ABSTRACT

Dwi Nurkholis. B0415020. 2022. Dynamics of the Opium Trade in Surakarta in 1886 – 1928. Thesis : Study Program of History, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta.

This study aims to determine (1) the entry of opium in Surakarta, (2) the dynamics of the opium trade in the Surakarta Residency in 1886-1928, (3) the implementation of the opium trade in Surakarta.

In line with the research objectives, this research uses historical research methods, namely Heuristics, Source Criticism, Interpretation and the last Historiography. Sources were obtained using archives issued by the Dutch East Indies government from 1886-1928 which were obtained from the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia and the Regional Archives of Central Java Province. As well as digital archives sourced from the site Wereldculturen.nl. The secondary sources used are reference books, articles, and previous research related to research.

Based on an analysis of existing sources, it can be seen that the distribution of opium in the Residency of Surakarta originated from the increasing number of smugglers. The Surakarta Residency area became one of the marketing places for the opium trade. The opium trade in Surakarta in the period 1886-1928 underwent two changes in the sales system. These sales systems are the Opiumpacht system and system Opiumregie. The Opiumpacht  in the Residency of Surakarta lasted from 1886 to 1900. This system was created with the aim of meeting the existing opium demand, and it is hoped that this system can combat the rampant illegal opium trade. Then with this system the opium trade in the Surakarta Residency was controlled by Chinese porters under the joint venture. The Opiumregie lasted from 1901 to 1928. The introduction of the opiumregie automatically replaced the role of Chinese dealers in the opium trade.implementation Opiumregie allowed for greater opium management by the Dutch East Indies government. The government has the power to produce and distribute opium to trade venues and then license local agents to serve the opium retail trade.

The conclusion of this study shows that opium smuggling causes a wider circulation of opium and greater use of opium so that the level of public addiction to opium is also increasing. The Dutch East Indies government established the Opiumpacht system and the Opiumregie to suppress opium smuggling in Surakarta.