Part 7/9:
The Arab Roots and the Founding of Puntana
The origins of the Alcadri family in Pontana trace back to Yemen, where Arab travelers and scholars arrived in the 18th century, bringing Islam and establishing influential families in Southeast Asia. Sharif Habib Hussein Alcadri, a Yemeni scholar, first traveled into West Borneo, marrying into local sultanates. His son, Sharif Abdul Rahman Alcadri, founded Puntana in 1771 and became its first Sultan.
This Arab arrival transformed into a ruling dynasty, with the Alcadri family maintaining their royal status for generations. The family's influence waned during Japanese occupation, but their legacy endures through cultural artifacts, historical records, and continued recognition in the local community.