via New Straits Times, 26 February 2024: The narrative of Enrique of Melaka, also known as Panglima Awang, challenges the conventional history of world circumnavigation, traditionally credited to Ferdinand Magellan. Dr. Surya Suryadi’s lecture at Universiti Islam Melaka highlights Awang’s significant yet overlooked contribution as a Malay who possibly completed the global voyage between 1511-1521, even after Magellan’s death in the Philippines. Despite the prominence of Magellan in historical accounts, the enduring interest in Awang’s story, reflected in literature and public discourse across the Malay world, underscores a rich legacy that transcends the confines of colonial narratives.
In his lecture, Surya said that Panglima Awang is better known as ‘Enrique de Melaka’ or ‘Henry The Black’ among western scholars. However, he added, this does not diminish the fact that he was a Malay who sailed around the world between 1511-1521.
According to historical records, Awang was said to have also fought against the Portuguese but was eventually captured, becoming a prisoner of war.
“Panglima Awang was later handed over to Magellan by Alfonso de Albuquerque. At that time, he might have been in his teens.
“At the time, Magellan wanted to leave Melaka in December 1511, after Melaka was successfully taken over by the Portuguese.
“Becoming a servant to Magellan resulted in his original name being changed to ‘Henry The Black’ or ‘Enrique de Melaka’,” he said.
Source: Enrique of Melaka: Was a Malay man the first to sail around the world?
