The Roles of Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Dealing with the Dutch Colonialism in Garut, West Java, 1903-1942

Abstract

ABSTRACT : The focus of this research is pertaining the role of indigenous entrepreneurs in Garut, West Java, Indonesia, for period of 1903-1942. This study aims to determine the role of indigenous entrepreneurs in dealing with the Dutch colonialism and its impact to Garut; and the background of the factors that causing the development of Muslims reformers in Garut. The employed research method of this research is the historical research method, which includes four stages: namely: Heuristics, Criticism, Interpretation, and Historiography. The theories, which used to determine the role of indigenous entrepreneurs in dealing with the Dutch colonialism in Garut, 1903-1942, are the concepts of status and role; network theory; and cultural theory of migration. The results of this research indicate that indigenous entrepreneurs in Garut, West Java, have given their roles in dealing with the Dutch colonialism, are contributing in developing socio-economic life, especially trading activities, in Garut; the indigenous entrepreneurs in “Pasar Baru” (New Market) of Garut play a role in the development of Islamic reformist organizations, such as the SI (Syarekat Islam or Islamic League) and Muhammadiyah (Followers of Prophet Muhammad) organization, and other education institutions in Garut; and indigenous entrepreneurs led by batik merchants, H.M. Djamhari, has a major role in supporting the ideals of the pioneering independence by becoming the permanent donors of Islamic organizations or individual figures of the Indonesian national movement. KEY WORDS : Indigenous entrepreneurs; Batik Merchants; Islamic Reformist Organization; National and Local Figures in Garut. About the Authors: Sopaat Rahmat Selamet , M.Hum. is a Lecturer of Islamic Civilization History at the STAIM (College of Muhammadiyah Islamic Religion) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Dr. Setia Gumilar is a Lecturer and Dean at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities UIN (State Islamic University) Sunan Gunung Djati in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. E-mails address: kartika.noerhasan@gmail.com and gumilarsetia@yahoo.com Suggested Citation: Selamet, Sopaat Rahmat & Setia Gumilar. (2018). “The Roles of Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Dealing with the Dutch Colonialism in Garut, West Java, 1903-1942” in TAWARIKH: Journal of Historical Studies , Volume 10(1), October, pp.45-58. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI, ISSN 2085-0980 (print). Article Timeline: Accepted (August 24, 2018); Revised (September 29, 2018); and Published (October 30, 2018).