Kadriah Palace in Pontianak offers magnificent architecture, historical relics, and cultural traditions that are still preserved today, depicting the glory of the Pontianak Kingdom which is rich in cultural heritage.

Kadriah Palace, located in Kampung Beting, Kelurahan Dalam Bugis, Pontianak Timur District, Pontianak City, West Kalimantan, is a building that holds a long story from the history of the Pontianak Kingdom.

Established in the 18th century, this palace is more than just a historical building, but also a symbol of the greatness and power of the Pontianak Sultanate.

The bright yellow color that dominates this building makes it one of the city’s easily recognizable icons.

A Brief History of the Kadariah Palace

Keraton Kadariah, now known as Kadriah Palace, has a history that is closely related to the establishment of the Pontianak Kingdom itself.

It all started in 1771, when Sayyid Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie, a son of Syarif Hussein bin Ahmed Alqadrie, founded this kingdom.

After his father died in 1770, Sayyid Syarif Abdurrahman decided to migrate with his family to find a new place to settle.

same year, they arrived at a very strategic location, namely at the confluence of three rivers, namely the Landak River, the Kapuas Kecil River, and the Kapuas River.

In addition to strategic factors, Sayyid Syarif Abdurrahman also had other reasons for choosing this area, which began with cannon shots to exorcise ghosts.

The shots became a symbol of the birth of the Kadariah Palace and a marker of the beginning of the establishment of the Pontianak Kingdom.

The construction of this palace took quite a long time because the building design is very complicated and beautiful.

The construction of the new palace was completed in 1778, and since then, this palace has become the center of government and a symbol of the greatness of the Pontianak Kingdom.

The architectural beauty of this palace, coupled with its very important function as a center of government, makes it a place full of history and meaning for the people of Pontianak to this day.

The Attractions of Kadriah Palace

Kadriah Palace offers many attractions that make it worthy of being a must-visit historical tourist destination. Here are some of the main attractions of this palace:

1. Well-maintained Historical Items

Kadriah Palace holds various historical objects that are still well maintained until now.

One of the most famous historical objects is the “1000 shadows” mirror, which was a gift from the French Kingdom, as well as the Sultan’s throne chair which is still preserved in its original state.

Every object in this palace holds an interesting historical story. For visitors who want to know more, there are tour guides ready to explain each object and the history contained within.

2. Magnificent Architecture Influenced by Malay and Javanese Traditions

The architecture of the Kadriah Palace is magnificent, combining the influences of Malay and Javanese traditions that reflect the greatness of the culture at that time.

The walls of the palace are decorated with intricate carvings that show the art and beauty of the Pontianak Sultanate era.

The layout of the palace buildings was also designed with attention to the hierarchical structure of the kingdom, providing an idea of the division of power and life within the palace.

3. Well-Preserved Cultural Heritage

Apart from being a historical site, Kadriah Palace also functions as a vibrant cultural center in West Kalimantan. This palace houses various manuscripts, artifacts, and other valuable objects that are the cultural heritage of the Pontianak Kingdom.

As a symbol of the cultural identity of the local community, this palace not only preserves history, but also maintains cultural values passed down from generation to generation.

4. Design of the Kadariah Palace Building

The design of the Kadariah Palace building is very attractive, using high-quality wood materials that are carefully selected to ensure the durability of the building.

The building structure is designed with attention to function, safety and aesthetics, resulting in a sturdy and beautiful building.

Several renovations and reconstructions were carried out to keep the building well maintained, avoiding damage due to natural factors such as fungus or termites.

Inside the palace there are 13 ancient cannons made by the Portuguese and French. These cannons were used for the defense of the kingdom in the past and are now the main attraction for tourists who come to this palace.

In addition, there is a pulpit that juts out to the front, where the Sultan of Pontianak sits to rest or perform religious activities. Keraton Kadariah also has large windows with a typical French design, which makes this building even more magnificent.

Many people call it “Thousand Glass” because of the large amount of glass used in the ornaments of this building.

The bright yellow color that dominates the entire building gives a cheerful and majestic impression, making it even more striking and easy to recognize.

Inside the palace there is also a blue carpet with an extraordinarily beautiful motif, adding to the luxurious impression inside the palace.

Several other historical objects on display in this palace include the king’s chair, the king’s clothes, keris, jade table, and various other artifacts depicting royal life in ancient times.

5. Traditional Events Still Held at the Kadariah Palace

Keraton Kadariah is not only a historical place, but is also still active in carrying out various traditional events and royal traditions.

Several events that are still held at the palace include recitations using the Al-Quran written directly by Sultan Abdurrahman, as well as royal weddings which are held with full customs.

In addition, there is also a baby hair cutting event, which is an important ritual in the life of the royal community. Another unique event is “tepung tawar”, which is a cleaning event for heirloom keris by the heirs of the Pontianak Sultanate.

These events are not only a symbol of pride, but also show how the Kadariah Palace maintains the continuity of customs and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Kadriah Palace in Pontianak is a tourist destination full of historical value, culture, and architectural beauty.

From ancient cannons that are still preserved to well-preserved cultural relics, this palace provides a clear picture of the glory and life of the Pontianak Kingdom.

For anyone who wants to experience the royal atmosphere, visiting Ulin Arya House is a valuable opportunity to explore a past full of stories.

Keraton Kadariah is not only a historical building, but also a symbol of pride for the people of Pontianak. Visiting this palace will take you on a deep historical journey, introducing you to the beauty of culture and traditions that have long been preserved.