In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Majapahit kingdom reigned supreme in eastern Java, now in Indonesia, and its influence extended throughout Asia. In his recent book (by Monsoon Books in the UK), Herald Van Der Linde tells not just the story of an empire’s rise and fall, but also an exploration of a society rich in religious diversity, social tolerance and artistic achievement. It was a society – much like Indonesia today – which had to navigate its way in the challenging tapestry of Chinese and Southeast Asian geopolitics.
At the heart of Majapahit’s story are eccentric kings and queens embroiled in bloody family feuds, and a tipsy court scribe who has the good sense to write down everything he sees. There is the drama of royal intrigues, murders, revenge and an invasion by Kublai Khan's army, which went horribly wrong. Often viewed as the most powerful empire in Indonesian history, the Majapahit had formidable military strength, allowing it to conquer and control vast territories across Southeast Asia, including much of modern-day Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, and even the Philippines.
Under the leadership of notable rulers like King Hayam Wuruk, Majapahit successfully unified the many islands and diverse cultures within its region and played a key role in the spread of Hindu-Buddhist culture throughout Southeast Asia.
The Speaker
Herald Van Der Linde is HSBC’s Chief Asia equity strategist, also known as “The Flying Dutchman” given his frequent travels around the region. He has travelled, lived and worked in Indonesia and Hong Kong since the 1990s. Married to an Indonesian, he is passionate about the social and cultural history of Indonesia and is the author of “Majapahit: Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia’s Greatest Empire” (2024) as well as “Jakarta: History of a Misunderstood City” (2020).
PROGRAMME
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm (Reception starts at 6:30 pm)
Admission: $175 for members, $220 for guests /non-members (Light refreshments are included in the admission fee)
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