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Majapahit: Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia's Greatest Empire
Discover Majapahit, the mighty empire in Southeast Asia that many have never heard of. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Majapahit kingdom reigned supreme in eastern Java, and its influence stretched far and wide, throughout present-day Indonesia, parts of the Malay peninsula and the island of Tumasek, now Singapore. Majapahit's army famously repelled Kublai Khan's invasion, and its formidable navy humbled even the renowned Portuguese mariners. Walk the bustling streets of Majapahit, a melting pot of aristocratic Javanese, shaven-head Brahmins, hermits in bark cloth, widows dressed in white, and Chinese, Persian and Arab traders. Discover beautiful temples and imposing palaces, and markets brimming with goods from all over Asia. At the heart of Majapahit's story are eccentric kings and queens embroiled in bloody family feuds, and a tipsy court scribe who has the good sense to write down everything he sees. Witness the drama of royal intrigues, murders, revenge and war. This is not just the story of an empire's rise and fall, it is an exploration of a society rich in religious diversity, social tolerance and artistic achievement, and a society - much like Indonesia today - which must navigate its way in the challenging tapestry of Chinese and Southeast Asian geopolitics.
366 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2024
About the author
Herald van der Linde
6 books18 followersHerald van der Linde has traveled, lived, and worked in Indonesia and Hong Kong since the '90s. Married to an Indonesian, he is passionate about the social and cultural history of Indonesia and is the author of Jakarta: History of a Misunderstood City (2020), Asia’s Stock Markets From the Ground Up (2021), and Majapahit: Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia’s Greatest Empire (2024). He also co-authored A Very Good Year To Learn About Wine (2012) and A(nother) Very Good Year to Learn About Wine (2013).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 16, 2025
What an achievement. Akhirnya selesai setelah lebih dari sepuluh hari berkutat dengan buku setebal 431 halaman ini. Perlu diketahui bahwa sekitar seperempat buku berisi Catatan Akhir (semacam catatan kaki tapi ditaruh di akhir buku) dan Daftar Pustaka sehingga bacaan yang sebenarnya hanya sekitar 330 halaman. Tidak begitu tebal sebetulnya, tapi saya banyak membuat anotasi sembari googling sana-sini tentang ini-itu sehingga terasa begitu lama.
Ada dua poin yang saya tandai. Poin pertama tentang watak-watak para raja, patih, dan tokoh-tokoh dalam buku ini yang kemudian saya melihat ada kesamaan dengan watak orang Jawa. Lucunya, penulis di akhir buku juga kurang lebih mengemukakan hal serupa. Atau setidaknya saya menganggap bahwa watak para tokoh Majapahit bisa jadi percontohan orang Jawa masa kini. Penulis bilang, “Barangkali pola yang berlaku pada masyarakat juga berlaku pada individu. Sebesar apa pun perubahan yang terjadi pada masyarakat dan individu, watak dasar mereka sudah tertanam sejak mereka dalam proses pembentukan. Di Indonesia, dan sebagian besar Asia Tenggara, watak dasar itu adalah peradaban gemilang yang melahirkan Majapahit.” (halaman 330)
Poin kedua yang saya tandai adalah bagaimana orang-orang Majapahit berlaku pada perempuan. Atau mungkin bisa juga dibilang bagaimana perempuan ditakdirkan pada masa itu. Ada yang diculik dan dipaksa menikah, ada yang jadi upeti atau hadiah kerajaan, ada yang dinikahkan dan dipoligami, ada juga yang menjadi suksesi intrik politik kerajaan.
Menariknya, menjelang akhir imperium Majapahit, ada seorang perempuan berpengaruh yang cukup berbeda, radikal, dan bisa disebut pembaharu. Ialah Ratu Suhita. Saat masih kecil, ia melihat selir-selir kerajaan turut melakukan sati (membakar diri karena raja meninggal) dan itu membekas dalam diri Sang Ratu. Suatu ketika Ratu menitahkan pembuatan candi yang tidak sebagaimana mestinya tempat suci nan sakral pada saat itu. Hal tersebut membuat para pendeta sepuh murka.
Saya juga menandai beberapa peristiwa sejarah dalam buku ini, yang mungkin dulu terdapat pada pelajaran Sejarah saat SMA yang membosankan itu, yaitu Perang Bubat dan Perang Paregreg. Peristiwa sejarah lain yang menarik dan saya tandai adalah cerita Ma Huan dari Dinasti Ming yang mencatat kesehariannya saat berkunjung di Majapahit. Saya juga menandai kisah Damar Wulan dan Panji-Putri Kirana yang sohor dan ternyata berhubungan erat dengan imperium Majapahit.
Banyak hal yang terjadi, termasuk perebutan kekuasaan yang mengorbankan nyawa. Ada sekian banyak raja yang disebutkan di sini mati atas dasar kekuasaan dengan bumbu intrik politik. Saya jadi merefleksikannya dengan kondisi masa kini, seperti yang paling dekat bagi saya yakni pada Kesunanan Solo usai Raja Pakubuwono XIII mangkat. Alih-alih mengorbankan nyawa seperti zaman dulu, para penerusnya yang terpecah dua saling bertikai dengan insiden-insiden yang terlihat jenaka bin ajaib.
Dari segi penerjemahan, buku ini hampir tanpa cela. Sungguh enak dibaca, layaknya novel. Saya hanya menandai satu saltik penyebutan tahun Catatan Akhir nomor 4 yang harusnya “pada 1429” tapi tertulis “pada 1329” pada halaman 379. Saya suka dengan kualitas cetakannya yang floppy sehingga mudah digenggam. Lebih-lebih, saya juga mengacungi jempol pada pilihan ukuran huruf yang tidak terlalu kecil dan margin halaman yang tidak bikin capek mata saya.
Pada akhirnya, ini sungguh buku yang kaya dan bisa ditelisik dari banyak sisi. Bagi yang tertarik dengan topik kolonialisme dan kemerdekaan, buku ini bisa menjadi tambahan bumbu referensi. Saya senang bisa menuntaskan buku sejarah berlabel “Prosa” ini. Semakin membuat saya yakin bahwa sejarah adalah fakta yang difiksikan tergantung pada siapa penulisnya dan bagaimana situasi dan kondisi saat penulis menuliskannya.
Akhirulkalam, saya ingin mengutip satu kalimat dari buku ini berikut.
Ada dua poin yang saya tandai. Poin pertama tentang watak-watak para raja, patih, dan tokoh-tokoh dalam buku ini yang kemudian saya melihat ada kesamaan dengan watak orang Jawa. Lucunya, penulis di akhir buku juga kurang lebih mengemukakan hal serupa. Atau setidaknya saya menganggap bahwa watak para tokoh Majapahit bisa jadi percontohan orang Jawa masa kini. Penulis bilang, “Barangkali pola yang berlaku pada masyarakat juga berlaku pada individu. Sebesar apa pun perubahan yang terjadi pada masyarakat dan individu, watak dasar mereka sudah tertanam sejak mereka dalam proses pembentukan. Di Indonesia, dan sebagian besar Asia Tenggara, watak dasar itu adalah peradaban gemilang yang melahirkan Majapahit.” (halaman 330)
Poin kedua yang saya tandai adalah bagaimana orang-orang Majapahit berlaku pada perempuan. Atau mungkin bisa juga dibilang bagaimana perempuan ditakdirkan pada masa itu. Ada yang diculik dan dipaksa menikah, ada yang jadi upeti atau hadiah kerajaan, ada yang dinikahkan dan dipoligami, ada juga yang menjadi suksesi intrik politik kerajaan.
Menariknya, menjelang akhir imperium Majapahit, ada seorang perempuan berpengaruh yang cukup berbeda, radikal, dan bisa disebut pembaharu. Ialah Ratu Suhita. Saat masih kecil, ia melihat selir-selir kerajaan turut melakukan sati (membakar diri karena raja meninggal) dan itu membekas dalam diri Sang Ratu. Suatu ketika Ratu menitahkan pembuatan candi yang tidak sebagaimana mestinya tempat suci nan sakral pada saat itu. Hal tersebut membuat para pendeta sepuh murka.
