Penyengat Island

The magnificent Penyengat Island has even had its own love story between Sultan Mahmud Riayat Syah III (Sultan at Johor-Riau-Lingga-Pahang) and Her highness Hamidah or commonly known as Engku Putri.

Sultan Mahmud had shown his love to Engku Putri by presenting the whole Penyengat Island as his wedding offering. Engku Putri is daughter of King Haji Fisabilillah whose possess kingdom’s great treasures. One of the is Cogan, a mighty spear in a shape of golden betel vine leaf and silver bone. The Cogan is now securely reserved at the National Museum in Jakarta.

Heritages buildings may be discovered at Penyengat Island comprising of Memorial Park of Engku Putri and King Ali Haji, King Haji Fisabilillah, daeng Marewah,Daeng Celak,King Jakfar,Kantor Palace compound, Gunpower Building,and wall of defense at Kursi Hill. The hill is occupied with flawless architectural fortress during its time opposite the ocean so the soldiers were in their full alert when the enemies ship anchored.

The short history of the Kingdom Riau - Lingga

One of the famous historical heritages is Sultan Riau Mosque at Penyengat Island. It was built in the year 1249 Hijjriah or 1832 A.D by King Abdul Rahman . The building is 19.80 meter length and 18 meter width supported by 4 concrete pillars where each corner has a tower with 17 domes in conjunction with numbers of the Moslem ritual motions in a day. The most captivating detail in building the mosque is the usage of white eggs mixed with sands and limestone.

Penyengat Island was the centralized wall of defense of Riau-Lingga Kingdom on the Dutch colonialism in the 17th century. Two national Heroes of Indonesia were also born in island;King Haji Fisabilillah,the 4th king whom symbolizes the spirit of patriotism among the malay Origin.In honoring his spirit, the first of six main bridges connecting Batam to Galang Baru is named after him.

Another hero during those years was a King Ali Haji,who was given major contributions in literacy works. He has created the legendary rhyme of Gurindam XII in the year 1847 where is composition has grown to be religious principles of Malay lifestyles. He has even initiated and the Indonesian National language of Bahasa Indonesia. The son of Tengku Raja Haji Ahmad and Hamidah passed away in the year 1873 at his hometown of Penyengat Island.