page_title: Sultanate of Deli
section_title: Governance system
hierarchical_section_title: Sultanate of Deli / Governance system
caption_attribution_description: Nederlands: Foto. Het exterieur van de grote moskee in Medan.
context_page_description: Sultanate of Deli was a 1,820 km² Malay state in east Sumatra founded in 1630. A tributary kingdom from 1630 it was controlled by various Sultanates until 1814, when it became an independent sultanate and broke away from the Sultanate of Siak.
  The ruler of Aceh converted to Islam in the mid-15th century. The Sultanate of Aceh was founded by Ali Mughayat Syah, who began campaigns to extend his control over northern Sumatra in 1520. The sultan Iskandar Muda expanded Aceh by conquest. In 1612 Deli was militarily defeated and annexed. Dutch intervention in 1861, which resulted in a contract with the Netherlands East Indies the following year, helped to recognise Deli's independence from Aceh and Siak.
  Now part of North Sumatera, Indonesia, the sultanate remains as a symbol of the history of Medan.
context_section_description: Since founded by Tuanku Sri Paduka Tuanku Gocah Pahlawan, the Sultanate of Deli already had Lembaga Datuk Berempat that served as a government advisory board. At that time, Lembaga Datuk Berempat consisted of four Karo Batak King that had supported Deli since its declaration as an independent kingdom. Lembaga Datuk Berempat also had a central role in the coronation ceremony of Deli sultans.
  As the supreme authority, the Sultan of Deli did not only perform his duties as a head of state and government, but also served as the chief of religious affairs as well as Malays custom chief. In executing his duty, the Sultan of Deli was aided by treasurer, harbormaster, and the imperial servants whom each have their specific roles and duties.
  During the Dutch colonial era, the governmental system of the Sultanate of Deli was tied through a political agreement. Sejarah Medan Tempo Doeloe (2007), written by Tengku Luckman Sinar, mentions that the political agreement between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Deli was divided into:
  Acte van Verband (Confinement Certificate). The certificate mentioned that:
  the Sultan of Deli, as well as his successor, willing to execute the agreement between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Deli,
  the Sultan of Deli will be obedient and loyal to the Netherlands Queen/Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies and implemented appropriate governance according to Deli's custom and regulations,
  the Sultan of Deli willing to promote the country and the people, and
  the Sultan of Deli willing to comply with additional requirements that were not yet clear or not listed in the certificate. This certificate was signed by Dutch government officials and Orang-orang Besar of Deli as witnesses.
  Acte van Bevestiging (Deed of Confirmation). This certificate stated that the Dutch Government (Governor-General) acknowledged the Sultan as the king of Deli and this recognition was also mentioned in the Ordinance of the Dutch East Indies.
  The governance of the Sultanate of Deli was executed by the Sultan of Deli, together with the Dewan Orang-orang Besar (as a replacement for the Lembaga Datuk Berempat) which consisted of four Urung and Kejeruan Percut after consultation and with the guidance of the Resident as the representative of the Dutch East Indies colonial government. The Orang-orang Besar was appointed and dismissed by the Sultan of Deli after consulted the Resident with respect to customs regulations. In addition, the Resident had the right to attend meetings of the Orang-orang Besar (Sinar, 2007:30). The Sultanate of Deli also had several important institutions supporting the governance. Some of them were the judiciary or Kerapatan Besar, Autonomous Police of Deli, and the Religious Courts.
caption: Al Mahsun Grand Mosque was built at the peak of Deli prosperity.
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