SEJARAH PERDAGANGAN MARITIM RYUKYU SERTA HUBUNGANNYA DENGAN MELAKA

Abstract

This article discusses the history of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, its role in maritime trade and relations with the Malay Sultanate of Malacca during the golden age of both kingdoms. The Kingdom of Ryukyu was an independent island nation located on the maritime crossroad between East Asia and Southeast Asia. On the other hand, the Malay Sultanate of Malacca was one of the most important trade centres in Southeast Asia in the 15th century and located on the Strait of Malacca, the world’s busiest shipping lane. Historical records in foreign languages mention that the Kingdom of Ryukyu actively traded with the Malay Sultanate of Malacca and other Southeast Asian ports, and maintained tributary relations with China and Japan as well. The Ryukyuan traders connected the East Asia and Southeast Asia through maritime trade by transporting goods from and to both regions between 1373 and 1570 A.D, a span covering almost 200 years. In 1879 A.D, the Kingdom of Ryukyu was officially abolished, as it became an integral part of Japan during the Meiji Restoration.