Brief History of Banten Province

Banten is the name of the area has been know since 14 century. In the beginning Banten is a port which the ships and trader are coming from any country, and finally Euro people control this area. In 1330 people have known a country which as Panten, and then this area controlled by Kingdom of Majapahit with Gajah Mada and Hayam Wuruk as a leader. At that time, Kingdom of Majapahit and Kingdom of Demak are two of Kingdom has power in Nusantara (Indonesia). In 1524 –1525 Moslem traders came to Banten and that time; begin of Islam religious growth in Banten. In about two century later, regency (Kadipaten) of Banten has been build at Surasowan in October 8, 1526.

In 1552 -1570 Maulana Hasanudin Princes (Panembahan) of Surasowan become the first leader (Sultan) of Baneten. At that time the government of Sultan has begun which finally Sultan Muhammad Rafi’uddin (1813 –1820) is the 20th Sultan with all the people of Banten attack for the illegal government. But war of Banten forever until the illegal government goes out from Banten.

Since the freedom of Indonesia, people of Banten want to build a Banten province. That hoping had existed since 1953 and in 1963 made committee of Banten Province at Serang regency. In the meeting between Committee of Banten Province with legislative (DPR-GR) agree to make a frame of Banten province. In October 25, 1970 the great meeting of Banten has declared the Presidium of Committee of Banten Province. But not convenient to build the province which unravel of West Java. In era Orde Baru struggle of Banten Province can not release yet.

In reformation order (Orde Reformasi), struggle of Banten people is very obstinate because free democracy and regency autonomy (self-government) has issue by central government. In July 18, 1999 there was declaration of Banten people in Serang, later official of Committee of Banten Province (Badan Pekerja Komite Panitia Provinsi Banten) arrange the basic guide and job planning recommended Committee of Institution of Banten Province (Komite Pembentukan Provinsi Banten /PBB). Since that, conformed subs of commission PBB in some regency in Banten to fasted conformation of Banten Province.

After through martial aborious ultimately at October 4, 2000 tight at great meeting of legislative (Rapat Paripurna DPR-RI) affirm draft of law (RUU) of Banten Province become act the law No. 23 Year 2000 about Institution of Banten Province. Posterior at October 17, 2000 President Abdurrahman Wahid affirms the law No. 23 Year 2000 about PBB. One month after that at November 18, 2000 there was agreement of Banten Province, and functionary governor H. Hakamudin Djamal to implement officer transitory province before definitive governor electing. In 2002 Local legislative (DPRD) of Banten elected Dr. Ir. H. Djoko Munandar, M.Eng as Governor, and Hj. Atut Chosiyah as Vice Governor.

Source: Drs. E. Iwa Tuskana Supandri