Tuanku Rao
Tuanku Rao was an Islamic cleric, leader and commander. He was a prominent figure among the Kaum Padri, a group of Islamic reformists who advocated for the puritanical approach in Islam inspired by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the early 18th century West Sumatra. He also contributed to the proselytization of Islam among the Batak people. He died during the Padri War in 1833.
Biography
Early life
Rao was born as Pongkinangolngolan Sinambela to a Mandailing Batak family, hailing from Rao, Pasaman in West Sumatra. His father was from Tarung-Tarung, Rao, and his mother was from Padang Mantinggi, Rao. During his adolescence, Rao deepened the knowledge of Islam at the surau of the prominent ulama Tuanku Nan Tuo in Koto Tuo, Agam, and then proceeded to the surau in Bonjol. He completed the science of Islamic jurisprudence with the honorable title thayyib jiddan, awarded by Fakih Muhammad.Padri Movement
Rao was one of the strongest Padri warlords, vigorously fighting against the Dutch East Indies colonial government in Pasaman, Kotanopan, Padang Lawas and Padang Sidempuan. After the Dutch troops conquered Matur and Lubuk Sikaping in October 1832, Rao was finally surrounded. Lieutenant Bevervoorden, a commander of the Dutch forces, met Rao and persuaded him to surrender. During the meeting, Rao argued that he would go to Hajj and hand over the leadership of his government to his father-in-law, Yang Dipertuan Rao.After the meeting, Rao withdrew and hid in the forest. However, inspired by Tuanku Tambusai, who had just returned from Mecca, he was encouraged to continue fighting against the Dutch. To initiate the propagation of padri movement in Batak land, Rao attacked the Dutch defense in Air Bangis with the help of Tuanku Imam Bonjol. On January 29, 1833, Rao was intercepted by Dutch troops. His resistance was pierced after he was severely injured by bullet wounds. He was then sent by the Dutch to exile, during which he died shortly after. His body was allegedly dumped into the sea by Dutch troops.