King Hatuhaha or King of Pelauw? Testing the Validity of Power Claims in the History of Uli Hatuhaha

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FORMOSA NEWS - Maluku Utara - Testing the Validity of Power Claims: Study Reveals Uli Hatuhaha as a Five-Village Customary Alliance, Not a Single Monarchy. A new historical and legal study has challenged centuries-old political claims in Maluku, Indonesia, demonstrating that Uli Hatuhaha is a five-village customary alliance (konfederasi adat) rather than a unified monarchy ruled by a single king. Conducted by legal researchers Dabansa Sangadji from Universitas Indonesia and Ahmad Rukh Tuheteru from Universitas Sahid, the study was published in July 2026 in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences. The findings provide crucial legal and historical clarity to settle long-standing local disputes over traditional authority, indigenous identity, and customary governance in Central Maluku.

The Roots of Political Ambiguity in Haruku Island

The debate over traditional leadership in Uli Hatuhaha, located on Haruku Island, has influenced local social dynamics and political discourse for generations. Historically, Hatuhaha represents a shared customary identity encompassing five distinct villages: Pelauw, Rohomoni, Kabau, Kailolo, and Hulaliu. The confederation played a major role in regional resistance against Portuguese and Dutch colonial forces during the historical Alaka Wars. However, a persistent narrative in local public discourse claims that the King of Pelauw (Raja Pelauw) holds absolute traditional sovereignty as the sole "King of Hatuhaha". This claim heavily relies on selective interpretations of 18th-century Dutch colonial records, specifically François Valentijn’s Beschryving van Amboina (1724). Because conflicting interpretations of customary rights can fuel social fragmentation among neighboring communities, re-examining these historical sources through modern constitutional and administrative legal frameworks is essential for regional social cohesion.

Simplified Research Methodology
To evaluate the legitimacy of these historical power claims, the researchers utilized a normative-historical legal research methodology paired with customary constitutional analysis. The methodology integrated three analytical pillars:

• Historical Analysis: A critical re-examination of Dutch East India Company (VOC) archives, particularly Valentijn's accounts, cross-referenced with indigenous oral traditions (lani and kapata).
  
• Socio-Legal Frameworks: Application of Émile Durkheim’s theory of collective solidarity and Max Weber’s typology of traditional authority to distinguish actual legal legitimacy from mere political influence.
  
• Constitutional and Administrative Law: Examination of authority structures using Indonesian public law concepts developed by constitutional scholar Jimly Asshiddiqie and administrative law expert Harsanto Nursadi.
  

Key Findings of the Study
The investigation by Dabansa Sangadji and Ahmad Rukh Tuheteru revealed several critical facts regarding the structure of traditional authority in Hatuhaha:

• Colonial Records Indicate Title Claims, Not Collective Recognition: François Valentijn wrote in 1724 that the King of Pelauw "laat zig noemen" (allows himself to be called or calls himself) Koning van Hatoeaha due to personal pride. The study highlights that this reflects a self-asserted title claim rather than formal recognition by the other villages.
  
• Historical Rebuttal by Rohomoni: The same 1724 colonial text explicitly records that the people of Rohomoni contested Pelauw’s claim, asserting their own historical rights over the genuine territorial heartland of Hatuhaha.
  
• Physical Infrastructure of Authority Resides in Rohomoni: The tangible regalia, governance centers, and spiritual infrastructure of the Hatuhaha alliance are historically concentrated in Rohomoni rather than Pelauw. Key elements include:
  
• Rumah Nai Hatuhaha: The traditional palace and administrative hall.
  
• Kadera Nusa & Uwa Huhui: The sacred throne chair and official command staff of governance.
  
• Singgi Lembe Halawane: The central royal mosque and traditional astronomical center.
  
• Patti Hatuhaha & Imam Hatuhaha: The official executive and spiritual leadership offices.
  
• Equal Horizontal Governance (Primus Inter Pares): Traditional oral literature (lani) confirms that the relationship between the leaders of Rohomoni and Pelauw is horizontal and equal. The alliance functions under the principle of primus inter pares (first among equals) rather than a hierarchical monarchical structure.
  

Real-World Impact and Policy Implications

This interdisciplinary research carries valuable real-world applications for social policy, conflict resolution, and local governance:

• Mitigating Customary Disputes: By clarifying the historical distinction between a village king (raja negeri) and a confederative customary alliance (uli), the study provides a legal foundation to resolve long-standing title disputes in Maluku.
  
• Cultural Preservation and Education: The findings support accurate historical curricula in schools, ensuring future generations understand traditional governance based on factual records rather than unilateral claims.
  
• Archival Conservation Mandates: The study urges local governments and cultural institutions to inventory and preserve indigenous archives, particularly the historical manuscripts located at Rumah Nai Ma'arifat in Rohomoni.

Author Profiles
Dabansa Sangadji, S.H., M.H. is a legal scholar and researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Law at Universitas Indonesia (UI). His academic expertise focuses on constitutional law, customary legal systems (hukum adat), and historical statecraft.

Ahmad Rukh Tuheteru, S.H., M.H. is a lecturer and legal researcher at Universitas Sahid. His research specialization encompasses administrative law, public governance, and socio-legal studies.

Source
Dabansa Sangadji, Ahmad Rukh Tuheteru. King Hatuhaha or King of Pelauw? Testing the Validity of Power Claims in the History of Uli Hatuhaha. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS). Vol. 5, No. 7, Tahun 2026 (Halaman 1453–1474)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i7.85
URL: https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas