Peran Sultan Agung Dalam Pengembangan Tradisi Islam Dan Kebudayaan Jawa Pada Abad Ke-17

Abstract

Islam in Java developed through a long process of interaction with local traditions. In the seventeenth century, this process was evident during the reign of Sultan Agung (1613–1645 CE) in the Islamic Sultanate of Mataram. This study aims to describe the state of Islamic traditions and Javanese culture, examine Sultan Agung’s role in their development, and explain the influence of his policies on society. This research employs a qualitative approach using library research and the historical method. Secondary data from journals, conference proceedings, and books were analyzed through four stages: heuristics, verification, interpretation, and historiography. The findings indicate that Mataram was an agrarian kingdom with a centralized government that regarded Islam as part of its identity and a source of political legitimacy. Sultan Agung’s role is reflected in strengthening the kingdom’s religious identity, adopting the title Sayidin Panatagama, conveying Sufi teachings through Serat Sastra Gending, and establishing the Javanese calendar by combining elements of the Saka and Hijri calendars. Meanwhile, Sekaten and ancient mosque architecture reflect a longer historical process of acculturation. Thus, the integration of Islam and Javanese culture developed gradually and unevenly.