Ternate - Smithsonian Institution Libraries

TERNATE 106
SHORT CHRONICLE
[p. 150]
II
From the Introduction of Islam and the First Sultans
to the End of the English Interregnum, 1486-1817
1486. Jainalabidin, first Sultan of Ternate. 1 He goes to Java, where he receives
instruction in the Moslem faith at Giri. According to some people he died on the journey
back; others claim that he ruled until the end of the century.
1495. Ciliati, first Sultan of Tidore. 2 It is said that he took the name Jamaludin
after the introduction of Islam by the Arab Sekh Mansur.
1500. Kaicil Liliatu, second Sultan of Ternate. 3 He orders subjects to dress
properly and to marry according to the teachings of Islam.
wild.
1506. Lodewijk di Bartomo visits the Moluccas and thinks the natives still very
1511. Salahakan Samaraw conquers Buru for the Ternatese kingdom. 4 [p. 151]
1512. Mansur, second Sultan of Tidore. 5 First arrival of the Portuguese under
Francisco Serrao at Ternate. 6 They are given the monopoly for the sale of cloves.
1 [p. 150, n. 1] Valentijn calls this ruler Zeinulabedin and says that on Ternate he is called
Jenalabdina. Since the names given by the Sultan are undoubtedly more accurate, they have been
retained. Also according to Valentijn, the journey to Java must have taken place about 1495 (1724,
Ib:143).
2 [p. 150, n. 2] Also called Ciliatu and Ciri Leliatu. Nothing is known about his accession to the
throne or his death; it is very likely, however, that he was the first Moslem ruler.
3 [p. 150, n. 3] Some European writers have called him Bayang Ullah and Kaicili Boleife (cf. the
list of rulers). Gerlach states, peculiarly enough, that he subjugated the other three Sultans and
took the title of Maharajah.
4 [p. 150, n. 4] Valentijn and other writers always use the phrase “noble families” from which he
and the succeeding Kimalahas are descended. On Ternate there are only four oldest kampongs
known: Marsaoli, Tomagolah, Limatahu, and Tomaitu, the so-called falah raha or “four houses.”
Since earliest times these were built around the royal residence, and their Bobatos still carry the
payung of the Sultan on formal occasions. The inhabitants were (and for the most part still are) pure
Ternatese and it may be for this reason that the Kimalahas were chosen from among them. As a
matter of fact, these magistrates are not called [note continues, p. 151 bottom] Kimalahas on
Ternate, but rather have the title of Salahakan; Kimalaha is a lower official.
5 [p. 151, n. 1] Also called Al Mansur. It is not known when he came into power. This date has
been obtained from Valentijn 1724, Ib:106.
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