Queen Kalinyamat, also known as Ratna Kencana, was a formidable queen in the 16th century, ruling the Javanese Islamic empire of Kalinyamat and Jepara. Her reign, which lasted from around 1549 to 1579, was distinguished by daring naval expeditions against Portuguese Malacca.
Born into royalty, she was the daughter of Sultan Trenggana of Demak and the wife of Sultan Hadlirin. Her accession to the kingdom followed the assassination of her brother, Sunan Prawoto, and her husband by Arya Penangsang. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Ratu Kalinyamat proved to be a capable and courageous leader.
Ratu Kalinyamat’s reign was distinguished by her overseas campaigns in 1550 and 1574 against the Portuguese in Malacca. Her bravery and strategic brilliance earned her the acclaim of the Portuguese historical record “Da Asia,” which referred to her as ‘the Queen of Jepara,’ a wealthy woman with much influence.
However, her rule was not without dispute. According to several historical records, her character was perceived positively as well as negatively. While she was seen as a courageous and forceful leader, she was also connected with qualities of sensuality and ambition.
Despite the controversy, Queen Kalinyamat’s legacy is undeniable. Joko Widodo posthumously gave her the title of National Hero of Indonesia on November 10, 2023. This accolade reflected her substantial achievements to her kingdom and people.
However, the decision to recognize her as a national hero was not without criticism. Some detractors say that her vigorous attacks against the Portuguese were motivated by personal ambition rather than a desire to safeguard her people. Despite these concerns, many people still see Queen Kalinyamat as a symbol of women’s independence.
The narrative of Queen Kalinyamat is a complicated tapestry of power, ambition, and controversy. Her rule had an everlasting impact on the history of Jepara and the surrounding region. Today, she is remembered as both a queen and a national hero, demonstrating her enduring legacy.
Whether viewed as a heroine or a controversial character, Queen Kalinyamat was undeniably a woman of immense influence and authority. Her story serves as a reminder of history’s complex and often contentious character, where heroes are not always perfect and controversy may occasionally eclipse accomplishment.
