Batang Hari

History

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History of Batang Hari Regency: The Heart of Jambi's Civilization

Batang Hari Regency is one of the oldest and most crucial regions in the historical timeline of Jambi Province. With an area of 5,417.39 km², this region is geographically located in the western central part of the province and is traversed by Sumatra's longest river, the Batang Hari River, which has been the lifeblood of its people for centuries.

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Historical Roots and Kingdom Era

The origins of Batang Hari cannot be separated from the existence of the Melayu Jambi Kingdom. This region was once part of the kingdom's defense system and main trade routes. The name "Batang Hari" itself refers to the large river, which according to local legend, is the dwelling place of a dragon's power that guards the fertility of the land. Administratively, during the Jambi Sultanate under Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin, this region became a base for local fighters resisting foreign hegemony that sought to control pepper commodities and forest products.

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Colonial Era and Independence Struggle

During the Dutch colonial period, Batang Hari was known as a region difficult to conquer entirely. Based on Staatsblad Year 1923 Number 529, the Dutch East Indies government established the Onderafdeeling Jambi, which included the Batang Hari region. Tensions peaked in the early 20th century when local figures like Raden Mattaher conducted guerrilla warfare along the riverbanks to disrupt Dutch logistics.

After the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Batang Hari's status was confirmed through Law Number 7 of 1965. Previously, based on Law No. 12 of 1956, Batang Hari was a very large regency before it was eventually divided into several neighboring regencies. Batang Hari directly borders six administrative regions, including Muaro Jambi, Sarolangun, and Tebo Regencies, making it a strategic crossroads in central Sumatra.

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Cultural Heritage and Historical Sites

A unique fact rarely known is the existence of the Candi Pematang Saung in Olak Village, which proves that Hindu-Buddhist influence had entered the interior of Batang Hari long before Islam dominated. Furthermore, the oral tradition of "Tapa Malenggang" is a strong cultural identity, telling the story of a powerful figure who maintains the balance of nature. The people of Batang Hari also preserve the "Seloko Pinang Masak" custom, a customary law that governs etiquette and social dispute resolution, which is still respected in the modern era.

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Modern Development

Muara Bulian City, as the regency capital, has transformed from a riverside settlement into an educational and governmental center. The Juang Monument in the city center stands as a reminder of the sacrifices of the Batang Hari people in defending sovereignty from military aggression. Today, although it does not have a direct coastline (but is connected to the coast via the large river system), Batang Hari remains a major supporter of Jambi's economy through its rubber and oil palm plantation sectors, while still preserving the historical values embedded along its legendary river flow.