Ternate Sultan's Palace
Maluku and Papua Region
Ternate Sultan's Palace, locally known as Keraton Kesultanan Ternate, is a 19th-century two-story palace facing the sea and surrounded by fortifications. It serves as the symbolic residence of the Sultan of Ternate and a museum preserving the sultanate's historical artifacts. Visitors enter through the Ngara Upas gate, ascend two staircases of 27 steps each, and pass an open balcony leading to the reception room marked by an Arabic inscription commemorating the sultanate's founding. The palace complex includes the Museum Memorial Sultan M. Djabir Sjah, exhibiting royal thrones, jewelry, and relics from the spice trade era, along with collections related to geology, archaeology, ethnography, and traditional technology of North Maluku. The palace is also a cultural hub hosting traditional arts performances and educational events that celebrate the sultanate's legacy. Its location in Soasio connects it to the broader history of one of Indonesia's oldest Muslim kingdoms, once a dominant maritime power in eastern Indonesia and beyond.
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Astuce: The best time to visit is during cultural events or traditional ceremonies held at the palace, which offer immersive experiences of Maluku's heritage. Visitors are advised to book guided tours in advance, especially for groups or cruise ship passengers. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, with discounts available for students and seniors. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the staircases and walking areas within the complex.
Faits intéressants
- •Ternate was one of the world's main producers of cloves, making its sultans among the wealthiest in the region.
- •The palace features an Arabic inscription above the main door detailing the sultanate's founding.
- •The sultanate had influence extending to parts of southern Philippines and eastern Indonesia at its peak.
- •The palace complex hosts the Museum Memorial Sultan M. Djabir Sjah with collections from early European contact periods.
- •In 2025, the palace welcomed international cruise tourists with traditional Joko Kaha ceremonies.
Histoire
The Sultanate of Ternate was established traditionally in 1257 by Momole Cico, initially known as the Kingdom of Gapi.
It became a major regional power and spice trade center from the 15th to 17th centuries, reaching its peak under Sultan Baabullah in the late 16th century.
The royal family converted to Islam in the 15th century, transforming the kingdom into an Islamic sultanate.
The current palace structure dates from the 19th century and has been preserved as a museum and cultural site since 1981, reflecting the sultanate's enduring legacy despite the loss of political power.
Guide du lieu
Ngara Upas Gate19th century
The main entrance gate to the palace complex, marking the start of the royal grounds and symbolizing the threshold between the public and royal spaces.
Grand Staircases19th century
Two staircases with 27 steps each, leading from the gate to the palace's open balcony and reception area, symbolizing the ascent to royal authority.
Open Balcony (Balkon)19th century
An open veranda area where visitors pause before entering the reception room, offering views of the sea and palace grounds.
Reception Room (Hajral)19th century
The main guest room accessed through a door bearing an Arabic inscription that commemorates the founding of the Sultanate of Ternate.
Museum Memorial Sultan M. Djabir SjahEstablished as museum 1981
Museum within the palace complex housing royal artifacts such as thrones, jewelry, and historical items from the spice trade era, as well as geological and ethnographic collections from North Maluku.