Saya juga menandai beberapa peristiwa sejarah dalam buku ini, yang mungkin dulu terdapat pada pelajaran Sejarah saat SMA yang membosankan itu, yaitu Perang Bubat dan Perang Paregreg. Peristiwa sejarah lain yang menarik dan saya tandai adalah cerita Ma Huan dari Dinasti Ming yang mencatat kesehariannya saat berkunjung di Majapahit. Saya juga menandai kisah Damar Wulan dan Panji-Putri Kirana yang sohor dan ternyata berhubungan erat dengan imperium Majapahit.
Banyak hal yang terjadi, termasuk perebutan kekuasaan yang mengorbankan nyawa. Ada sekian banyak raja yang disebutkan di sini mati atas dasar kekuasaan dengan bumbu intrik politik. Saya jadi merefleksikannya dengan kondisi masa kini, seperti yang paling dekat bagi saya yakni pada Kesunanan Solo usai Raja Pakubuwono XIII mangkat. Alih-alih mengorbankan nyawa seperti zaman dulu, para penerusnya yang terpecah dua saling bertikai dengan insiden-insiden yang terlihat jenaka bin ajaib.
Dari segi penerjemahan, buku ini hampir tanpa cela. Sungguh enak dibaca, layaknya novel. Saya hanya menandai satu saltik penyebutan tahun Catatan Akhir nomor 4 yang harusnya “pada 1429” tapi tertulis “pada 1329” pada halaman 379. Saya suka dengan kualitas cetakannya yang floppy sehingga mudah digenggam. Lebih-lebih, saya juga mengacungi jempol pada pilihan ukuran huruf yang tidak terlalu kecil dan margin halaman yang tidak bikin capek mata saya.
Pada akhirnya, ini sungguh buku yang kaya dan bisa ditelisik dari banyak sisi. Bagi yang tertarik dengan topik kolonialisme dan kemerdekaan, buku ini bisa menjadi tambahan bumbu referensi. Saya senang bisa menuntaskan buku sejarah berlabel “Prosa” ini. Semakin membuat saya yakin bahwa sejarah adalah fakta yang difiksikan tergantung pada siapa penulisnya dan bagaimana situasi dan kondisi saat penulis menuliskannya.
Akhirulkalam, saya ingin mengutip satu kalimat dari buku ini berikut.
“Seperti semua legenda, semakin redup dalam ingatan, semakin besar wibawanya, dan semakin samar detailnya.” (hlm. 323)
January 7, 2025
I stumbled upon this book after listening to Herald discussing the book on Gita Wirjawan's podcast. The discussion on how Majapahit created a legacy we see now in a day to day Indonesia.
Today Indonesia is not that different on its diversity in religions, ethnics, even the dark side of feudalism still can be seen in work place, government, school, and even household.
This book made me understand a little bit more why we are the way we are today.
I never been this as ecstatic on history, as it was a boring subject back in school with dates and memorizing all the names. But Herald wrote a beautiful one which I was able to flip a lot of pages in one sitting.
As Indonesian, we should know where we came from and why we are the way we are today by learning history and this book provides it poignantly.
Today Indonesia is not that different on its diversity in religions, ethnics, even the dark side of feudalism still can be seen in work place, government, school, and even household.
This book made me understand a little bit more why we are the way we are today.
I never been this as ecstatic on history, as it was a boring subject back in school with dates and memorizing all the names. But Herald wrote a beautiful one which I was able to flip a lot of pages in one sitting.
As Indonesian, we should know where we came from and why we are the way we are today by learning history and this book provides it poignantly.
June 4, 2026
Siang itu, Raja Kertanegara memanggil para menterinya, dia duduk di balai kecil di bawah pohon flamboyan yang rindang. Dihadapan menterinya, ia berkata bahwa untuk menangkis invasi masif dari tentara Mongol adalah dengan menguasai Sumatera, secara khusus kerajaan Sriwijaya di bagian selatan. Setelahnya kita ketahui, Raja Kertanegara dari Singasari mencaplok Kerajaan Tanjungpura di Kalimantan Barat. Bahkan Bali juga masuk radar dari Raja Kertanegara. Itulah visi besar Raja Kertanegara untuk menaklukkan Nusantara.
Namun Raja Kertanegara lengah dengan intrik internal di kerajaan. Kediri yang terus menaruh dendam semenjak dikalahkan Ken Angrok, diam-diam melakukan penyerbuan ke Singasari yang dipimpin oleh Jayakatwang, abdi kepercayaan Kertanegara. Singasari tumpas, Kertanegara beserta petinggi kerajaan tewas, anak-anak Kertanegara dijadikan tawanan di Kediri. Namun ada satu orang yg luput dari incaran Kediri, Raden Wijaya, pendiri Majapahit yg kelak akan menjadi kerajaan terbesar di Nusantara yg melanjutkan visi besar Kertanegara menyatukan Nusantara.
Ringkasan di atas adalah awal dari sebuah kerajaan besar, Majapahit, kerajaan yang mempunyai peninggalan mengakar di denyut nadi orang Jawa dan Bali.
Majapahit karya Herald Van Der Linde adalah sebuah karya yang menuturkan kembali kisah kerajaan terbesar di mana intrik, pengkhianatan, dan peperangan dituliskan dengan narasi yang membuat pembaca tersedot ke dalam ceritanya. Van Der Linde menuliskan Majapahit dengan bahasa yg "nyastra", di mana membaca buku sejarah seperti membaca sebuah novel petualangan namun tetap tidak lari dari sumber-sumber primer dan sekunder yang ada.
Kelihaian Van Der Linde ini menurut saya mesti diikuti beberapa sejarawan yg memang ingin kisah sejarah dibaca banyak orang. Sebagai awam saya sangat menyukai buku sejarah bergaya "nyastra" seperti ini, mudah dimengerti dan membuat rasa keingintahuan saya muncul. Masih banyak yang belum diketahui dari Majapahit. Kerajaan yg begitu besar pada masanya tiba-tiba hilang ditelan zaman dan waktu. Jika saja filolog Brandes tidak menemukan Desawarnana atau yg lebih dikenal Nagarakretagama, mungkin kita tidak akan tahu banyak soal Majapahit. Nagarakretagama adalah sumber primer yg ditinggalkan oleh kerajaan tersebut, menyusul berikutnya beberapa prasati seperti prasasti Mula Malurung dan sumber sekunder yg sangat terkenal Pararaton (Kitab Para Raja).
Majapahit meninggalkan peninggalan yang mendalam dalam sejarah Indonesia modern. Sukarno menggambarkan Indonesia sebagai Majapahit modern. Bendera nasional merah putih mengikuti panji pasukan Majapahit. Semboyan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika berasal dari Mpu Sutasoma yg ada di pemerintahan Hayam Wuruk. Adat dan istiadat Majapahit terlihat jelas di pulau tetangga Jawa, Bali. Di sana kita seperti melihat miniatur dari Majapahit.
Di luar semua intrik, pengkhiantan, pembunuhan dan peperangan. Majapahit harus kita akui bagian dari sejarah kita yg melekat dalam individu masyarakat Indonesia.
Namun Raja Kertanegara lengah dengan intrik internal di kerajaan. Kediri yang terus menaruh dendam semenjak dikalahkan Ken Angrok, diam-diam melakukan penyerbuan ke Singasari yang dipimpin oleh Jayakatwang, abdi kepercayaan Kertanegara. Singasari tumpas, Kertanegara beserta petinggi kerajaan tewas, anak-anak Kertanegara dijadikan tawanan di Kediri. Namun ada satu orang yg luput dari incaran Kediri, Raden Wijaya, pendiri Majapahit yg kelak akan menjadi kerajaan terbesar di Nusantara yg melanjutkan visi besar Kertanegara menyatukan Nusantara.
Ringkasan di atas adalah awal dari sebuah kerajaan besar, Majapahit, kerajaan yang mempunyai peninggalan mengakar di denyut nadi orang Jawa dan Bali.
Majapahit karya Herald Van Der Linde adalah sebuah karya yang menuturkan kembali kisah kerajaan terbesar di mana intrik, pengkhianatan, dan peperangan dituliskan dengan narasi yang membuat pembaca tersedot ke dalam ceritanya. Van Der Linde menuliskan Majapahit dengan bahasa yg "nyastra", di mana membaca buku sejarah seperti membaca sebuah novel petualangan namun tetap tidak lari dari sumber-sumber primer dan sekunder yang ada.
