The Role of Priyayi Inside Local Sarekat Islam in the Priangan Residency 1913–1919

Abstract

—This article discusses the contribution of priyayi in the local Sarekat Islam (SI) in the Priangan residency. The development of SI in Priangan became so phenomenal due to the presence of priyayi, who led the SI movement from the cities to the villages. The merger of priyayi in SI in Priangan became a significant concern to the government of the Dutch East Indies because the movement was a threat, and the pro and contra of the presence of SI in Priangan caused the priyayi to become divided into several groups. This article aims to explain the role of priyayi in local SI in Priangan. The study used the historical method according to Louis Gottschalk’s [1] stages. The method in this research was to look for a heuristic source by collecting primary sources documents, such as archives, documents, and some literature related to the theme of the study like contemporary newspapers. In addition, the study uses secondary sources, such as journal articles and books relating to this research. Further criticism is done to find an objective truth from one point of view. Then, verification of the interpretation of the facts was conducted. The last step of the historiography was to write an interpretation of the various facts regarding the role of priyayi in the local SI in the Priangan residency. The contribution of the priyayi in the local SI in Priangan plays a role as a central figure and has a unique attraction in establishing power relations to gain the trust of the Priangan community.