On November 10, 1293, a monumental event unfolded in the history of the Indonesian archipelago—the founding of the Majapahit Kingdom.
This powerful Javanese empire, established by Raden Wijaya, would go on to become one of the greatest and most influential kingdoms in Southeast Asia.
Today, 732 years later, the story of Majapahit’s birth continues to inspire pride and fascination among Indonesians, symbolizing unity, power, and cultural brilliance.
Majapahit arose during a turbulent time following the decline of the Singhasari Kingdom. The Mongol invasion, sent by Kublai Khan in 1293 to punish the Javanese ruler Kertanegara, unexpectedly set the stage for Raden Wijaya’s rise.
The young prince, who was Kertanegara’s son-in-law, would seize this moment of chaos and turn it into an opportunity to build a new empire.
The Turmoil
The fall of Singhasari began when Jayakatwang, the ruler of Kediri, rebelled against Kertanegara and overthrew him in 1292.
Raden Wijaya, who had been loyal to his father-in-law, fled the capital and sought refuge. With the help of loyal followers, he eventually found sanctuary in the dense forests of East Java.
Meanwhile, the Mongol fleet—unaware that Kertanegara had already been killed—arrived on Java’s shores to exact vengeance. Raden Wijaya cleverly exploited this situation.
Pretending to ally himself with the Mongols to defeat Jayakatwang, he promised them cooperation and assistance.
Once Kediri was crushed and Jayakatwang captured, Raden Wijaya turned against the Mongols themselves, launching a surprise attack that drove them out of Java.
This brilliant strategy not only rid the island of foreign invaders but also left Raden Wijaya as the undisputed power in the region. From the ashes of Singhasari and Kediri, he laid the foundations of a new kingdom—Majapahit.
The Founding of Majapahit and The Meaning Behind Its Name
Raden Wijaya established his new capital on the banks of the Brantas River in the region known today as Trowulan, East Java. The site was chosen for its strategic location—fertile, defensible, and well-connected by waterways.
The kingdom’s name, Majapahit, came from the bitter maja fruit found in the area. The word pahit means bitter in Old Javanese, hence Majapahit can be translated as “bitter maja.”
Despite its humble origin, the name would later become synonymous with glory, wealth, and unity.
In 1293, Raden Wijaya was officially crowned as Kertarajasa Jayawardhana, the first king of Majapahit. His reign marked the beginning of a golden chapter in Javanese and Indonesian history.
Early Challenges for Raden Wijaya
The early years of Majapahit were not without difficulty. Raden Wijaya faced several internal rebellions, largely from former allies and military leaders who felt entitled to power.
However, through a combination of diplomacy, strength, and political cunning, he managed to suppress these uprisings and consolidate his authority.
Under his leadership, the foundations of a centralized and well-administered state were established.
The Majapahit government adopted much from the legacy of Singhasari but expanded its bureaucratic system, allowing for more efficient management of territories and resources.
The kingdom began to flourish economically, supported by agriculture, trade, and maritime connections that linked Java to Sumatra, Borneo, and beyond.
Majapahit’s Enduring Legacy
Raden Wijaya’s reign lasted until 1309, but the kingdom he founded would endure for more than two centuries.
Under later rulers such as Hayam Wuruk and his prime minister Gajah Mada, Majapahit reached the height of its power, extending its influence across much of Southeast Asia.
The memory of Majapahit became deeply woven into Indonesian identity. The empire’s vision of unity across diverse islands and peoples is often seen as a precursor to the modern Indonesian motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—“Unity in Diversity.”
The name itself, Majapahit, has been invoked countless times in literature, politics, and culture as a symbol of national greatness.
Remembering 732 Years of Greatness
As we look back 732 years to the founding of Majapahit, Raden Wijaya’s vision and resilience remain as relevant as ever.
His ability to transform adversity into opportunity, to unite warring factions, and to establish a strong, enduring kingdom continues to offer lessons in leadership and nation-building.
The site of Trowulan, believed to be the heart of Majapahit, still stands today as an archaeological treasure. Its ruins, temples, and artifacts tell stories of a civilization that mastered not only warfare and governance but also art, literature, and spirituality.
Remembering the founding of Majapahit on this day is not merely an act of historical reflection—it is a celebration of Indonesia’s enduring spirit.
From Raden Wijaya’s bold beginnings to the golden age that followed, Majapahit remains a timeless reminder of what vision, unity, and perseverance can achieve.
