The Stimulus of Islam on the Rise of Banten in the 16–17th Century

Abd Rahman Hamid (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung)
Uswatun Hasanah (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan)
Reza Nawafella Alya Parangu (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan)

Buletin Al-Turas
Vol. 32 No. 2 (2026): Buletin Al-Turas

Purpose This article analyses the relationship between regional maritime network dynamics and the Islamization of the Banten during the 16–17th centuries, which explore several key aspects: the growth and development of the Banten Sultanate, the efforts made by Banten to promote the Islamization of Java and its surrounding regions, and the evolution of Banten as a thriving international port city along the Nusantara spice trade route.   Method This study used the historical method, which consists of four stages: heuristics (collecting historical sources), external and internal source criticism, interpretation, and historiography (writing history). The data is derived from both local and foreign sources.   Results/Findings The research findings indicate that Banten's growth was directly influenced by the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511, which forced Muslim merchants to change their shipping routes. Instead of passing through the Strait of Malacca, they began navigating along the west coast of Sumatra via the Sunda Strait into the Java Sea. Banten subsequently became a key hub for the diaspora of sailors and Muslim traders from Malacca. Under the leadership of Sunan Gunung Djati, Banten capitalized on these shifting trade dynamics by establishing itself as a major port and sultanate on the western edge of Java. Following the conquest of Pajajaran, the last Hindu kingdom in West Java, Banten expanded its Islamization efforts to Lampung, which became the primary supplier of pepper for its port. As a result, Banten flourished into a cosmopolitan international port city. Banten reached its peak under Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, who received full support from Sheikh Yusuf al-Makassari.   Conclusion This historical process highlights the pivotal roles and influence of two prominent Islamic scholars, Sunan Gunung Djati and Sheikh Yusuf, in Banten’s expansion and resurgence. These findings reinforce the study's hypothesis that Islam served as a driving force behind Banten’s revival in the 16–17th centuries.