Islamicization Strategies in Kao Ancient Village, North Halmahera

Abstract

The Kao Ancient Village settlement site is located in the hinterland of North Halmahera, standing on relatively wet ground flanked by the river Aer Kalak, Ake Ngoali, and Ake Jodo and surrounded by sago and swamp forests. The settlement conditions on the site make it limited for residential space, but a community of Kao people settled in this area for a relatively long period of time between 100-200 years and even recorded in history that Kao region is the main food supplier for Ternate in the past. This research conducted surface surveys and limited excavations, then mapped the areas of artifactual findings, and identified patterns of spatial use by analyzing surface features and artifact scatters. Variety of archeological data both artifacts and oral traditions are then analyzed guided by relevant reference sources. The results show that Kao Site is an advanced settlement and has a significant role as the center of Islamicization in Halmahera. The Kao people settled for a long time in one location supported by water sources and the potential of farming lands making the Kao area a part of bustling trade networks. Kao became part of a strategy in spreading Islam to other inland areas, as well as coastal areas in North Halmahera.

Mangrove Forest Utilization for Sustainable Livelihood through Community-Based Ecotourism in Kao Village of North Halmahera District

“…The results of adaptation to the conditions of the natural environment caused a modification of habitus represented in traditions and rituals, as well as in harvesting crops, weddings, funerals, fishing, making boats, purifying settlements, and protecting plantation land '' (Platenkamp, 1990;Regel et al, 2019). Several residential areas on the North Halmahera mainland had experienced acculturation and assimilation along with the annexation of the power of the Sultan of Ternate (Handoko, 2017;Handoko et al, 2018). Previous research illustrated that the Kao Village community livelihood sustainability was supported by the traditions and culture of Hibualamo, which allowed livelihood and cultural background of the Kao community.…”

“…The influence of the sultanate power stimulates assimilation issues and livelihood changes in Kao's community (Handoko et al, 2018;Mulae, 2016). Also, the activity of in Halmahera Nederlandse Zending Vereniging cause acculturation issue '' (Parker, 2003).…”