Aktivitas Perdagangan Di Sungai Asahan Tahun 1867-1942

Abstract

This research examines the trade activities on the Asahan River during the period from 1867 to 1942. The study aims to reconstruct the history of the Asahan River's contribution to trade during the Dutch Colonial era. Specifically, it elucidates the role of the Asahan River in the socio-economic life of the communities around it with the advent of Dutch Colonialism. The Asahan River became important in discussions concerning its role in supporting the Dutch Colonial economy after Asahan was designated as an Afdeeling (administrative division). The economic study employs a riverine upstream-downstream concept in analyzing the proposed problems. The research process utilizes historical methods, consisting of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Sources used to support this research include archival materials, photographs, maps, contemporary newspapers, contemporary books, and other relevant literature. The findings of this research indicate that the Asahan River is a large river located in two different administrative areas, namely Asahan and Tapanuli. Along its course, the Asahan River possesses fertile soil, and its flow is stable enough to be navigated by small and large vessels. The downstream section, moreover, allowed downstream agricultural products to have commercial value in the context of trade. This difference in location led to mutual dependence between the two areas. After the Dutch conquered Asahan in 1867, there was a rapid influx of foreign capital into Asahan, especially along the Asahan River's course. Besides the fertile soil, the easy access for the mobility of plantation products via the river served as a supporting reason. By 1911, plantations in Asahan began cultivating rubber, and by 1940, Asahan was able to export 21,164 tons of rubber through Tanjung Balai Port. Besides rubber, foreign investors were optimistic about cultivating other profitable commodities, namely palm oil, gambier, and tea in the upstream areas of the Asahan River. Plantation companies located along the Asahan River benefited from the river's year-round navigability, which facilitated the mobility of plantation products via the river. Haboko Plantation and other plantations located upstream of the Asahan River had their own vessels to transport their produce. To support economic growth, the Dutch government constructed main roads and railways to facilitate the transportation of plantation products and human mobilization.