Stability above Instability: Trade and Anti-Colonialization in Sukadana in XIX Century

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Sukadana was one of the busiest ports in Borneo in the XIX century. This article – using the historical method and economic as well as qualitative approach – showed that t he entry of VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or Dutch East - India Company ) ’s merchants made this port even more lively, but also more prone to being divided. Due to the deeper infiltration into the association of the Sukadana palace, this kingdom was split into three parts. A ll its leaders no longer hold the title as “S ultan ” , but rather “P anembahan ” . These three were Panembahan Sukadana, Panembahan Matan , and Panembahan Simpang . In 1929, Panembahan Sukadana was abolished, because it proved against Dutch interests. Dutch troops assisted by a traveler from Siak named Tengku Akil, managed to defeat the Panembahan Sukadana ’s troops. The Dutch abolished the name “ Sukadana ” and replaced it with “ Nieuw Brussels ” . Tengku Akil was se ted to be the first Panembahan Nieuw Brussels. His reign was a difficult period, as several indigenous powers opposed him. The one who was most persistent against him was Panembahan Matan. Sukadana Port was an interesting port profile to be revealed. Behind the political disputes of the local rulers, this port was able to expand its business opportunities outside Borneo. In addition, the existence of local forces that disturbed Dutch interests, such as Matan, indicated that the old forces did not remain silent about the existence of colonial powers in the country. KEY WORDS: Colonial Era; Politic; Shipping and Trade. About the Authors: Prof. Dr. M. Dien Madjid is a Full Professor of History at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities UIN (State Islamic University) Syarif Hidayatullah in Jakarta, Indonesia. Johan Wahyudi is a Lecturer at the STAI (College of Islamic Religion) Al-Aqidah al-Hasyimiyyah in Jakarta, Indonesia. E-mail address: dr.dienmadjid@yahoo.com and johan7790@yahoo.com Suggested Citation: Madjid, M. Dien & Johan Wahyudi. (2021). “Stability above Instability: Trade and Anti-Colonialization in Sukadana in XIX Century” in TAWARIKH: Journal of Historical Studies , Volume 12(2), April, pp.179-194. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI, with ISSN 2085-0980 (print) and ISSN 2685-2284 (online). Article Timeline: Accepted (February 9, 2021); Revised (March 11, 2021); and Published (April 30, 2021).