THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF THE ISLAMIC KINGDOM OF MALACCA IN EXPANDING ISLAM AND TRADE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Abstract

The Islamic Kingdom of Malacca was one of the most influential political and religious entities in Southeast Asian history during 15th and early 16th centuries. Founded around 1400 AD, the Kingdom developed a center of political and administrative power and became an important node in the international maritime trade network connecting the Eastern and Western worlds. Its strategic location on the strait of Malacca, the main shipping route from Indian Ocean to South China Sea, made Malacca a vital stopover for traders from various regions, such as the Middle East, Persia, Gujarat, China and the Archipelago. This trade relation created an exchange of goods and encouraged cultural and religious exchanges, including the expansion of Islam. In the context of the exspansion of Islam, the Kingdom of Malacca played a very central role. Muslim traders who came to Malacca often also acted as preachers, who, through social interaction, marriage and fostering local Muslim communities, spread Islam peacefully. This factor was reinforced by the support of the sultans of Malacca who embraced Islam and made the religion the basis of legitimizing power as well as a pillar in shaping the cultural and legal identity of the Kingdom. The Islamic government system adopted by Malacca used as a model for other Islamic kingdoms in the archipelago, such as Aceh Darussalam, Demak, and Johor. Moreover, Malacca was also known as a center of Islamic education, where Islamic sciences such as fiqh, sufism, and tafsir were studied and disseminated. This journal aims to comprehensively examine the history and strategic role of the Islamic Kingdom of Malacca in the Islamization process of Southeast Asia. The discussion covers political, economic, socio-cultural aspects, Islamic preaching, and the legacy of civilization that still feels its influence today. With a historical approach and thematic analysis, this paper is expected to contribute to understanding the dynamics of the spread of Islam in this region.