Conquest of Sunda Kelapa

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The Conquest of Sunda Kelapa

The Demak sultanate expanded its power in Java by attacking Sunda Kelapa, the western Sundanese capital. On 22 June 1527, Demak forces led by Fatahillah captured Sunda Kelapa. The city was renamed Jayakarta, later Jakarta, and Demak won the conquest.

Background: In the early 1500s, foreign traders settled in Sunda’s ports, and the Sundanese feared losing control. King Suliwangi sent embassies to Malacca in 1512 and 1521. In 1522 a treaty with the Portuguese captain Henrique Leme allowed the Portuguese to settle and build a fortress in Jakarta in exchange for a yearly pepper tribute, though the settlement was delayed. Earlier, in 1478, Cirebon fell to Demak-backed traders who rejected Sundanese authority. Demak’s Trenggana opposed Portuguese settlements in Java and sent 2,000 men led by Fatahillah to conquer Banten, which fell in 1526, leaving Sunda Kelapa exposed.

Attack and capture: After strengthening Banten, Fatahillah attacked Sunda Kelapa with about 1,452 men and some volunteers from Banten. Most Sundanese forces were defending the royal palace, leaving Sunda Kelapa lightly protected. Demak’s land and sea forces besieged the city; Fatahillah’s troops pushed the Sundanese back and captured Sunda Kelapa on 22 June. He renamed the city Jakarta. Trenggana then made Fatahillah viceroy of Banten.

Aftermath: The Banten and Sunda regions remained tense. A Sundanese noble opened a gate to Banten troops at night, and the city fell. Surawiesa escaped to the southern mountains. On 29 July 1527 a Portuguese expedition attempted to fortify Sunda but was hit by a storm and withdrew. The Portuguese paused their treaty and five years later openly traded with Banten. In 1956, Soediro marked Sunda Kelapa’s conquest as Jakarta’s birthday, and Jakarta has celebrated 22 June as its anniversary since.