TREASURE OF THE MELAKA MALAY SULTANATE: ANALYSIS OF HIDDEN TREASURE ON NANGKA ISLAND, MELAKA

Abstract

The Melaka Sultanate rose to prominence as a dominant maritime power, controlling the vital Strait of Melaka and serving as a pivotal center of trade and commerce. The kingdom's prosperity was fuelled by its strategic location, attracting merchants and traders from distant lands who dealt in coveted commodities like spices, precious metals, and gemstones. Nangka Island played a significant role in this bustling trade network, potentially serving as a repository for the Sultanate's accumulated wealth. Legends and folklore emerged over time, shrouding the island in mystery and sparking intrigue about the hidden treasures of the Melaka Sultanate. The objective of this study is to identify the sources of wealth in Melaka. In addition to examining the treasures left by the Sultanate of Melaka, this study also provides a detailed analysis of the treasure trove left by the Sultanate of Melaka, located on Nangka Island This study employs a qualitative method. The data collection methods for this study are library research and documentation methods. This research also uses the observation method to gather information at the location of Nangka Island. Observations on this island were conducted for two months to obtain detailed information about the island. Meanwhile, data analysis and research information are conducted using descriptive methods. As a result, the island's strategic location near the mainland and other key islands made it an ideal site for various activities, including trade, defense, and religious gatherings. Its association with the Sultanate's riches adds to its allure, drawing interest from historians, treasure hunters, and the general public. Despite centuries having passed since the Melaka Sultanate's heyday, the allure of Nangka Island and its rumored treasures endures, fuelling ongoing exploration efforts and captivating imaginations with the promise of uncovering secrets from one of Southeast Asia's most influential empires.