Sugeneb

Sugeneb, better known as Sumenep, lies at the eastern end of Madura. It was the seat of a line of rulers whose influence extended across the island and into the politics of eastern Java. The court's later palace combined Javanese, Chinese, Islamic and European elements, a reflection of the many contacts that reached Madura by sea.

In 1269 Arya Wiraraja took his seat at Sumenep as ruler of Madura under Singhasari. His support helped Raden Wijaya establish Majapahit after the fall of Singhasari, and Wiraraja was rewarded with a domain in eastern Java centred on Lumajang. Sumenep remained a distinct seat of power as Javanese kingdoms rose and fell across the strait. In the eighteenth century Panembahan Sumolo had a new palace built, with the Chinese architect Louw Phia Ngo credited with its design. Its halls and gateways testified to the continuing importance of the Madurese court amid the expanding power of the Dutch East India Company.