Local Resistance in Kerinci in the 20th Century: Depati Parbo and the People’s Struggle Against the Power of the Dutch East Indies (A Study of Archives and Oral History)

Abstract

ABSTRACT : Kerinci is one of the regencies in Jambi p rovince, Sumatera island, Indonesia. This region has a number of past stories that have not been widely known, especially from outside the region. This historical story still lives in the nuances of locality that spread in a certain area. L ocal history tales are often underestimated, as they are considered unimportant to be discussed by people from other regions. Beyond that, local history has the potential to correct, alter or add to the familiar historical discourse. One of Kerinci ’ s local history themes is the story of Depati Parbo ’ s struggle against Dutch colonialists in the early twentieth century. The Dutch had made Kerinci as the target mastery for a long time. The White people were tempted by the many advantages gained from this effort, such as the mastery over the salt lane, the variety of valuable forest products, and the clearing of plantations. The effort was responded with the defense of Kerinci people raised by the leaders of Kerinci society, including Depati Parbo. This study uses a social history approach, which photographs social solidarity that grows due to a cause. The findings show that the emergence of heroism in the body of Kerinci society is caused by the threat that was spread by the Dutch East Indies troops, who wanted to establish influence there. The sources used are the Dutch East Indies colonial’s archives and the oral sources obtained from local sources. Based on these two sources, the attempt to reconstruct the history in the colonial era in Kerinci hopefully can be accomplished. KEY WORDS : People’s Resistance; Dutch Colonization; Economics and Social Solidarity; Kerinci ’ s Local History . About the Authors: Prof. Dr. M. Dien Madjid is a Professor of History at the UIN (State Islamic University) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Jalan Tarumanegara No.17-B, Pisangan, Ciputat Timur, Ciputat, Tangerang Selatan, Banten, Indonesia. Johan Wahyudi, M.Hum . is a Lecturer and Historian at the STAI (College of Islamic Religion) Al-Aqidah al-Hasyimiyyah Jakarta, Jalan Kayumanis Barat No.99, Matraman, Kayu Manis, Jakarta Timur, Jakarta, Indonesia. Corresponding authors: dr.dienmadjid@yahoo.com and johan7790@yahoo.com Suggested Citation: Madjid, M. Dien & Johan Wahyudi. (2018). “Local Resistance in Kerinci in the 20 th Century: Depati Parbo and the People’s Struggle Against the Power of the Dutch East Indies (A Study of Archives and Oral History)” in TAWARIKH: I nternational J ournal for H istorical S tudies , Volume 9(2), April, pp.137-150. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI, ISSN 2085-0980. A rticle Timeline : Accepted (January 15, 2018); Revised (March 24, 2018); and Published (April 30, 2018).