Malahayati: Admiral Muslimah who challenged the ocean colonialism

In the history of the struggle of the Indonesian people, the name of Keumalahayati or better known as Admiral Malahayati is not just a legend that lives in the folklore of Aceh. She is a real figure, a Muslim woman who carved a gold ink in the maritime history of the archipelago. In the midst of the dominance of men in the 16th century military and political world, Malahayati stood tall as the first sea admiral in the world, prove that courage, intelligence, and determination do not recognize gender limits. He was not only the leader of the troops, but also the honorary guard of the Aceh Darussalam Sultanate, the Ulung Diplomat, and the symbol of resistance to the colonialism.

Born on January 1, 1550 in Aceh Besar, Malahayati came from a family of military aristocrats. His father, Admiral Mahmud Syah, and his grandfather, Admiral Muhammad Said Syah, was an important figure in the Aceh Sultanate Navy. The blood of the warrior flowed in him since childhood, and he grew up in an environment that upholds the values ​​of courage, honor, and love for the motherland. Unlike most women at that time, Malahayati had the opportunity to take military education at the Baitul Maqdis Academy, an elite Sultanate of Aceh who adopted a war strategy from the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic world. There, he studied maritime tactics, shipping art, diplomacy strategies, and leadership science. This education forms it into a figure who is not only physically tough, but also intellectually sharp.

Malahayati’s journey as a warrior began after her husband died in a battle against the Portuguese in Haru Bay. The deep sadness did not make him immersed in grief, but rather ignited his enthusiasm to fight the invaders. He then formed and led Inong Balee’s troops, an army consisting of more than two thousand widows of warriors who lost their husbands in the war. This troop is not only a symbol of resistance, but also the manifestation of the power of women who rise from injuries to a weapon of struggle. Under Malahayati’s leadership, Inong Balee’s troops became a respected maritime force, with high discipline and extraordinary fighting spirit.

The peak of Malahayati’s courage was recorded in history on September 11, 1599, when he led an attack on the Dutch fleet led by Cornelis de Houtman. In a fierce sea battle, Malahayati managed to go up to the enemy ship and challenge Cornelis in a duel one on one. With the courage and extraordinary combat expertise, he managed to kill Cornelis de Houtman on the deck of the ship. This action shook the morals of the invaders and strengthened the position of Aceh as a maritime power that could not be underestimated. This victory is not only a military victory, but also a symbolic victory that shows that Muslim women are able to stand on the front lines of resistance and carve history.

However, Malahayati’s struggle did not stop on the battlefield. He also plays an important role in diplomacy and government. Under Sultan Saidil Mukammil Alauddin Riayat Syah IV, Malahayati was appointed as Head of the Secret Palace Guards and Commander of the Government Protocol. He was involved in negotiations with foreign nations, including the Dutch and Portuguese, showed extraordinary political skills. In negotiations with the Dutch envoy, he demanded compensation for the death of Cornelis de Houtman and succeeded in obtaining compensation and peace agreement that benefited Aceh. Diplomacy carried out by Malahayati is not just a political tactic, but also a form of protection against the nation’s sovereignty and dignity.

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As a Muslim woman, Malahayati upholds Islamic values ​​in her struggle. He views resistance to colonialism as a form of jihad fi sabilillah, the struggle in the way of Allah to defend the motherland and the people. His courage was not born from personal ambitions, but from the call of faith and love for his people. He shows that Islam does not limit women in domestic space alone, but gives space for them to become leaders, fighters, and defenders of justice. In him, spiritual values ​​and nationalism combined into an unwavering force.

Malahayati died on June 30, 1606 in Tanjung Krueng Raya, Aceh Besar, and was buried in Bukit Krueng Raya. Even though his body was gone, the spirit of his struggle continued to live in the memory of the nation. On November 9, 2017, President Joko Widodo bestowed the title of National Hero to Malahayati through Presidential Decree No. 115/TK/2017. This recognition is not only a form of respect, but also a reminder that Indonesian history was built by the courage of women, by hands that are not afraid to face colonialism, and by souls who are willing to sacrifice for independence.

Malahayati’s legacy continues to inspire the generation of Indonesian women. His name is enshrined as a port, warship, and a symbol of struggle. He is an example that women can be a formidable leader, intelligent diplomat, and brave fighters. In a world that still underestimates the capacity of women, the story of Malahayati is proof that true power is born from determination, not from sex. He taught that courage does not belong to a man, but it belongs to anyone who dares to fight injustice.

Malahayati is not only a hero of Aceh, but also a Muslim hero who proves that faith, knowledge, and courage can unite in one female figure. He fought not only physical colonialism, but also the colonialism of the mind that underestimated the capacity of women. In Indonesian history, he stood as a lighthouse that illuminates the way for the next generation of women warriors. The story is a life narrative about courage that goes beyond gender, about strategies that are born from intelligence, and about unwavering love for the motherland.

Also read: Getting to Know the Ulama of Women Mover Gender Equality (I)

Author: Muhammad Anwar

Editor: Muh. Sutan