Ki Ageng Pandan Aran II as the first Regent of Semarang

1547

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Caption Bahasa Indonesia

On 2 May 1547 , Sultan Adiwijaya (or Jaka Tingkir of the Pajang Kingdom) promoted Semarang to regency status and appointed Ki Ageng Pandan Arang II as Regent of Semarang. The appointment was on the advice of Sunan Kali Jaga, the spiritual teacher of Sultan Adiwijaya.

More Information:

The chronology of Semarang's establishment during the period of the 14th until the 16th century can only be traced using traditional and secondary sources (scientific publications and books; Yuliati, Dewi, 2020; Budiman, Amen, 1978). Based on the reading and interpretation of Serat Kandhaning Ringgit Purwa KBG, vol. 7, the establishment of Semarang was initiated by Ki Ageng Pandan Arang, the son of Pangeran/Prince Sabrang Lor (Pati Unus), the 2dn Sultan of Demak.

It is said that around 1398 saka (Javanese calendar system) or 1476 AD, Ki Ageng Pandan Arang along with his son; Pangeran Kasepuhan left Demak. Ki Ageng Pandanaran and his son traveled southwest until they reached a fertile peninsula known as Pulo (Pulau/Island) Tirang (Budiman, Amen, 1978: 36-37). It is stated that in this fertile place, tamarind trees (Javanese called "asem") grew sparsely, on the basis of this phenomenon, Pulo Tirang thus called Semarang (Yuliati, Dewi, 2020; Budiman, Amen, 1978), and this story is what most people believe today and considered to be the origin of the name Semarang, although it has not been verified yet.

While living in the area, Ki Ageng Pandan Arang established an Islamic centre; a pesantren, with the mission of Islamising the population of Pulo Tirang, which was previously inhabited by Hindu and Buddhist natives. Gradually, the population of Pulo Tirang increased, along with the number of Muslims.

Based on these interpretations, it can be assumed that the establishment of Semarang City took place in concurrence with the process of Islamization and the expansion of the political influence of the Demak Kingdom, but the process of administrative formation was only carried out on 12 Rabiulawal year 954 Hijri or 2 May 1547 by the Pangeran Kasepuhan under the title Ki Ageng Pandan Arang II. Administrative power as a regent was given to Ki Ageng Pandan Arang II by the Sultan of Demak after Ki Ageng Pandaran I passed away.