# Majapahit Conquest of Pasai

In 1350, the Majapahit Empire, under the leadership of Mahapatih Gajah Mada, launched a naval invasion against the Samudera Pasai in northern tip of Sumatra. The invasion resulted in the defeat of Sultan Ahmad Malik. The conflict was reportedly triggered by allegations of the Sultan's cruelty. Additionally, tensions were heightened by a romantic connection between Hayam Wuruk's daughter and Sultan Ahmad Malik's son, Tun Abdul Jalil.
When Sultan Ahmad Malik learned of the incident, he became enraged and ordered the execution of his son. Meanwhile, the princess, upon discovering the death of her intended husband, took her own life. Upon hearing of these events, Hayam Wuruk and Gajah Mada were infuriated and planned a naval invasion against the Samudera Pasai. The invasion ultimately resulted in the defeat of the Samudra Pasai, which was briefly brought under the control of the Majapahit Empire.

## Background

Sultan Ahmad Malik's violent tendencies reemerged when his second son, Tun Abdul Jalil, became romantically involved with Raden Galuh Gemerencang, a princess from the Majapahit Kingdom. This relationship presented an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties with Majapahit, which was flourishing under the reign of King Hayam Wuruk and the leadership of the influential Prime Minister Gajah Mada. However, rather than pursuing peace and alliance, Sultan Ahmad Malik escalated tensions, leading to conflict.
The Sultan, captivated by the beauty of Raden Galuh Gemerencang, sought to claim her for himself, thereby preventing her marriage to his son, Tun Abdul Jalil. In a tragic turn of events, the Sultan orchestrated the death of Tun Abdul Jalil, mirroring the fate of his eldest son. The prince was killed, and his body was cast into the sea. When Raden Galuh Gemerencang arrived in Samudera Pasai, she was devastated to learn of her fiancé’s untimely death. Overcome with grief, she threw herself into the sea where Tun Abdul Jalil’s body had been discarded. Her loyal guards returned to Java to relay the tragic news to King Hayam Wuruk and Gajah Mada, revealing the cruelty of Sultan Ahmad Malik.

## Battle

The two armies prepared for battle, engaging in fierce clashes that resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Following each confrontation, the forces withdrew to their respective defenses. This cycle of combat persisted for approximately three months without a decisive outcome, as the Javanese forces continued to receive reinforcements. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the Senapati criticized his commanders and resolved to personally lead a force of about one thousand warriors. He also commanded the entire fleet to disembark and prepare for battle. Meanwhile, Sultan Ahmad convened his senior commanders and warriors, including prominent leaders from various regions, and assembled a formidable force comprising elephants, horses, and a large number of soldiers. At dawn, another intense battle ensued. The fighting was brutal, with continuous reinforcements bolstering the Majapahit troops. The battle raged for three days and nights, resulting in extensive loss of life among leaders, warriors, and soldiers.
Upon receiving news of the heavy casualties, Sultan Ahmad lamented the losses and expressed a wish for his son, Beraim Bapa, to lead the battle, believing his son to be invincible. In response, Tun Perpateh Tulus Agong Tukang Sukara recited a verse.
   "Whose pepper is it in the shed Since from the stems the corns were parted Whose place is it to mourn the dead You are to blame that they've departed"
Sultan Ahmad fled his palace in Pasai with his family and valuables, seeking refuge in Menduga, a location approximately fifteen days' journey from Pasai. After three days of intense fighting, the Pasai forces were defeated, prompting their soldiers to scatter. The Majapahit army successfully seized control of Pasai, including its defenses and palace, capturing numerous treasures and prisoners. During their occupation, both Majapahit soldiers and civilians celebrated with feasts.
Following the occupation, the Majapahit commander ordered the captured treasures and prisoners to be loaded onto boats. As the fleet returned to Java, they stopped at Jambi and Palembang, both of which submitted as vassals to Majapahit. Upon their arrival in Java, the captured treasures, prisoners, and hostages were presented to the emperor. The spoils were distributed among the emperor, the commander, and the troops. The Pasai prisoners were allowed to settle in Java, and their presence contributed to the establishment of many sacred sites from that period, according to historical accounts.

## Related Pages

* Majapahit Empire
* Samudera Pasai Sultanate
* Gajah Mada
* Hayam Wuruk