Kelihaian Van Der Linde ini menurut saya mesti diikuti beberapa sejarawan yg memang ingin kisah sejarah dibaca banyak orang. Sebagai awam saya sangat menyukai buku sejarah bergaya "nyastra" seperti ini, mudah dimengerti dan membuat rasa keingintahuan saya muncul. Masih banyak yang belum diketahui dari Majapahit. Kerajaan yg begitu besar pada masanya tiba-tiba hilang ditelan zaman dan waktu. Jika saja filolog Brandes tidak menemukan Desawarnana atau yg lebih dikenal Nagarakretagama, mungkin kita tidak akan tahu banyak soal Majapahit. Nagarakretagama adalah sumber primer yg ditinggalkan oleh kerajaan tersebut, menyusul berikutnya beberapa prasati seperti prasasti Mula Malurung dan sumber sekunder yg sangat terkenal Pararaton (Kitab Para Raja).
Majapahit meninggalkan peninggalan yang mendalam dalam sejarah Indonesia modern. Sukarno menggambarkan Indonesia sebagai Majapahit modern. Bendera nasional merah putih mengikuti panji pasukan Majapahit. Semboyan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika berasal dari Mpu Sutasoma yg ada di pemerintahan Hayam Wuruk. Adat dan istiadat Majapahit terlihat jelas di pulau tetangga Jawa, Bali. Di sana kita seperti melihat miniatur dari Majapahit.
Di luar semua intrik, pengkhiantan, pembunuhan dan peperangan. Majapahit harus kita akui bagian dari sejarah kita yg melekat dalam individu masyarakat Indonesia.
December 12, 2025
This was surprisingly very readable. I have heard of the Majapahit empire before but didn't know the details, the kings and queens and what happened exactly. I really enjoyed reading this book, it felt light but it was easy to trace the lineage. I'm glad that the author didn't just list dates and events and who gave birth to who. Instead he made a story out of it with a lot of humor and memorable characters. If I ever need to read up on the Majapahit Empire, I will definitely pick this one up again. Some of the chapters felt a little redundant, especially towards the end, but I guess the author wanted to present all the important sources he found and what needs to be said about the Majapahit empire. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in pre-colonial Indonesia.
December 19, 2024
The most enjoyable book about Indonesian history that I've ever read. And I've read so many great books about this topic before. I simply can't recommend it enough: every Indonesian, regardless if you're Javanese or not, must read this. Full of amazing stories of so many interesting characters.
October 20, 2024
Why read rather than watch YouTube and movies? This book is one reason. It covers a fascinating part of history that you won’t see elsewhere. Some of the stories in this book are unbelievable - the double crossing of the Chinese/Mongolian troops at founding of Majapahit, and the bloody aborted wedding with Sunda. These are more dramatic than many movies, but they are real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2026
... in this narrative, Gadjah Mada, the legendary patih, is the 'hero of national identity.' To others, such as Acehnese and Sulawesian separatist figures, he was nothing but a Javanese aggressor in search of imperial glory at any cost....
i had mixed feelings after finishing this book, yet somehow i put this into my best read this year so far.
In school, the Gadjah Mada i used to know was someone who was brave and could unite the entire Nusantara (like almost half os Southeast Asia). Thanks to Queen Gayatri who made this happen!!
Through this book, i had to face a bitter information that the country kept from us: "An oppressed-to-be-united because GM felt the need to expand his power." Now I had a different view about him. But, the narrative "bangsa ini adalah bangsa besar" :D is kinda true, tho, until londo ireng takes the crown and abuses the power.
Oh now I know why Sundanese feels like isnt in Java while they are in, but this is another conversation that i would like to know further.
like a wise person said: "history repeat itself."
after the Majapahit downfall, the Netherlands came to Indonesia.
and there it was, another betrayal and war in cycle.
November 13, 2025
Majapahit feels like a book that reads like a bedtime story told by very smart parents—parents who somehow make boring history… interesting. It has just the right amount of fun, that can’t-put-the-book-down vibe, mixed with extensive, almost crazy-detailed research—yet you never feel like you’re slogging through a dry list of historical timelines. An absolute pleasure of a read.
The book tells the story of the Kingdom of Majapahit, the first kingdom that long ago managed to unite the entire archipelago between Australia and Asia—something roughly resembling modern Indonesia, though actually larger, extending its influence into parts of Malaysia and Thailand. This is a massive area, and yet Southeast Asia as an ancient civilization has been conveniently overlooked with the rise of Western modernity. The histories of great civilizations in this region were buried—conveniently—to support a narrative of inferiority, and the idea that locals were “naturally” suited to be ruled by colonizers. Of course, that’s a myth—but that’s a conversation for another day.
As an Indonesian who loves history, I’ve wanted a good book about Majapahit for a long time. The problem is: most are either painfully boring or full of myths my brain refuses to process. I wanted something written in the Western tradition—based on data, archives, artefacts; where dates and records are cross-checked and validated. And finally—that book I’d been waiting for arrived.
In this book, Herald van der Linde narrates Majapahit not just through chapters or eras, but through the writers who wrote about it. We begin with Thomas Stamford Raffles who—after discovering Borobudur—suspected there must be more in East Java. He never found Majapahit himself, but his curiosity paved the way for others.
We also learn that colonial authorities actively discouraged publishing anything about Majapahit because it could strengthen indigenous pride. Even when discoveries were made in the 1940s, the findings were buried so they wouldn’t fuel the independence movement. Only in 2008—long after independence—did major excavations finally begin. All of this explains why we know so little today.
Then Herald introduces us to Majapahit through the eyes of the royal poet Mpu Prapanca, who accompanied the king on his journeys—documenting everything he saw. It’s through Prapanca’s notes that we understand how Majapahit looked and functioned. We also learn about the kingdom from visitors from China and Portugal who traded there regularly—proof of just how cosmopolitan Majapahit was.
I was amazed. I didn’t know any of this. And if I’ve somehow made it sound dull, please understand: the book itself is nothing like my writing here. Everything is woven seamlessly, like a wayang puppet show. I could imagine the scenes so vividly, and I learned so much.
For instance, I learned that Majapahit had powerful queens—arguably wiser and more just than the kings—whom we never talk about in history class. (Although, on the flip side, I also learned that as late as the 1400s, widows sometimes followed their husbands into the afterlife, entering the pyre where their deceased husbands were cremated. I didn’t know patriarchy ran this deep on this land.) I learned that our technologies were not nearly as backward as I assumed. We had enormous ships—Jong—much bigger than Western ships at the time; sophisticated water systems, taxes, building technologies, and art. Yet we know almost nothing about any of this. I so wish I knew all this earlier.
Still, this book gave me hope. I’ve always remembered a passage from Bumi Manusia, where Minke is asked by his teacher: What have the Javanese ever contributed to humanity, when Western civilization has contributed so much? I’ve asked myself that too.
Have we ever contributed anything?
With this book, I’m convinced the narrative of our inferiority is a lie. We have built civilizations. We have developed cultures of tolerance and benevolence (and, yes, also cultures of deceit and power struggles). But we were never incapable.
Thank you for writing the book I wish I had while growing up.
The book tells the story of the Kingdom of Majapahit, the first kingdom that long ago managed to unite the entire archipelago between Australia and Asia—something roughly resembling modern Indonesia, though actually larger, extending its influence into parts of Malaysia and Thailand. This is a massive area, and yet Southeast Asia as an ancient civilization has been conveniently overlooked with the rise of Western modernity. The histories of great civilizations in this region were buried—conveniently—to support a narrative of inferiority, and the idea that locals were “naturally” suited to be ruled by colonizers. Of course, that’s a myth—but that’s a conversation for another day.
As an Indonesian who loves history, I’ve wanted a good book about Majapahit for a long time. The problem is: most are either painfully boring or full of myths my brain refuses to process. I wanted something written in the Western tradition—based on data, archives, artefacts; where dates and records are cross-checked and validated. And finally—that book I’d been waiting for arrived.
