Cosmopolitan Palembang: Palembang's Interconnection and Global Trade in 1900-1930

Abstract

The interconnection and global trade developing interrelated regional linkages is an important phenomenon for modern developments, interestingly emphasizing historical context. This aligns with the historical context of Palembang, a region with long-establishing international relations and is considered a cosmopolitan city with global-scale connections toward the 20th century. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate Palembang's interconnection and global trade from 1900-1930, mainly emphasizing the exploration of worldwide networks and the transformation of the region as a cosmopolitan city. The analysis used a historical method with four stages: heuristics, verification, interpretation, and historiography. The results showed that Palembang experienced rapid progress after its export commodities, such as coffee, rubber, wood, tea, oil, coal, etc., were extensively traded in the world market. European investors and multinational companies, including Handelsvereeni-ging Amsterdam, Cultuurmaatschappij Indragiri, Straits & Sunda Syndicate, etc., were also competing to open and expand their business in the city. This economic progress triggered the transformation of Palembang into a cosmopolitan city, promoting the impact of social change in the environment.