Sejarah Kejeruan Senembah di Sumatera Timur Tahun 1862-1946

Abstract

This research aims to uncover the history of the Kejeruan Senembah in East Sumatra during the period of 1862-1946, focusing on its formation, role, and function as a local political entity under the influence of the Deli Sultanate and Dutch colonial rule. This study also highlights significant changes that occurred during the transition towards Indonesia’s independence. The Kejeruan Senembah was a traditional institution that managed internal affairs, including the administration of customary land and the enforcement of customary law, while serving as an intermediary between traditional authority and colonial influence. The research employs historical methods, including the stages of heuristic (source collection), source criticism (internal and external), data interpretation, and historiography. Primary sources were collected from colonial archives and local documents, while secondary sources were derived from relevant literature. Interviews with local customary figures were also conducted to reinforce the findings. The findings reveal that the Kejeruan Senembah was established by the Barus clan of the Karo tribe, led by Simbelang Pinggal, in 1862 in the Senembah region. The Kejeruan territory stretched from Gunung Barus to the Malacca Strait, between the Belumai and Seruai Rivers. The formation of the Kejeruan Senembah was closely tied to the political dynamics of the Deli Sultanate, where the Kejeruan played a strategic role in managing the region and resolving internal conflicts. The leadership selection in the Kejeruan Senembah was carried out through a customary assembly known as "runggu," involving various community elements such as senina (siblings), anak beru (relatives), and kalimbubu (customary advisors). The role of the Kejeruan emphasized its position as a mediator between the colonial government and the indigenous community, maintaining local political stability while preserving Karo customs and traditions. The end of the Kejeruan Senembah's power reveals that during the late colonial period, its authority began to weaken due to changes in the political and social structures in East Sumatra. Nonetheless, the Kejeruan Senembah continued to play a significant role until Indonesia's independence, where it had to adapt to the new post-colonial reality.