Kertanegara, knowing that the Mongol ruler will send a military expedition to punish him, tries to solidify his power.

Around 1291, the Singasari ruler launches the Pamalayu expedition to Sumatra, in order to conquer the Malay kingdom of Jambi in the south, one of successor states to Srivijaya.

Jambi is one of the first Indonesian polities where Islam had established its presence, and it already entertains cordial relationships with Yuan China.

Kublai Khan has ordered that a strong punitive naval expedition be launched against the remote equatorial islands in order to punish Kertanegara.

He sends a massive expedition of one thousand ships to Java.

Meanwhile, Kertanegara has dominated all of Java, but before the Mongol fleet arrives, a dramatic political change occurs.

Jayakatwang, prince of Kediri and one of Singhasari's most powerful vassals, rebels against his overlord.