Gelumpai Manuscript: Islamization and Development of Palembang Darussalam Sultanate (16th-17th century)

Abstract

Gelumpai manuscript tells about the character of the Prophet Muhammad. Its position
in script tradition of huluan Palembang community is a representation of cultural
system that indicates the acculturation feature between Java and local culture of huluan
Palembang in the form of ulu or ka-ga-nga character. This study aims to analyse the
condition of Palembang community in the 16th-17th century based on Gelumpai
manuscript and to reflects the findings of the past into present. Research method used in
this investigation is literature study and critical discourse analysis approach in which its
unit of analysis is Gelumpai manuscript. This manuscript existed in Palembang
Darussalam Sultanate in the 16th-17th century in which Islam was a foundation of the
state constitution. At that time, Muslim politicians proselytized Islam by using
Gelumpai manuscript as a media containing the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s
character that becomes ideal figure and can be implemented in Palembang community
life.
Keywords: Gelumpai manuscript, ka-ga-nga, Palembang Darussalam Sultanate