Mahkota - the Royal Crown of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam

Image of Mahkota (top) scanned from this book (below):

The late Al-Marhum Sultan, based on old palace documents and sketches, drew the design of the mahkota himself and had it commissioned. This supreme symbol of sovereignty of the Brunei Sultanate is made of gold and studded with precious jewels. The mahkota is unique in design with inclusions of elements such as the Alap (upturned diadem set in gold and precious stones), Tajuk Mahkota (six pieces of bunched ornaments in the shape of Payung Ubur-ubur (umbrella-like jellyfish tentacles, three on each side), Melur Turun (dangling jasmines), and Tara Mahkota (seven-pronged centrepiece topped with pearls and precious stones).

During the coronation, the mahkota is brought into the Lapau or ceremonial hall by one of the palace officials called Cheteria Empat. During the coronation of the present Sultan that took place on August 1, 1968, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was crowned by his own father, the late Al-Marhum Sultan, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan.

What makes the present mahkota unique is that it has continued being the nation's sovereign symbol for over 40 years due to the peace and prosperity Brunei Darussalam has enjoyed over the four decades.

With the ascension of the present ruler, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, to the throne, the crown has been safely ensconced as a royal treasure that also reflects the peace, well-being and prosperity of the country.

Free of civil strife or any other issues that may divide the people of the land, Brunei Darussalam, under the stewardship of a wise and loving ruler, continues to enjoy an exemplary status as sovereign sultanate.

text from the Muhibah Magazine July/August 2008 issue

The Coronation Ceremony

Usongan Diraja or The Royal Chariot, photo (C) Jennifer Mok

1 August 2008, is the actual date for the 40th Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. The Coronation Ceremony was held on Thursday, 6 Jamadilawal 1388 corresponding to 1 August 1968.

The Coronation Ceremony usually takes place a year after a Sultan has ascended the throne. This historical event was carried out with pomp and pageantry befitting the Royal Customs and Traditions of Brunei Darussalam. After the completion of putting on the Mahkota (Crown) and the Keris Si Naga (the Heritage Kris) was tucked into His Majesty's 'Sinjang' (the Malay traditional attire), Pengiran Bendahara read the 'Puja' for seven times followed by the 'titir' (beating) of Naubat (Royal Drum) and accompanied by a Royal gun-salute from the Royal Cannon. After the 'Doa Selamat' (Benediction Prayer) was read, His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam departed on the 'Usongan Diraja' (Royal Carriage) for the procession around Brunei Town, and later departed on another vehicle heading towards the Istana Darul Hana to sit side by side on a 'Singgahsana' (Royal Dais) with Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri, and when the Crown was put on, the 'Puja' was read by the wife of Pengiran Bendahara. Since then Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri became Her Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri.

In Brunei, the Coronation Ceremony is to recognise the Sultan as Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. The Coronation that ever been documented in the mass media were the Coronation Ceremony of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, held at the Lapau (Ceremonial Hall), in Brunei Town, on 15 May 1918, whereas the Bersanding Ceremony and Puja Ceremony for Her Majesty Pengiran Isteri took place at the Istana in Kampong Ayer. The Coronation Ceremony of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Akhazul Khairi Waddin was held at the Pejabat Besar Kerajaan, Brunei Town, on 19 March 1940, and the Bersanding Ceremony and Puja Ceremony for Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan was held at the Istana Mahkota, Jalan Tutong. The Coronation Ceremony of Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien took place at the old Lapau in Brunei Town on 31 May 1951, the Isteri was held at the Istana Darul Hana, Jalan Tutong, Brunei Town, while the Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on 1 August 1968 took place at the new Lapau, Brunei Town, and the Bersanding Ceremony and Puja Ceremony for Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri was held at Istana Darul Hana, Brunei Town.

The Coronation Ceremony is a Royal Custom that still being defended from time to time as a glittering heritage of an Institution Monarchy in Brunei Darussalam. May His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri endow with blessings and guidance, be permanence on the throne of Brunei Darussalam.

(from the description of The 40th Anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam 1968-2008 commemorative stamp, text by the Brunei Darussalam History Centre, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, 1 August 2008)

40th Anniversary of Coronation commemorative stamps

I just noticed today is 29 Rejab 1429 Hijrah corresponding 1st August 2008, the Hijrah date has 29 appearing twice, and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is the 29th Ruler of Brunei Darussalam.

the envelope costs B$0.45 each

with the traffic lights

first day cover (B$2.05 each)

there is a serial number at the back of the envelope

the logo

I made my very own commemorative sheet (four sheets), each with 4 stamps, signifying the 40 majestic years




the commemorative sheet priced at B$1.60

Unfortunately, the B$40.00 commemorative stamp was not released today. It has been rescheduled to August 15.

40th Anniversary of Coronation

(from Buku Rancangan Sambutan Jubli Perak Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Dipertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Menaiki Takhta)

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was installed as the 29th ruler of Brunei on 5th October 1967 and crowned in Istiadat Perpuspaan on 1st August 1968. Today marks the 40th Anniversary of Coronation of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

from Borneo Bulletin, 21st July 2008:


The Postal Service Department announced that the department will release new commemorative stamps and first day cover to commemorate the 40th anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's coronation. The stamps and first day cover will be on sale on August 1 at post offices across the country, namely, the Bandar Post Office, Mail Processing Centre in Berakas, Seri Kompleks Post Office, Muara Post Office, LTAB Post Office, Kiulap Post Office, Kuala Belait Post Office, Seria Post Office, BSP Post Office, Lumut Post Office, Tutong Post Office and Bangar Post Office in Temburong. Four new stamps designed for the commemorative stamps will be priced at 40 cents each, while the official first day cover will be priced at 45 cents each.

Meanwhile, two miniature sheets will also be sold two weeks after the official launching of the commemorative stamps and official first day covers. The sheets will be priced at $1.60, while a special miniature sheet will cost $40.

Kekal Qarar Memerintah Negara Brunei Darussalam

Scanned images of Coronation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on 1st August, 1968 from various sources:

(from Brunei Annual Report 1968)

(from 25 Tahun di atas Takhta dengan Adil Makmur Laila Bahagia')

(from 25 Tahun di atas Takhta dengan Adil Makmur Laila Bahagia')

(from 25 Tahun di atas Takhta dengan Adil Makmur Laila Bahagia')

(from Buku Rancangan Sambutan Jubli Perak Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Dipertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Menaiki Takhta, p58)

(from Brunei Annual Report 1968)

(from Brunei Annual Report 1968)