In this book, Herald van der Linde narrates Majapahit not just through chapters or eras, but through the writers who wrote about it. We begin with Thomas Stamford Raffles who—after discovering Borobudur—suspected there must be more in East Java. He never found Majapahit himself, but his curiosity paved the way for others.
We also learn that colonial authorities actively discouraged publishing anything about Majapahit because it could strengthen indigenous pride. Even when discoveries were made in the 1940s, the findings were buried so they wouldn’t fuel the independence movement. Only in 2008—long after independence—did major excavations finally begin. All of this explains why we know so little today.
Then Herald introduces us to Majapahit through the eyes of the royal poet Mpu Prapanca, who accompanied the king on his journeys—documenting everything he saw. It’s through Prapanca’s notes that we understand how Majapahit looked and functioned. We also learn about the kingdom from visitors from China and Portugal who traded there regularly—proof of just how cosmopolitan Majapahit was.
I was amazed. I didn’t know any of this. And if I’ve somehow made it sound dull, please understand: the book itself is nothing like my writing here. Everything is woven seamlessly, like a wayang puppet show. I could imagine the scenes so vividly, and I learned so much.
For instance, I learned that Majapahit had powerful queens—arguably wiser and more just than the kings—whom we never talk about in history class. (Although, on the flip side, I also learned that as late as the 1400s, widows sometimes followed their husbands into the afterlife, entering the pyre where their deceased husbands were cremated. I didn’t know patriarchy ran this deep on this land.) I learned that our technologies were not nearly as backward as I assumed. We had enormous ships—Jong—much bigger than Western ships at the time; sophisticated water systems, taxes, building technologies, and art. Yet we know almost nothing about any of this. I so wish I knew all this earlier.
Still, this book gave me hope. I’ve always remembered a passage from Bumi Manusia, where Minke is asked by his teacher: What have the Javanese ever contributed to humanity, when Western civilization has contributed so much? I’ve asked myself that too.
Have we ever contributed anything?
With this book, I’m convinced the narrative of our inferiority is a lie. We have built civilizations. We have developed cultures of tolerance and benevolence (and, yes, also cultures of deceit and power struggles). But we were never incapable.
Thank you for writing the book I wish I had while growing up.
January 22, 2025
對於滿者伯夷(Majapahit), 印象中只是在初中歷史課中提到一兩次的古代爪哇島的印度教帝國。 跟馬來半島有地緣以及傳承(許多馬來半島上的統治者的根源)關係，生長在馬來半島的我， 對 蘇門答臘， 及古蘇門答臘的 Sri Vijaya (室利佛逝)， 相對而言會比較熟悉。所以偶然得知這本 《Majapahit - Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia’S Greatest Empire》的出版， 非常感興 趣， 就先上網預訂來讀。
《Majapahit - Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia’S Greatest Empire》的作者Herald van De Linde 是一位任職於滙豐銀行亞太地區總部的荷蘭籍首亞洲股票策略師。作者的太太是印尼人， 作者也通曉印尼語及印尼文化。 這本書是他花費三年時間撰寫， 2024年出版。 為了撰寫這本 書， 作者參考了大量的文獻(書中附有25頁的英文， 荷文， 印尼文， 中文等參考書目)。 所以 這本書雖然是以易讀的歷史小說方式來處理Majapahit 的興亡故事， 但是本相當有根據， 可考 的。 為了協助讀者閱讀， 作者還在書中提供了562條注解， 附上了Rajasa 王族族譜，人物列表 及歷史事故的時間軸等， 閱讀起來更是清楚， 更易懂。
故事從萊佛士爵士在1815年找到已經被樹林埋沒了的Rajasa王朝古城Singasari及Majapahit 遺 跡， 證實了Rajasa 王朝的存在開始。 之後的1894年荷蘭人在攻擊Lombok Island (龍目島)的 峇里皇宮時， 從舊文物中發現了滿者伯夷僧侶Prapanca所寫的Desawarnana (Negarakertagama)，才從這筆記中記載的Prapanca從老僧人得知的Rajasa 王朝的建立故事。
就像書名所寫滿者伯夷帝國(Rajasa 王朝在古城都Singasari 被破壞後， 遷都到Majapahit後， 大家以這個城市為帝國的名稱)， 故事充滿了陰謀， 背叛及戰爭。 這包括了兄弟之間為了奪嫡 而手足相殘、 背叛，暗殺; 為了鞏固王位的婚姻安排， 連太后「垂簾聽政」也曾發生。 跟敵對 的東爪哇的其他王國更是經常發生。 這還包括了跟元朝的外交磨擦， 割
斷元朝特使孟琪(Meng Qi)的鼻子， 引起元大祖忽必烈派艦隊遠來征伐。
元朝艦隊遠征滿者伯夷是我閱讀了書才知道的， 原來蒙古帝國不只是佔領了亞歐大陸， 還曾經 佔領東南亞的一些國家。 不過元朝的軍隊並沒有真正佔領了Rajasa， 因為來到爪哇時割掉特使 鼻子的國王已經被敵對的隣國Kediri殺了， 王城Singasari 也毀滅了。 他們反而跟那位Rajasa王 子合作, 協助王子Widjaya打敗Kediri, 建立起滿者伯夷! 取得勝利之後， 元朝大軍卻被滿者伯夷新 國王背叛， 被設計殺害而元氣大傷， 不得不班師回國。
Rajasa 王朝的建國者Ken Arok 不只是出生平⺠， 而且還是強盜， 強姦殺人犯。因為看到並喜歡 上絕色美女的Singasari土王后， 就請人鑄制一把特別的爪哇/馬來劍， 然後把劍借給一位好友 Kebo Hijo 讓好友把玩顯耀， 再用那把劍把Singasari 土王刺死。 這也成功的把罪推給了Kebo Hijo, 並奪取了土王后及Singasari ， 成立了Rajasa 王國。 當時流傳一個典故說Ken Arok 是印度 天神Brahma跟村女所生。 想這應該是像其他的王國創立者， 都想洗白自己的出身， 往往創造一 些跟神蹟或吉祥有關的事， 來證明自己的藍血(blue blood), 或天選之人。
接下來的幾代國王都儘可能證明自己跟Ken Arok的血統(royal blue blood)有關， 也儘量消除其 他有同樣血統關係的人來避免王位被奪取。 結果是血腥不斷的宮廷史。
滿者伯夷能夠壯大及繁榮， 主要歸功於成功的政治手段， 數位英明的統治者包括女王及當家的 皇太后， 強大的海軍，肥沃的火山土壤貢獻了豐富的稻米產量。 同時王室信奉印度教及佛教， 並用有這兩個宗教的宗教司， 協助王室維持及解決⺠生事務。重要的是滿者伯夷王國這種包容 性， 多樣性的態度， 使其對爪哇島， 以及周遭的島嶼那麼多的種族， 語言及宗教的接受， 促進 了印尼群島之間， 以及跟東南亞， 印度，阿拉伯， 元明清各朝， 歐洲列強的貿易，也提高了藝 術工藝。
作者Van Der Linde在書中有詳細的描述盛況時的滿者伯夷國， 建築， 花園， 居⺠的生活作息等 等， 可讓讀者感受到15世紀的這個東南亞帝國的盛世。
不過隨著更多的新港口如馬六甲， 淡目蘇丹國(Demak)的成立及興盛， 回教的傳入， 傳統貿易 航線的更改。 建立兩百五十年後的滿者伯夷最後也衰退， 被淡目蘇丹國所拼吞。 偉大的滿者伯 夷城也被破壞， 被時間吞沒。
這本書非常好讀， 曲折不斷高潮迭起的故事，作者簡易直接的文字， 加上很多的注解， 讓我讀 得愛不釋手。
《Majapahit - Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia’S Greatest Empire》的作者Herald van De Linde 是一位任職於滙豐銀行亞太地區總部的荷蘭籍首亞洲股票策略師。作者的太太是印尼人， 作者也通曉印尼語及印尼文化。 這本書是他花費三年時間撰寫， 2024年出版。 為了撰寫這本 書， 作者參考了大量的文獻(書中附有25頁的英文， 荷文， 印尼文， 中文等參考書目)。 所以 這本書雖然是以易讀的歷史小說方式來處理Majapahit 的興亡故事， 但是本相當有根據， 可考 的。 為了協助讀者閱讀， 作者還在書中提供了562條注解， 附上了Rajasa 王族族譜，人物列表 及歷史事故的時間軸等， 閱讀起來更是清楚， 更易懂。
