History of Karimun

Karimun used to be under the power of Sriwijaya Kingdom until it fell in 13th century. Buddhism had been exist at the time, proven by an inscription in Pasir Panjang village. It is said that the traders ships often passed over Karimun that moment, and then Malaka Kingdom ( Islam ) influence came there.

In 1511, Portuguese was defeating Malaka. Sultan Mansyur Syah who rules at that time forbade the King's descents to stay in Malaka, and built some small Kingdoms. Then some Kingdoms such as Indrasakti, Indrapura, Indragiri, and Indrapuri were formed. Meanwhile, there where so many Malaka people spreade in Kepri's Islands, including Karimun.

Since Malaka feel and replaced by Johor Kingdom, Karimun was used as the basis of navy power who fought the Portuguese, started from Sultan Mahmud Syah I period ( 1518-1521 ) until the period of Sultan Ala Jala Abdul Jalil Ri'ayat Syah ( 1559-1591 ).

After that Karimun was under the power of Riau-Lingga Kingdom ( 1772-1784). All that time, Karimun, espedially Kundur was well know as producer of Gambir and minerals such as tin granite,etc Karimun had developed become a trade area and rached its success at the period of Raja Ali Haji.