The tomb of Raja Ali Haji is situated on Penyengat Indera Sakti Island, Kepulauan Riau province. It is the tomb of a famous leader not only in this province, but also in other parts of Indonesia. This island is synonymous with the great poet. For the local Malay, particularly those living on Malacca peninsula, he is a great hero who is respected and honored.
His full name is Raja Ali al-Hajj ibni Raja Ahmad al-Hajj ibni Raja Haji Fisabilillah bin Opu Daeng Celak, alias Engku Haji Ali ibni Engku Haji Ahmad Riau. Born in 1808, or 1193 Hijriah, in Riau-Lingga Sultanate on Penyengat Island, Raja Ali Haji died in 1873 on the same island.
The Tomb of Raja Ali Haji is located within the cemetery of Engku Putri Raja Hamidah, outside the main building of the Tomb of Engku Putri Raja Hamidah. Inside this main building, you will find an excerpt of the famous “Gurindam Dua Belas” poem. (the Twelve Aphorism). The Tomb of Raja Ali Haji itself has a green roof. Two grave stones on this tomb are properly covered with yellow fabrics.