故事從萊佛士爵士在1815年找到已經被樹林埋沒了的Rajasa王朝古城Singasari及Majapahit 遺 跡， 證實了Rajasa 王朝的存在開始。 之後的1894年荷蘭人在攻擊Lombok Island (龍目島)的 峇里皇宮時， 從舊文物中發現了滿者伯夷僧侶Prapanca所寫的Desawarnana (Negarakertagama)，才從這筆記中記載的Prapanca從老僧人得知的Rajasa 王朝的建立故事。
就像書名所寫滿者伯夷帝國(Rajasa 王朝在古城都Singasari 被破壞後， 遷都到Majapahit後， 大家以這個城市為帝國的名稱)， 故事充滿了陰謀， 背叛及戰爭。 這包括了兄弟之間為了奪嫡 而手足相殘、 背叛，暗殺; 為了鞏固王位的婚姻安排， 連太后「垂簾聽政」也曾發生。 跟敵對 的東爪哇的其他王國更是經常發生。 這還包括了跟元朝的外交磨擦， 割
斷元朝特使孟琪(Meng Qi)的鼻子， 引起元大祖忽必烈派艦隊遠來征伐。
元朝艦隊遠征滿者伯夷是我閱讀了書才知道的， 原來蒙古帝國不只是佔領了亞歐大陸， 還曾經 佔領東南亞的一些國家。 不過元朝的軍隊並沒有真正佔領了Rajasa， 因為來到爪哇時割掉特使 鼻子的國王已經被敵對的隣國Kediri殺了， 王城Singasari 也毀滅了。 他們反而跟那位Rajasa王 子合作, 協助王子Widjaya打敗Kediri, 建立起滿者伯夷! 取得勝利之後， 元朝大軍卻被滿者伯夷新 國王背叛， 被設計殺害而元氣大傷， 不得不班師回國。
Rajasa 王朝的建國者Ken Arok 不只是出生平⺠， 而且還是強盜， 強姦殺人犯。因為看到並喜歡 上絕色美女的Singasari土王后， 就請人鑄制一把特別的爪哇/馬來劍， 然後把劍借給一位好友 Kebo Hijo 讓好友把玩顯耀， 再用那把劍把Singasari 土王刺死。 這也成功的把罪推給了Kebo Hijo, 並奪取了土王后及Singasari ， 成立了Rajasa 王國。 當時流傳一個典故說Ken Arok 是印度 天神Brahma跟村女所生。 想這應該是像其他的王國創立者， 都想洗白自己的出身， 往往創造一 些跟神蹟或吉祥有關的事， 來證明自己的藍血(blue blood), 或天選之人。
接下來的幾代國王都儘可能證明自己跟Ken Arok的血統(royal blue blood)有關， 也儘量消除其 他有同樣血統關係的人來避免王位被奪取。 結果是血腥不斷的宮廷史。
滿者伯夷能夠壯大及繁榮， 主要歸功於成功的政治手段， 數位英明的統治者包括女王及當家的 皇太后， 強大的海軍，肥沃的火山土壤貢獻了豐富的稻米產量。 同時王室信奉印度教及佛教， 並用有這兩個宗教的宗教司， 協助王室維持及解決⺠生事務。重要的是滿者伯夷王國這種包容 性， 多樣性的態度， 使其對爪哇島， 以及周遭的島嶼那麼多的種族， 語言及宗教的接受， 促進 了印尼群島之間， 以及跟東南亞， 印度，阿拉伯， 元明清各朝， 歐洲列強的貿易，也提高了藝 術工藝。
作者Van Der Linde在書中有詳細的描述盛況時的滿者伯夷國， 建築， 花園， 居⺠的生活作息等 等， 可讓讀者感受到15世紀的這個東南亞帝國的盛世。
不過隨著更多的新港口如馬六甲， 淡目蘇丹國(Demak)的成立及興盛， 回教的傳入， 傳統貿易 航線的更改。 建立兩百五十年後的滿者伯夷最後也衰退， 被淡目蘇丹國所拼吞。 偉大的滿者伯 夷城也被破壞， 被時間吞沒。
這本書非常好讀， 曲折不斷高潮迭起的故事，作者簡易直接的文字， 加上很多的注解， 讓我讀 得愛不釋手。
January 25, 2025
Written with gusto, covering a lot of details, and with juicy (and also dramatic) anecdotes. The author clearly has invested time to explore archives and texts that survive the little known epoch of the Javanese Majapahit empire; the books offers a wealth of details without being too long winded. I myself knew little more than what I had seen on a CNA documentary in Singapore on TV. The book is fascinating and covers the rise and fall of this empire roughly from the 13th until the early 16th century. Fascinating for example to read about the interactions with the Chinese empire. The story ends more or less at the beginning of the European colonial period.
Only a few traces of this mighty empire survived. Thoughts come up; what could the Majapahit rulers have done differently in order to survive longer?
Very enjoyable and interesting read, would highly recommend it!
Only a few traces of this mighty empire survived. Thoughts come up; what could the Majapahit rulers have done differently in order to survive longer?
Very enjoyable and interesting read, would highly recommend it!
November 29, 2024
I just love the way the author weaves the story to make it like i'm reading Lord of The Rings. I finished the book in one go because i just can't stop. I was waiting for this book, actually any book on local empires because i've been reading books on Japanese, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Roman history and i just wished to read about the history of empires closer to home.
Hopefully the author could do the history of the Ayutthaya, or the Srivijaya, or the short history of the Malacca Sultanate.
Hopefully the author could do the history of the Ayutthaya, or the Srivijaya, or the short history of the Malacca Sultanate.
January 11, 2026
In the preface of this book the writer, Dutch historian and financial analyst, Herald van der Linde, writes: ”The aim of this book is to introduce the English-speaking world to Majapahit, the most powerful empire in Asia that most people have never heard of”. He more than succeeds in this well-written, easy accessible and popular-science work about the kingdom that dominated Eastern Java and beyond during the 14th and 15th centuries.
July 3, 2026
Membaca buku ini mengasyikkan, bagaimana penulis dan penerjemah bertutur kata ringan dan mudah dipahami terutama bagi pembaca lambat seperti saya. Buku ini sangat direkomendasikan bagi pemula atau bahkan pembaca kelas berat sekalipun..
November 21, 2024
Sebuah karya pop history mengenai Majapahit, berbahasa Inggris, yang sangat kita butuhkan. Kita perlu lebih banyak sejarah populer seperti ini, terutama di periode yang lebih sulit untuk dijangkau seperti Jawa era pra-Kolonial.
Sepanjang aku baca buku ini, semakin nyantol banyak jiwa dan karakter Jawa. Bagian yang menceritakan Kertanegara mungkin jadi favoritku. Raja ini bener-bener tokoh yang sangat menarik. Putra yang lahir setelah pertumpahan darah rise of Ken Arok, menjayakan Singhasari, lalu jatuh dengan cara yang tidak kalah dramatis. Level detil yang sebelumnya saya pikir tidak ada dalam sejarah Jawa pra-Kolonial.
Harus diakui, Herald van der Linde sanggup membungkus sejarah seperti cerita ala-ala Game of Thrones. Seperti Game of Thrones juga, selalu ada mistisme yang tidak bisa dipisahkan dari karakter Wong Jawa. 5/5
Sepanjang aku baca buku ini, semakin nyantol banyak jiwa dan karakter Jawa. Bagian yang menceritakan Kertanegara mungkin jadi favoritku. Raja ini bener-bener tokoh yang sangat menarik. Putra yang lahir setelah pertumpahan darah rise of Ken Arok, menjayakan Singhasari, lalu jatuh dengan cara yang tidak kalah dramatis. Level detil yang sebelumnya saya pikir tidak ada dalam sejarah Jawa pra-Kolonial.
