Akar Nusa
A fast Bugis prahu comes into the Riau roads. The crew are expert sailors and skilled fighters. They have come to trade, and to be asked for help.
The story
After the Dutch conquered Makassar in the 17th century, many Bugis from South Sulawesi sailed west. They traded in the Riau islands, Johor, Selangor and beyond, and some built wealth and standing.
In 1699 the Sultan of Johor was killed and left no heir, and the court fell into a dispute. Raja Kecil of Siak claimed the throne and promised the Bugis a share of power. They say he did not keep his word. In 1721 to 1722, Raja Sulaiman asked the Bugis leader Opu Daeng Parani for help. With Bugis support Raja Kecil was removed, and Sulaiman became sultan.
The Bugis then held the office of Yam Tuan Muda (the deputy ruler) in Riau. Daeng Parani himself died in 1726 or 1727 in a battle in Kedah and is buried in Sungai Petani. His brothers and sons continued, and his descendants later became rulers of Johor in the 19th century. In Selangor, Bugis fighters hired by Johor stayed and gained power, and the Selangor sultanate dates from 1766.
Historians discuss whether the Bugis were partners or masters of the Malay courts. We tell both views.
Where you can still see it today
In Selangor and Johor royal histories, in place names, and in Bugis family traditions in Peninsular Malaysia. Daeng Parani is buried in Sungai Petani, Kedah.
What DNA can tell, and what it cannot
Island sailing peoples can carry lines such as B4 (The seafarers' line) and the father line O-M119 (The seafarers' father line). These are also found in many other peoples of the islands, so we cannot name any line as "Bugis". DNA does not decide race, religion or bumiputera status.
