A successor to Melaka
When Melaka fell to the Portuguese in 1511, the royal family fled south. In 1528 Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II, a son of the last Melaka ruler Sultan Mahmud Shah, founded the Johor Sultanate. Because its centre later shifted between Johor and the Riau islands, it is remembered as the Johor-Riau Sultanate and is seen as the true heir of Melaka's greatness.
Political strength and prosperity
For much of the 16th century Johor-Riau, the Portuguese in Melaka and the sultanate of Aceh struggled for control of the Straits in the Triangular War (Perang Tiga Segi). Johor survived and grew wealthy as a busy entrepot. Its port at Riau traded in pepper, gambier and forest goods, drawing merchants from across the region.
Key idea
Johor-Riau carried on Melaka's role as a Malay trading power and cultural centre, keeping Malay influence alive in the Straits after 1511.
Bugis influence and lasting legacy
In the 18th century the Bugis gained great power at Riau, holding the office of Yang Dipertuan Muda beside the sultan. Riau also became a famous seat of learning. The scholar Raja Ali Haji wrote the history Tuhfat al-Nafis and the poem Gurindam Dua Belas. The refined Malay spoken in Johor-Riau later became the basis of the standard Malay language used today.
Remember
- Founded 1528 by Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II, heir of Melaka.
- Grew rich as an entrepot centred on Riau.
- The Bugis held the post of Yang Dipertuan Muda.
- Home of the standard Malay language and of Raja Ali Haji.