Harus diakui, Herald van der Linde sanggup membungkus sejarah seperti cerita ala-ala Game of Thrones. Seperti Game of Thrones juga, selalu ada mistisme yang tidak bisa dipisahkan dari karakter Wong Jawa. 5/5
August 9, 2025
As an Indonesian, I've heard the stories about Majapahit before. Countless hours during elementary school until college, we were raised or brainwashed to believe Indonesia is a descendant of the once mighty kingdom.
van der Linde's version offers a different perspective. We were guided by the prehistoric Singosari and Kediri, before the birth of Majapahit. Like most kingdoms all over the world, pain and betrayal are common. Those who won, write the history, eh. And the story is repeated over and over again.
Upon reading, I understand the behaviour of those kings, who are so-called descendants of Gods, but in fact mostly are just greedy humans. Nothing has changed ever since.
van der Linde's version offers a different perspective. We were guided by the prehistoric Singosari and Kediri, before the birth of Majapahit. Like most kingdoms all over the world, pain and betrayal are common. Those who won, write the history, eh. And the story is repeated over and over again.
Upon reading, I understand the behaviour of those kings, who are so-called descendants of Gods, but in fact mostly are just greedy humans. Nothing has changed ever since.
March 28, 2025
fun read, i think there were a lot of embellishments for the sake of narrative but whatever.
editing couldve been better
would've liked some explanatory footnotes in the text itself rather than the end of the book tbh, think that wouldve helped a lot. i think that wouldve solved the problem of the text repeating information too (presumably as a refresher for the reader)
editing couldve been better
would've liked some explanatory footnotes in the text itself rather than the end of the book tbh, think that wouldve helped a lot. i think that wouldve solved the problem of the text repeating information too (presumably as a refresher for the reader)
December 14, 2025
Buku ini menceritakan detail-detail tentang seluk-beluk, mulai dari awal kebangkitan, masa kejayaan hingga keruntuhan, Imperium Majapahit, yang pada masa kejayaannya di era pemerintahan Raja Hayam Wuruk dengan Patih Gajah Mada lingkup pengaruhnya meliputi hampir seluruh gugusan kepulauan Nusantara, Tumasik (Singapura), Pahang (Semenanjung Malaysia) hingga Siam Selatan (Thailand).
Kisah di dalam buku ini diawali dengan pemaparan fakta bahwa Imperium Majapahit sempat terlupakan oleh sejarah hingga tahun 1894 ketika diselamatkannya manuskrip 'Desawarnana' (Uraian tentang Daerah-Daerah) yang ditulis oleh Mpu Prapanca pada tahun 1365 pada masa kejayaan Imperium Majapahit dari pengepungan istana Kerajaan Bali di Kota Cakranegara, Lombok oleh seorang ahli bahasa Sansekerta Belanda, Jan Laurens Andries Brandes. Manuskrip itu penuh dengan cerita tentang raja, pertempuran, dan intrik dengan uraian terperinci tentang upacara-upacara agung dan rutinitas sehari-hari di Jawa pada abad ke-14. Brandes menamakan manuskrip yang diselamatkannya itu 'Nagarakertagama' (Doktrin Lengkap tentang Negara). Manuskrip itu ditulis Mpu Prapanca ketika diminta pihak istana kerajaan menemani Raja Hayam Wuruk dan pihak kerajaan dalam perjalanan 3 bulan ke daerah timur Jawa pada tahun 1359 untuk memerika wilayah kerajaan.
Sebelum penemuan manuskrip 'Nagarakertagama' oleh Brandes pada tahun 1894, sebenarnya upaya mencari sisa-sisa reruntuhan Imperium Majapahit juga telah dilakukan oleh Letnan Gubernur Hindia Belanda Thomas Stamford Raffles, yang pada tahun 1815 melakukan ekspedisi keliling Jawa selama 3 bulan dengan tujuan utama melacak sisa-sisa reruntuhan Kerajaan Singasari, pendahulu Imperium Majapahit, yang pada masa pemerintahan Raja Kertanegara untuk pertama kalinya Nusantara berhasil dipersatukan dalam lingkup kekuasaan yang sama. Setelah ekspedisi tersebut, Raffles memerintahkan Johannes Willem Bartholomeus Wardenaar membuat peta reruntuhan Kota Majapahit. Peta 'Wardenaar' ini, yang kemudian dinilai sangat akurat dalam menggambarkan wilayah pengaruh Imperium Majapahit, juga sempat terlupakan hingga ditemukan dalam sebuah koleksi di British Museum pada tahun 2008.
Selain membahas dinamika perpolitikan dalam negeri Imperium Majapahit, penulis juga membahas posisi Imperium Majapahit waktu itu di tengah kontestasi geopolitik internasional, terutama dengan Tiongkok masa Dinasti Yuan di bawah pemerintahan Kubilai Khan, yang pada persimpangan akhir era Kerajaan Singasari menuju kebangkitan Kerajaan Majapahit (tahun 1292 - 1300), terus berupaya memperluas lingkup pengaruhnya hingga ke Champa (Vietnam Selatan) dan terus ke Pulau Jawa. Armada ekspedisi Tiongkok yang dipimpin oleh Laksamana Ike Mese yang berangkat dari kota Guanzhou pada tahun 1293 itu bahkan turut dilibatkan dalam intrik politik dalam negeri dalam upaya Pangeran Widjaya dari kota Majapahit meruntuhkan sisa-sisa Kerajaan Singasari (menggulingkan Raja Jayakatwang di Kediri yang sebelumnya merebut kekuasaan Kerajaan Singasari) lalu kemudian melalui pertempuran dipaksa kembali pulang ke Tiongkok.
Selain itu, di dalam buku ini juga disertakan kesan dunia internasional terhadap Imperium Majapahit. Salah satu yang dibahas adalah kesan seorang 'antropolog' muslim dari provinsi Zhejiang bernama Ma Huan yang pada tahun 1413 ikut dalam rombongan ekspedisi Laksamana Zheng He (Cheng Ho), salah satu bagian dari tujuh ekspedisi 'harta karun' Dinasti Ming dalam periode tahun 1405 - 1433.
Kisah di dalam buku ini diawali dengan pemaparan fakta bahwa Imperium Majapahit sempat terlupakan oleh sejarah hingga tahun 1894 ketika diselamatkannya manuskrip 'Desawarnana' (Uraian tentang Daerah-Daerah) yang ditulis oleh Mpu Prapanca pada tahun 1365 pada masa kejayaan Imperium Majapahit dari pengepungan istana Kerajaan Bali di Kota Cakranegara, Lombok oleh seorang ahli bahasa Sansekerta Belanda, Jan Laurens Andries Brandes. Manuskrip itu penuh dengan cerita tentang raja, pertempuran, dan intrik dengan uraian terperinci tentang upacara-upacara agung dan rutinitas sehari-hari di Jawa pada abad ke-14. Brandes menamakan manuskrip yang diselamatkannya itu 'Nagarakertagama' (Doktrin Lengkap tentang Negara). Manuskrip itu ditulis Mpu Prapanca ketika diminta pihak istana kerajaan menemani Raja Hayam Wuruk dan pihak kerajaan dalam perjalanan 3 bulan ke daerah timur Jawa pada tahun 1359 untuk memerika wilayah kerajaan.
Sebelum penemuan manuskrip 'Nagarakertagama' oleh Brandes pada tahun 1894, sebenarnya upaya mencari sisa-sisa reruntuhan Imperium Majapahit juga telah dilakukan oleh Letnan Gubernur Hindia Belanda Thomas Stamford Raffles, yang pada tahun 1815 melakukan ekspedisi keliling Jawa selama 3 bulan dengan tujuan utama melacak sisa-sisa reruntuhan Kerajaan Singasari, pendahulu Imperium Majapahit, yang pada masa pemerintahan Raja Kertanegara untuk pertama kalinya Nusantara berhasil dipersatukan dalam lingkup kekuasaan yang sama. Setelah ekspedisi tersebut, Raffles memerintahkan Johannes Willem Bartholomeus Wardenaar membuat peta reruntuhan Kota Majapahit. Peta 'Wardenaar' ini, yang kemudian dinilai sangat akurat dalam menggambarkan wilayah pengaruh Imperium Majapahit, juga sempat terlupakan hingga ditemukan dalam sebuah koleksi di British Museum pada tahun 2008.
