The Bravery of Malahayati

    By Storybird

    The Bravery of Malahayati cover image

    12 Aug, 2023

    Keumala Hayati, a young girl of nobility, grew up within the grandeur of the palace. This was where she began her early education. The palace held its own charm but Hayati's heart yearned for the vast expanse of the sea.

    As she grew into an adult, her fascination with the sea led her to the naval department at Baitul Maqdis. She proved to be an earnest student. Her dedication reflected in her swift progress.

    A significant turning point in Hayati's life was the death of her husband. He was a brave warrior who died in battle, leaving Hayati widowed and alone.

    But Hayati was not one to be pushed into the shadows of despair. Instead, she used her grief as motivation and approached the Sultan of Aceh with an audacious proposition.

    She proposed the formation of a women's force composed of the widows of syahid Aceh warriors. The Sultan, admiring her courage, granted her request.

    Hayati then led the Inong Balee battalion, a unit of 2000 women, their hearts filled with the desire for vengeance and the hope of honoring their fallen husbands.

    Word reached Sultan Aceh of a Dutch ship led by Captain Cornelis de Houtman approaching their coast. The Sultan decided that this was the moment for the Inong Balee to prove themselves.

    With the Sultan's approval, Hayati and her troops launched an attack. As the day faded into the evening, a ferocious battle ensued.

    Captain Cornelis de Houtman, a seasoned sailor and combatant, was not one to be easily intimidated. However, he had severely underestimated the strength and determination of the Inong Balee.

    A fierce mano-a-mano ensued between Hayati and Houtman on the ship's deck. Hayati, fuelled by the spirit of her battalion and the memory of her husband, triumphed.

    As the remnants of the Dutch forces retreated, the Inong Balee stood their ground. They had won their first battle, and their leader Hayati, had emerged victorious.

    Hayati's bravery did not go unnoticed. For her exceptional courage and leadership, the Sultan bestowed upon her the coveted title of Admiral. A fitting tribute to a deserving warrior.

    But Hayati's greatness did not stop at the battlefield. She was also recognized for her remarkable skills in diplomatic negotiations, proving useful to the Aceh Sultanate.

    On numerous occasions, she successfully negotiated advantageous terms for the Sultanate. Her charisma and intelligence making her a formidable diplomat.

    Hayati's name was not only acknowledged in her homeland but also in Western and Chinese literatures. Her fame crossed seas and borders due to her extraordinary achievements.

    Her tales of bravery and determination were told and retold. She became a symbol of power and courage, inspiring women and men alike.

    However, despite her fame and recognition, Hayati remained humble. She always considered herself a warrior at heart, fighting for her people and her homeland.

    She carried her title with honor and grace, always remembering her roots and those she had lost. The memory of her fallen husband and comrades driving her forward.

    Hayati's admirable reign as Admiral was marked with more victories. Under her guidance, Aceh successfully repelled several other foreign invasions, her mere presence commanding respect.

    Her life was an embodiment of bravery, intellect, and leadership. A life that will forever be celebrated and remembered.

    Today, young girls and boys of Aceh grow up listening to the tales of Hayati. They are taught about her bravery, determination, and devotion to her homeland.

    They are reminded of Hayati's resilience and her unwavering spirit, her love for her people and her homeland. She stands as an enduring symbol of courage for all.

    Hayati's legacy continues to inspire generations. Her remarkable life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable spirit of a true warrior.

    Her legacy is not just in the battles she won but also in the hearts she inspired. To this day, Keumala Hayati, the first female naval commander, continues to kindle a spark of bravery in everyone who hears her story.

    And so, the tale of the brave Admiral Hayati lives on, echoing through the ages. A testament to the power of courage and the strength of a woman's spirit.

    The Bravery of Malahayati