From the Myth of Seven Angels to Religious Legitimacy: The Sources of Power of Sultans of Ternate

Abstract

This paper discusses Ternate Sultanate who built and maintained its power base through manipulation on cultural and religious magic. This hegemonic strategy made this group appear to be the ruler and role models center in people living in Ternate. The purpose of this study is to find out (1) What strategies the Sultans of Ternate used in building a power base to continuously exist until now, (2) What is the role of Ternate Sultanate in maintaining the power by using the doctrine of power, by positioning the palace as a place with the highest position of traditional identity, and (3) How the palace is used as a source of reference for customary values which are also closely related to a magical source of trust that serves to validate the position of Sultans as ruler. The method used in this study is the historical method covering four stages: heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and writing (historiography). The results of this study indicate that there are at least four important elements possessed by Ternate Sultanate which are used as a strategy to shape and strengthen its position. First, the doctrine of Jou se Ngofangare (king and servant), positioning the king or Sultan as a representation of God's power (macro cosmos). Second, the myth of Seven Angels, justifying the great position of Sultans by using magical-religious concepts as a means to make it acceptable. Third, titles and heirlooms, considering Sultan to have charisma and supernatural powers. Various symbols and heirlooms belong to Sultan, such as weapons and titles, are used to validate the Sultan's position as ruler. Fourth, Kadaton (palace), positioning the palace as a place with the highest position of traditional identity. The palace is used as a source of reference for traditional values which are also closely related to magical sources of trust.