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King Sisingamangaraja
XII
The Expansion
of Colonialism In North Sumatra
Until the
mid nineteenth century, North Sumatra were considered to be isolated.
In other words, they did not have any contacts with the outside
world. However, after some scientific research this assumption
has been proved wrong.
Historically,
the people here have had continuous contacts with others. They
were believed to adhere to their own culture. Moreover, as proof
we can refer to the Christian Nestorian Denomination which was
founded in the XII century in Fansur (or now named Barus). This
indicates that they made contacts with others and these had caused
several changes in society.
One of the main changes that had come about as a result of the
contact was the relationship with Portugal, Spain, The UK, The
Netherlands and France. Many people sensed the high competition
among the visitors who wanted to establish colonies in that place.
It was also felt by the Sisingamangaraja Dynasty which had been
on the throne for 12 generations This dynasty existed in the middle
of XII century. King Sisingamangaraja was enthroned in 1875 in
Bakara when he was at the age of 17.
The
competition between the Dutch and the English became more distinct.
They each wanted to control the marketing of goods. This eventually
forced them to sign the London Agreement (1824) that allowed the
Dutch more space to act freely in Indonesia. For commercial and
economic reasons, the Dutch became more ambitious to conquer the
archipelago, especially, after there was a war in Java (1825 -
1830).
The
Dutch wanted to subjugate mainly Aceh and North Sumatra. This
was evident by the Aceh and Batak wars which were, in fact, connected
to each other.
Politically,
the Aceh and Batak wars were coordinated as seen from the Dutch
side. Two years after the Aceh war broke out, the regional authority
of King Sisingamangaraja XII in Silindung was taken away little
by little by the Dutch (1871).
The
King led the war against the Dutch rule. The war had a great impact
on the people (1875). The Dutch became more determined in trying
to subjugate North Sumatra and they improved their military operations
in the area. Their ambition increased after knowing that this
area had enormous oil resources in Langkat which could be exploited
for its commercial value.
The
Dutch knew about King Sisingamangaraja and other leaders such
as King Tuan Rondahaim Saragih, King Sibayak from Karo and other
fighters from Aceh. They knew that they would try to prevent them
from carrying out their operations.
The
position of The Dutch in North Sumatra became jeopardized, particularly,
after Datu Sunggal fought the Deli Sultan (1872) who was protected
by the Dutch. There were 500 Malays and 1000 Bataks who joined
the battle led by Datu Sunggal that forced the Dutch to call for
help from Captain Koops from Riau.
Being
aware of the obvious ambition of the Dutch to expand their authority
in the Batak region, King Sisingamangaraja XII called for meetings
of all the kings and local leaders in the region (Balige).
He
officially proclaimed "Pulas" to the Dutch. It took some time
and had to go through traditional laws and regulations before
King Sisingamangaraja came up with a decision.
The
meetings were not so smooth because some conflicts arose amongst
the kings. The meetings were conducted once in four days in January
1878.
The
next battles led by the King broke out in Bahal Batu (1878), Balige
(1883), Pints and Samosir (1883), Sipoholon (1887), Simanullang
Toruan (1889), Uluan (1907), Sipangan Lolon Girsang (1907). However,
because they had modern technology, the Dutch could win the war.
This
forced King Sisingamangaraja to flee to Sionomhudon (North Sumatra).
In his cornered situation he kept saying: "It's not for the sake
of my grandparents, nor for the sake of my parents or myself but
it's only for the sake of Ompung Mula Jadi Nabolon (God)".
With
this holy spirit King Sisingamangaraja XII mobilized all kinds
of power and support against the Dutch rule from the people in
North Sumatra as well as from the people in the vicinities. He
tried to maintain his authority and keep his people free.
The
troops from Aceh were also called on to expel the Dutch from North
Sumatra.
People
might wonder how King Sisingamangaraja could survive for almost
30 years. One of his secrets was the unity principle of his leadership
which was popularly called Dalihan Natolu).
Various
rewards were offered by the Dutch to influence the King to surrender
to them. However, the offers were turned down. It was because
of his strong belief in the Mula Jadi Nabolon (God) and "the fighting
spirit of the black eyed people". As a result, he could maintain
good cooperation with other local leaders and the people in the
surrounding areas.
What
they fought for, in fact, was the sovereignty and freedom of the
Indonesian people in general. Even, well equipped with their modern
technology the Dutch attacks were not successful. It made them
gather all their operational power to overthrow King Sisingamangaraja
XII.
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