History

Padang is one of the oldest cities in the west coast of Hindia Ocean. Regional
Government stipulates that August 7th 1669 is the actual Anniversary of Padang City. On that date, native people patriotically attacked the Dutch’s “Loji,” located at Muara Padang. The building was thoroughly burnt during the assault.

As proven by historical sources (dated prior to the 17th century), fishermen, salt producing community members and traders formed the major population of Padang. Back then, Padang was not considered as ‘significant’ as today because the Minang people traded further towards the East Coast, thereby passing big rivers from Mount Merapi – the central community at the time. However, since trading competition in Malaccan Strait became very strict with traders coming in from abroad, such as the Portuguese, Spainish, British, Dutch, Malaccan, and the Kingdom of Aceh, the trading line gradually moved back towards the West Coast.

The Acehnese pioneered trading in and around the West Coast. At this point, Tiku (Pariaman Regency) and Indrapura, which at that time was controlled by younger emperors from the Pagaruyung Kingdom, begun to transform themselves into prominent ports. The geographical locations of the ports, which were now closer to the actual sources of commodities, such as pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and gold played important roles in the progress.

Soon thereafter the Dutch arrived in Padang and they aimed to establish a fresh, comfortable environment in the form of a Muara (estuary) in Padang. By 1660, the Dutch managed to pave their way to enforce subtly their intention and had it written in agreements with the existing young emperors. The objective was to drive out the Acehnese from Muara in Padang. This effort was made easier by the death of the Sultan - Iskandar Muda. The Dutch therefore were able to situate their trade office in Padang. Moreover, the valid commercial payment used at the time was in fact the Dutch currency.

At this point, the Acehnese were ‘cornered’ and lost the trading competition. They moved further back inland and back towards the north. In 1667, the Dutch built their headquarters (known as “Loji”), which served as both a warehouse and also a prison. Driven by the intention of further security the Dutch began to control the neighboring areas. For instance, the Northern area by the side of Batang Arau River became more crowded with offices, warehouses and housings. The Dutch then, established an area that separated themselves from the natives as they domiciled in Muara. In order of geographical sequence, the Dutch formed allegiances with the neighboring Chinese, and then the Indians by buying farms from the natives.

Later, although it was not easy, the Dutch gained complete control over this area by practicing the policy known as “divide et impera” (first divide them and then you can crush them to pieces easily later on). This policy generated maneuverability in such a way that those young emperors began to distrust each other. Eventually, on May 20th 1784, the Dutch proclaimed Padang as their central base for trading in West Sumatra. This city became the busiest city after Teluk Bayur harbour, with a Cement factory (Padang) and Coal minning (Sawahlunto) and the construction of trains.

Another interesting fact about the evolution of Padang City was the merging of two cultures –the Minangkabau and Aceh. This fusion gave birth to a slightly specific culture of ‘Urang Awak’, right in the midst of the Minangkabau society. The shape of Minangkabau traditional house resembles those found in Aceh. It is called ‘Rumah Gadang Serambi Aceh’. Other influences can be seen with the wedding costume accessories and with the traditional titles, such as “Marah” and “Sutan.” These titles were almost alien to the Minangkabau society. Yet, nowadays we can still find and feel the “ambience” of the Minangkabau in a slightly modern Padang society. This is due to the more urban movement of the Minangkabau people.