Selain membahas dinamika perpolitikan dalam negeri Imperium Majapahit, penulis juga membahas posisi Imperium Majapahit waktu itu di tengah kontestasi geopolitik internasional, terutama dengan Tiongkok masa Dinasti Yuan di bawah pemerintahan Kubilai Khan, yang pada persimpangan akhir era Kerajaan Singasari menuju kebangkitan Kerajaan Majapahit (tahun 1292 - 1300), terus berupaya memperluas lingkup pengaruhnya hingga ke Champa (Vietnam Selatan) dan terus ke Pulau Jawa. Armada ekspedisi Tiongkok yang dipimpin oleh Laksamana Ike Mese yang berangkat dari kota Guanzhou pada tahun 1293 itu bahkan turut dilibatkan dalam intrik politik dalam negeri dalam upaya Pangeran Widjaya dari kota Majapahit meruntuhkan sisa-sisa Kerajaan Singasari (menggulingkan Raja Jayakatwang di Kediri yang sebelumnya merebut kekuasaan Kerajaan Singasari) lalu kemudian melalui pertempuran dipaksa kembali pulang ke Tiongkok.
Selain itu, di dalam buku ini juga disertakan kesan dunia internasional terhadap Imperium Majapahit. Salah satu yang dibahas adalah kesan seorang 'antropolog' muslim dari provinsi Zhejiang bernama Ma Huan yang pada tahun 1413 ikut dalam rombongan ekspedisi Laksamana Zheng He (Cheng Ho), salah satu bagian dari tujuh ekspedisi 'harta karun' Dinasti Ming dalam periode tahun 1405 - 1433.
March 9, 2026
Herald van der Linde presents the rise, reign, and fall of Majapahit, a powerful empire that spanned from the end of the 13th century through early 16th century. Packed with royal family drama, political scheming, and humorous commentary, this book is a great read for anyone interested in Indonesian history, even those, like me, who have no prior exposure.
Through a cast of kings and queens, each with a thirst for power and a tolerance for bloodshed, the author brings the empire back to life centuries after its fall. The story relies on a few primary sources (like the writings of Prapanca, a court scribe) and the work of other historians, however the author also makes some assumptions, with rationales explained in the endnotes.
While focusing on the violent line of royal succession, the story additionally chronicles tincture and salve recipes, methods of record keeping, funeral processions, widow burnings, month-long festivals and interactions with envoys. There is brief mention of the bhayangkari, described as elite female bodyguards, which I would have loved to learn more about.
The narrative bounces back and forth at times so I found it necessary to retrace and confirm chronology. I also noticed the same facts presented repeatedly. I would find myself thinking, "I thought I just read that", and in fact I had. Perhaps that was done to emphasize certain points.
Overall, an enthralling read!
Through a cast of kings and queens, each with a thirst for power and a tolerance for bloodshed, the author brings the empire back to life centuries after its fall. The story relies on a few primary sources (like the writings of Prapanca, a court scribe) and the work of other historians, however the author also makes some assumptions, with rationales explained in the endnotes.
While focusing on the violent line of royal succession, the story additionally chronicles tincture and salve recipes, methods of record keeping, funeral processions, widow burnings, month-long festivals and interactions with envoys. There is brief mention of the bhayangkari, described as elite female bodyguards, which I would have loved to learn more about.
The narrative bounces back and forth at times so I found it necessary to retrace and confirm chronology. I also noticed the same facts presented repeatedly. I would find myself thinking, "I thought I just read that", and in fact I had. Perhaps that was done to emphasize certain points.
Overall, an enthralling read!
May 2, 2026
I would like to review a book on Majapahit. What impressed me most about this book is its references, which take up almost one-third of the entire volume. It shows how meticulous the author was in seeking sources as accurately as possible.
As for the content, the author writes largely from the perspective of “the drunkard” who, despite that label, possessed remarkable clarity in honestly recording whatever he witnessed. Who else could it be but Mpu Prapanca, the author of Desawarnana or Negarakertagama— a description of regions — who also served as a Dharmadyaksa in Majapahit.
Although toward the end of the book, the author shifts into his own perspective, I must admit that some of his personal remarks are quite amusing.
Returning to Prapanca, what he observed did not seem to attract much interest in his own era, which tended to favor poetic writing. Prapanca was different. He preferred a descriptive and straightforward style, almost like a report — and fortunately, that is exactly what we are looking for today: a way to see Majapahit from a more authentic perspective.
After all, I believe that to immerse ourselves in history is to recognize what may happen in the future. What happened in the past, if we do not observe it carefully, may very well happen again ahead of us.
As for the content, the author writes largely from the perspective of “the drunkard” who, despite that label, possessed remarkable clarity in honestly recording whatever he witnessed. Who else could it be but Mpu Prapanca, the author of Desawarnana or Negarakertagama— a description of regions — who also served as a Dharmadyaksa in Majapahit.
Although toward the end of the book, the author shifts into his own perspective, I must admit that some of his personal remarks are quite amusing.
Returning to Prapanca, what he observed did not seem to attract much interest in his own era, which tended to favor poetic writing. Prapanca was different. He preferred a descriptive and straightforward style, almost like a report — and fortunately, that is exactly what we are looking for today: a way to see Majapahit from a more authentic perspective.
After all, I believe that to immerse ourselves in history is to recognize what may happen in the future. What happened in the past, if we do not observe it carefully, may very well happen again ahead of us.
June 2, 2026
Not a very big fan of how this was written, albeit very engaging to read and follow, it couldn't be trusted to separate facts from fiction. There are helpful footnotes in the back but you've to constantly check them to get the facts straight. I like it better when the writer just includes these facts in the actual text. I get that the narrative can get bogged down by constantly having to state 'we don't know what actually happened' but I do find it necessary in history books.
That said, it was very engaging. And since this is one of the very few English book about the Majapahit I was happy that it was written. Halfway through I got over my irritations and it seemed to get more interesting. We don't get much about the day to day life of commoners as this is basically a Kings and Queens historiography, with a few exceptions like the Buddhist monk-scribe Mpu Prapanca and 'prime minister' Gaja Mada.
Of course the favourite was Queen Suhita, who was remarkable spiteful. There was also a whole elite female bodyguards for the royals but we get to hear little about it as it seems nothing was written down about them. They didn't think it was all that interesting.
That said, it was very engaging. And since this is one of the very few English book about the Majapahit I was happy that it was written. Halfway through I got over my irritations and it seemed to get more interesting. We don't get much about the day to day life of commoners as this is basically a Kings and Queens historiography, with a few exceptions like the Buddhist monk-scribe Mpu Prapanca and 'prime minister' Gaja Mada.
Of course the favourite was Queen Suhita, who was remarkable spiteful. There was also a whole elite female bodyguards for the royals but we get to hear little about it as it seems nothing was written down about them. They didn't think it was all that interesting.
December 11, 2025
mengungkapkan sejarah kebangkitan, kejayaan dan keruntuhan kerajaan terbesar dan paling bepengaruh dalam Nusantara, Kerajaan Majapahit. Tidak hanya membahas sejarah, tapi aspek ekonomi dan budaya.
Perebutan tahta kekuasaan dari mulai kerajaan singasari dengan tokoh Ken Arok, hingga Raden Wijaya yang mendirikan kerajaan Majapahit. Puncak kejayaan Majapahit di zaman Raja Hayam Wuruk dengan patih Gajah Mada, hingga keruntuhan kerajaan Majapahit yang disebabkan perebutan kekuasaan, adanya perang saudara dan munculnya kekuatan baru Kerajaan Demak.
Banyak fakta-fakta sejarah yang tidak kita dapatkan di pelajaran sejarah saat sekolah dikupas tuntas disini. Indonesia modern saat ini tentunya tidak lepas dari kejayaan majapahit di masa lampau, dengan Sumpah Palapa, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika dan penyatuan pulau-pulau Nusantara.
