# 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 tendency grew strong again as his second son, Tun Abdul Jalil, took Raden Galuh Gemerencang, daughter of the Majapahit King, as a love interest. It was supposed to be an opportunity to consolidate diplomatic ties with Majapahit, which was flourishing in the reign of King Hayam Wuruk and under the influential Prime Minister Gajah Mada. Instead of making peace in order to secure an alliance, Sultan Ahmad Malik made hostile actions in order to plunge into conflict.
The Sultan was smitten with the beauty of Raden Galuh Gemerencang and tried to take her for himself, thereby preventing her from marrying Tun Abdul Jalil, his son. The Sultan schemed, however, to have Tun Abdul Jalil killed, exactly the same way as his elder brother had been. The prince was slain, and the 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

Both armies, ready, put their forces into battle, and many were killed or wounded in the fighting. After each was in a situation to load back to their respective defenses. This phase of fighting continued for about three months with no conclusive outcome because the Javanese forces kept on appearing as reinforcements. But at this stage, Senapati just got confirmed into each of his commanders, and he decided to take charge of a force of about a thousand warriors himself. He also commanded the entire fleet to disembark and prepare for battle. Meanwhile, Sultan Ahmad gathered all senior commanders and warriors, along with the best-known leaders in the region, and organized a well-equipped army of elephants, horses, and a plethora of warriors. At daybreak, another fiercer battle was waged. 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.
The Sultan Ahmad received news of this calamity, slew, and beat his breast regarding the losses and his son Beraim Bapa would lead the campaign. Believing his son undefeated. Tun Perpateh-Tulus Agong, Szkarakter Sukara, read 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. The three-day fierceness of the fighting led to the defeat of the Pasai forces, after which their soldiers broke ranks. The Majapahit forces took possession of Pasai with all the fortifications and palace within it, seizing several treasures and capturing many 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. While the fleet returned to Java, they stopped at the land of Jambi, and Palembang, both which submitted 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