Through his words, Raja Ali Haji gave the Malay world a voice of wisdom, a mirror of its soul, and a foundation for its future.
Raja Ali Haji, or by full name Ali Haji Al-Haj bin Tengku Haji Ahmad bin Raja Haji Fisabilillah bin Opu Daeng Chelak, was a major figure in the history of Malay literature, Islamic scholarship, and the development of the Malay language. He was born around 1808 or 1809 on Penyengat Island, part of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, located in the Riau Islands of present-day Indonesia. He came from a noble and scholarly Bugis-Malay family. His grandfather, Raja Haji Fisabilillah, was a warrior who died heroically in a battle against Dutch colonial forces in Teluk Ketapang, Melaka, in 1784, a moment that is remembered as a symbol of anti-colonial resistance in the region.
Raja Ali Haji’s father, Raja Ahmad, was a respected scholar and political figure in the Riau-Lingga court. As a child, Raja Ali Haji was surrounded by scholars, poets, and religious teachers. He received a strong traditional Islamic education, studying Arabic, tafsir (Qur’anic interpretation), hadith, fiqh (Islamic law), and balaghah (rhetoric). His early exposure to both classical Islamic sciences and Malay literary traditions shaped his intellectual path. In 1828, he performed the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca with his father, and during that journey, he also studied under renowned Arab scholars. This experience deepened his understanding of Islamic knowledge and allowed him to compare Arabic and Malay intellectual traditions.
Raja Ali Haji became one of the most important Malay thinkers and writers of the 19th century. His works reflect not only literary beauty but also deep moral, ethical, and political insight. One of his most well-known works is Gurindam Dua Belas, completed in 1847. This poem is written in twelve sections, each containing a series of two-line verses that offer advice on personal ethics, leadership, justice, and religious devotion. Its content reflects the influence of Islamic teachings and the values of Malay society. The work is still studied today as a model of Malay wisdom and classical poetic form.
Another important work is Syair Abdul Muluk, a narrative poem that explores themes of courage, disguise, and loyalty. In the poem, a noblewoman dresses as a man to rescue her husband from captivity. Scholars like Amin Sweeney note that the story subtly challenges traditional gender roles while reinforcing values such as bravery, loyalty, and strategic thinking.
Raja Ali Haji also made significant contributions to the study of history. His most important historical work is Tuhfat al-Nafis (“The Precious Gift”), which he completed with contributions from his father. This text chronicles the history of the Johor-Riau-Lingga region and provides valuable details about the role of the Bugis, Malays, and Dutch in shaping the political landscape of the Malay world. Unlike earlier traditional chronicles, Tuhfat al-Nafis includes critical reflection on political change, leadership, and colonial influence. Leonard Y. Andaya, a historian of Southeast Asia, considers the work essential for understanding the complex relationships among the Malay aristocracy, Bugis migrants, and Dutch colonizers.
Raja Ali Haji’s most lasting legacy, however, lies in his contributions to language. Through works like Kitab Pengetahuan Bahasa, he created the first systematic Malay dictionary written in the Malay language itself. It contains over 2,000 entries and reflects an effort to standardize and refine the Malay vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. His efforts helped form the foundation of what later became Bahasa Indonesia, the national language of Indonesia. Scholars such as Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas and Noriah Mohamed have recognized Raja Ali Haji as the first intellectual to codify the Malay language in a scholarly, scientific manner.
His version of the Malay language, often referred to as “Riau Malay” or “Melayu Tinggi,” was known for its elegance, clarity, and logic. It was adopted by later generations of Indonesian nationalists who declared the Malay language (under the name Bahasa Indonesia) as the national language in the Youth Pledge of 1928.
Raja Ali Haji passed away around 1872 or 1873 on Penyengat Island. The exact date of his death is still debated, as written records from that period are incomplete. Despite his passing, his influence continued to grow. In 2004, the Indonesian government awarded him the title of Pahlawan Nasional (National Hero), recognizing his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural and linguistic identity.
Today, the ideas and writings of Raja Ali Haji are still studied in Indonesian and Malaysian schools and universities. His quote, “Takkan Melayu hilang di bumi (“The Malays will never disappear from the earth”), has become a famous motto that symbolizes the resilience and cultural pride of the Malay people. His legacy lives on in literature, language development, Islamic education, and the spirit of national unity.
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