Perebutan tahta kekuasaan dari mulai kerajaan singasari dengan tokoh Ken Arok, hingga Raden Wijaya yang mendirikan kerajaan Majapahit. Puncak kejayaan Majapahit di zaman Raja Hayam Wuruk dengan patih Gajah Mada, hingga keruntuhan kerajaan Majapahit yang disebabkan perebutan kekuasaan, adanya perang saudara dan munculnya kekuatan baru Kerajaan Demak.
Banyak fakta-fakta sejarah yang tidak kita dapatkan di pelajaran sejarah saat sekolah dikupas tuntas disini. Indonesia modern saat ini tentunya tidak lepas dari kejayaan majapahit di masa lampau, dengan Sumpah Palapa, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika dan penyatuan pulau-pulau Nusantara.
September 26, 2024
Very enjoyable. Got to read the second half while in Yogyakarta, Java.
Generally, it celebrates the Majapahit empire while reminding of the not-so-great things that happened or things that were done. As empires go, highlighted by the guide who was driving me to Borobudur, the ones who were conquered won't see the greatness of the empire the same way, and these feelings still exist today.
Just one thing. Certain descriptions where Islam and Muslims were mentioned made it seem like there's a negative bias, but I'll give the benefit of doubt, considering that it may have been described like that relative to the Majapahit empire, ie. Islam being the invading force that started to wipe out the imperial force that is Majapahit.
Generally, it celebrates the Majapahit empire while reminding of the not-so-great things that happened or things that were done. As empires go, highlighted by the guide who was driving me to Borobudur, the ones who were conquered won't see the greatness of the empire the same way, and these feelings still exist today.
Just one thing. Certain descriptions where Islam and Muslims were mentioned made it seem like there's a negative bias, but I'll give the benefit of doubt, considering that it may have been described like that relative to the Majapahit empire, ie. Islam being the invading force that started to wipe out the imperial force that is Majapahit.
October 16, 2025
Not enough books about Indonesian history out there. I am glad I found this one.
The book is very accessible. Told in a narrative, informal style it walks you through an empire that controlled access to spices and trade. Balancing the factions that come with power to more or less bloody conclusions with always an eye on what the big guy in China was doing.
Lots of footnotes which is helpful since there is a lot of guessing at what our empire builders were thinking at any one time.
Very enjoyable read.
The book is very accessible. Told in a narrative, informal style it walks you through an empire that controlled access to spices and trade. Balancing the factions that come with power to more or less bloody conclusions with always an eye on what the big guy in China was doing.
Lots of footnotes which is helpful since there is a lot of guessing at what our empire builders were thinking at any one time.
Very enjoyable read.
October 19, 2025
Game of Thrones, but set in 12th to 15th century Indonesia and instead of dragons you have elephants + the royal dynasty was started basically by mafia jesus (though that part might be more folklore than fact). Amazing that we have the historical records of that time, a time when royalty rose in Indonesia and still survive until today.
February 18, 2026
This book explains in rich and meticulous detail the history of Majapahit, tracing its roots from the proto era through the kingdoms of Singasari and Kediri until the final collapse of Majapahit in 1527 at the hands of the Islamic Kingdom of Demak. Herald Van Der Linde presents the narrative with captivating prose, linguistically refined and well-structured throughout. Majapahit stands as the greatest empire in Southeast Asia during the 13th to 15th centuries.
Beginning with the tales of King Dharmawangsa, the narrative moves to the dramatic story of Ken Arok, followed by his lineage within the Rajasa dynasty, including King Wisnuwardhana and later King Kertanegara, the ruler of Singasari who famously crossed swords with Kublai Khan, the grandson of the formidable Genghis Khan. As the era progressed, the chronicle introduces King Widjaya, the founder of Majapahit, and his successor, the most illustrious among the line, King Hayam Wuruk, under whom Majapahit reached its golden age. The account concludes with the fall of Majapahit during the reign of King Girindrawardhana, when King Tranggana of the Islamic Kingdom of Demak rose to power—perhaps even inspiring the name of Terengganu, a state in present-day Malaysia, though that remains speculation.
I also learned about several original Malay words influenced by Javanese, such as “negara” derived from “nagara,” meaning city. Mount Bromo takes its name from Brahma, one of the principal deities in Hindu tradition. Likewise, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, originates from Jayakarta, which means the city of victory or excellence.
For me, one of the most fascinating aspects was the author’s inclusion of the legendary Chinese diplomat and aristocrat, Admiral Zheng He, also known as 'Laksamana Cheng Ho', who was born a Muslim in the mountains of Yunnan. In this book, he is described as born Muslim yet practicing Buddhism, while other historical accounts portray him as a Muslim who remained steadfast in his Islamic faith.
For further reading on Majapahit, I would suggest Negarakertagama by Mpu Prapanca, Pararaton (The Book of Kings), and modern scholarly works such as Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce by Anthony Reid, which provide deeper historical insight into the Majapahit era and its regional influence.
Beginning with the tales of King Dharmawangsa, the narrative moves to the dramatic story of Ken Arok, followed by his lineage within the Rajasa dynasty, including King Wisnuwardhana and later King Kertanegara, the ruler of Singasari who famously crossed swords with Kublai Khan, the grandson of the formidable Genghis Khan. As the era progressed, the chronicle introduces King Widjaya, the founder of Majapahit, and his successor, the most illustrious among the line, King Hayam Wuruk, under whom Majapahit reached its golden age. The account concludes with the fall of Majapahit during the reign of King Girindrawardhana, when King Tranggana of the Islamic Kingdom of Demak rose to power—perhaps even inspiring the name of Terengganu, a state in present-day Malaysia, though that remains speculation.
I also learned about several original Malay words influenced by Javanese, such as “negara” derived from “nagara,” meaning city. Mount Bromo takes its name from Brahma, one of the principal deities in Hindu tradition. Likewise, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, originates from Jayakarta, which means the city of victory or excellence.
For me, one of the most fascinating aspects was the author’s inclusion of the legendary Chinese diplomat and aristocrat, Admiral Zheng He, also known as 'Laksamana Cheng Ho', who was born a Muslim in the mountains of Yunnan. In this book, he is described as born Muslim yet practicing Buddhism, while other historical accounts portray him as a Muslim who remained steadfast in his Islamic faith.
For further reading on Majapahit, I would suggest Negarakertagama by Mpu Prapanca, Pararaton (The Book of Kings), and modern scholarly works such as Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce by Anthony Reid, which provide deeper historical insight into the Majapahit era and its regional influence.
May 30, 2025
Strålande populärhistorisk översikt över indonesiens viktigaste medeltidsrike. Välskriven, roande, trevlig, intrigrik... massa bra saker. väl värd ett par timmar.
August 16, 2026
They need to make a 10 season series on Vidio about this
May 24, 2026
informative, yet very entertaining!!
May 31, 2026
Historical fiction has always been a favorite genre. But as I come to learn, its facts may not always be as realistic (duh - fiction) and can sometimes be too exaggerated, yet I learn much of my history through this genre.
Now, this book has been on my wishlist for quite some time, and narrative history. What an interesting theme. A condensed and rich historical account of a kingdom that manages to rule an archipelago much larger than its successor, I'm in.
Written with wit and such a good flow, it's a storytelling feat that allows me to understand how Majapahit came to be, its relations, its characters, its glory and its issues in a fun way. The personality and motives were described well enough for me to understand them as a background for why things turned out that way.
It's backed with lots of footnotes and research which helps to explore further, but just like any other history, it risks a narrative bias, but I'm not capable to judge as I have no expertise. Nevertheless, this was a really fun way to learn about the kingdoms that have ruled over Indonesia beyond the History classes taught in high school.
Now, this book has been on my wishlist for quite some time, and narrative history. What an interesting theme. A condensed and rich historical account of a kingdom that manages to rule an archipelago much larger than its successor, I'm in.
Written with wit and such a good flow, it's a storytelling feat that allows me to understand how Majapahit came to be, its relations, its characters, its glory and its issues in a fun way. The personality and motives were described well enough for me to understand them as a background for why things turned out that way.
It's backed with lots of footnotes and research which helps to explore further, but just like any other history, it risks a narrative bias, but I'm not capable to judge as I have no expertise. Nevertheless, this was a really fun way to learn about the kingdoms that have ruled over Indonesia beyond the History classes taught in high school.
April 11, 2026
Thanks to IST
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