpours and the sun.
• Urban Planning Features: Narrow streets, such as Jalan Merdeka, are lined with two- or three-story buildings, where the ground floor was traditionally dedicated to trade, and the upper floors to housing.
• Water Settlements: In the Senggarang area, traditional Chinese water settlements have been preserved, where wooden houses and temples stand on high stilts, adapting to the tides.

The Modern Stage: Modernism and Administrative Center

With obtaining the status of provincial capital in the 2000s, a new stage of urbanization began, focused primarily on Dompak Island. This area has become a symbol of administrative power and future development.

• Style: Contemporary modernism, monumentalism, and neo-futurism with elements of Islamic architecture.
• Landmarks: A large-scale complex of government buildings connected by wide boulevards, and the Dompak Bridge. A special place is occupied by the Gedung Gonggong building on the waterfront, built in the shape of a sea snail—a symbol of local cuisine and fauna.

Guardians of History and Culture

The city of Tanjung Pinang and the adjacent Penyengat Island became home to many outstanding individuals whose legacy shaped not only the region but also the cultural code of the entire country. Great thinkers, rulers, and warriors lived here, whose names are written in golden letters in the history that Indonesia is proud of.

• Raja Ali Haji
  Poet, linguist, historian (1808–1873)
  A national hero and one of the most significant figures in Malay literature. He created the first standard of Malay grammar, which formed the basis of the modern Indonesian language. His most famous work, the poem "Gurindam Dua Belas" (The Twelve Gurindams), is still studied in schools and is considered the pinnacle of moral-didactic poetry.
• Raja Haji Fisabilillah
  Viceroy (Yang Dipertuan Muda IV), military commander (1727–1784)
  A legendary warrior who led the resistance against Dutch colonial expansion. He died in a heroic battle in the Strait of Malacca. The international airport of Tanjung Pinang is named in his honor, and his courage became a symbol of the struggle for the region's independence.
• Engku Putri Raja Hamidah
  Queen Consort, political figure (late 18th – early 19th century)
  Wife of Sultan Mahmud Shah III and an influential ruler. It was she who received Penyengat Island as a wedding gift (dowry), turning it from an ordinary outpost into a thriving center of Islamic culture and literature. She was also the keeper of the sacred royal regalia, without which it was impossible to crown a new sultan.
• Raja Ali Kelana
  Intellectual, journalist, entrepreneur (19th–20th century)
  Grandson of Raja Ali Haji, who continued the family's educational traditions. He was one of the founders of the "Rusydiah Club"—the first intellectual organization in the region dedicated to publishing books and developing education.
• Raja Ahmad Tabib
  Physician, scholar (19th century)
  An outstanding healer of his time who systematized knowledge of traditional Malay medicine. His manuscripts contain unique recipes and treatment methods combining local traditions with Islamic medical practices.

Figures of the Modern Era

• H. Muhammad Sani
  Statesman, Governor (1942–2016)
  An influential politician who played a key role in the modern development of the archipelago. He served as Mayor of Tanjung Pinang and Governor of the Riau Islands province. He is called the "Father of Development" of the region for his contribution to modernizing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for the islanders.