Kerinci

History

Kerinci's History: The Roof of Sumatra in West Jambi

Kerinci Regency, located in the westernmost part of Jambi Province, is a highland area of 3,464.63 km² that holds traces of Sumatra's oldest civilization. Surrounded by Kerinci Seblat National Park and bordering eight administrative regions—including Solok Selatan and Pesisir Selatan in West Sumatra—Kerinci is known as "A Piece of Heaven."

Prehistoric Roots and Ancient Kingdoms

Archaeological research indicates that Kerinci has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The Kerinci people (Suku Kincai) are considered one of the oldest ethnic groups in the Nusantara. Evidence of their existence is recorded in the ancient manuscript Tambobo, written on buffalo horns and bamboo using the Incung script, the only indigenous script in Jambi. The ancient Kerinci society lived under a traditional governance system called Kerapatan Adat Alam Kerinci, led by Depati and Ninik Mamak.

Colonial Era and People's Resistance

Despite its geographical isolation, Kerinci was not spared from Dutch colonial expansion. The Dutch entered this region in the late 19th century. The most iconic resistance erupted in the Kerinci War (1900-1903). One of the key figures in this resistance was Depati Parbo, a war commander who fiercely fought against Dutch attempts to control the coffee and cinnamon trade routes. After fierce battles in people's fortresses, such as in Pulau Tengah, Depati Parbo was eventually captured and exiled to Ternate in 1904. During the colonial period, the Dutch built tea plantation infrastructure in Kayu Aro, which is now one of the highest tea plantations in the world.

Independence Era and National Integration

After the proclamation of independence in 1945, Kerinci became an important part of the struggle to defend sovereignty in Central Sumatra. Administratively, Kerinci was initially part of the Jambi Residency within the Province of Central Sumatra. Through Emergency Law No. 19 of 1957, Kerinci was finally designated as a regency under the Province of Jambi. Kerinci's role in national history is also evident when the region served as a logistics and protection base for fighters during the Dutch military aggression.

Culture and Historical Sites

Kerinci's cultural heritage is deeply rooted in agrarian and spiritual traditions. The Kenduri Sko tradition, a customary ceremony for the inauguration of Depati titles and a harvest thanksgiving, is still preserved today. Notable historical sites include the Keramat Pulau Tengah Mosque, which survived a major earthquake, and cannons left from the people's struggle. Furthermore, its geographical uniqueness as a "coastal" region (in the context of accessibility via mountains to the west coast of Sumatra) makes it a meeting point for coastal and inland cultures.

Modern Development

Today, Kerinci is developing into an agro-tourism and renewable energy center in Jambi. Mount Kerinci, soaring at 3,805 meters above sea level, is a symbol of the region's resilience. The development of Depati Parbo Airport strengthens Kerinci's connectivity with the outside world, transforming a once isolated area into a premier destination that combines ancient historical wealth with modern economic potential.