Arabic Calligraphy on the Sultan Tombstones in Kutai

by Bambang Sakti Wiku Atmojo

Abstract

Almost every tombstone of the Sultan of Kutai (East Kalimantan) is inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, except that of the last sultan's, Aji Muhammad Parikesit. These inscriptions are of great benefit to those who seek further effort to study their significance. The advantage in analysing the calligraphies is to obtain the knowledge to recognise the names and chronology of the governing sultan, the writing style, the contained advices and the language development exercised by the time the tombstone was erected.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:32-42; ISSN 1410-0932)