Benih Mardeka and plantation workers in East Sumatra, 1916–1923

Abstract

This study aims to explain and analyze an advocacy done by Benih Mardeka newspaper regarding the conditions and exploitation experienced by plantation workers in East Sumatra. East Sumatra from the late 19th century until the beginning of the 20th century underwent a considerable change from an ancient wilderness into a prosperous plantation industry. This change also emphasized the establishment of Dutch colonialism in colonial population. This colonial dominance is portrayed from the conditions and exploitation of workers on plantations. A discriminatory situation on plantations made life for workers a misery. This study uses historical methods that include heuristic, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The results showed that Benih Mardeka newspaper consistently voiced the advocacy for plantation workers by highlighting the cruelty of plantation owners and the injustice of the Dutch colonial government. News headlines in Benih Mardeka often raised an issue concerning poenale sanctie implemented by plantation owners. The poor living conditions of plantation workers were of effective propaganda material for Benih Mardeka to criticize both the colonial government and the plantation owners. Eventually, it can be concluded that Benih Mardeka remained consistent in voicing the advocacy for plantation workers in East Sumatra.