Bengkalis

Bengkalis is an island off the eastern coast of Sumatra, facing the Malacca Strait across a maze of rivers and channels. When the Sultanate of Siak arose in the eighteenth century, Bengkalis and nearby Bukit Batu became forward positions in its defense. Their commander bore the title Laksamana Raja di Laut, reflecting the importance of naval authority in the strait and the estuaries behind it.