Palembang

Jembatan Ampera, Palembang


Palembang is the capital of the province of South Sumatra, on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It covers 401 sq km (155 sq mi) and has a population of 1.5 million people. This makes it the second largest city in Sumatra after Medan, and the 7th largest in Indonesia.

With a documented history going back to the 11th century, Palembang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. It was once the capital of the Buddhist kingdom of Srivijaya which covered parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and southern Thailand. When Palembang was captured by the Chola Empire in 1025, the Srivijaya capital was relocated to Jambi.

Srivijaya Archaeological Park, Palembang, Indonesia


Palembang is the birth place of Parameswara, the founder of the Malacca Sultanate. He lived during the time when the Srivijaya Empire collapsed under Majapahit invasion. Parameswara attempted to revive Palembang but only managed to earn punitive action from Majapahit, forcing him to flee, first to Temasik, and eventually to reach Malacca.

Eventually the Majapahit Empire also collapsed, and in Palembang, local rulers established the Sultanate of Palembang which existed until 1821, when it was made a subordinate kingdom of the Dutch East Indies. When the sultans of Palembang and surrounding states attempted to rebel against the Dutch, the Dutch retaliated by during the palaces.

In the modern era, the city positions itself as a tourist destination with many water attractions. It was declared the City of Water Tour in 2005.

Masjid Agung, Palembang


Bukit Seguntang Archaeological Park, Palembang, containing tombs of kings and nobles of the Malay-Srivijaya empire

Visiting Palembang

You can fly to Palembang from Singapore (SilkAir), and Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia). There are also domestic flights from Jakarta, Pangkal Pinang and Batam, among others.

Places of Interest to visit in Palembang

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum, Palembang

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