An Old Islamic Kampong Lies Near Bali

The kampong sits on an area of 2.5 hectares and is inhabited by around 70 families.

VIVAnews - Bali is an island where Hinduism is predominant. However, there is an old village in the province whose small population is packed with muslim called Bugis Islamic Kampong. The historic village is situated in Serangan Island, a small island lying 17 kilometers away off the main Bali Island near Sanur.

However, in 1995, a small pier was built on the island and a bridge was erected to link Bali with Serangan.

The kampong sits on an area of 2.5 hectares and is inhabited by around 70 families. The total population reaches 280 people, and they are all muslims. Most of the village people are fishermen.

"Some researchers said the kampong was established in the 17th century," Mochammad Mansyur, 70, a local figure in the kampong, told VIVAnews on August 11.

According to the oral tradition, the kampong was initiated when a nobleman named Syeikh Haji Mu and his ship crews ran from Makassar, South Sulawesi, after a clash with the Dutch, and arrived on the island.

"But as Syeikh Haji Mu arrived, the Badung Kingdom of Bali suspected that the Dutch administration sent him as a spy, which led to his detainment," said Mansyur.

During the period of his imprisonment, Syeikh Haji Mu and his men convinced the King of Badung, Ida Cokorda Pemecutan III, that he was not a spy. The attempt proved positive and he stepped out of jail to live in Puri Pemecutan Palace within a while.

"He then occupied Gelagi Gendong kampong, which was located in the western part of the kingdom," said Mansyur.

The locals were fond of the people of Bugis's way and skills of sailing. As a result, they were transfered to the forest-like Serangan Island.

"The Hindus could also buy fishes that the men got," said Mansyur.

Syeikh Haji Mu and his men dwelled in the area ever since. The relationship between the Bugis settlers and Badung Kingdom also went well.

By virtue of the tight bond with Badung Kingdom, Haji Mu asked permission to Pemecutan King to build a mosque, which is still there until today.

Syeikh Haji Mu died and was buried in the village.

Source : vivanews.com