Web of Environment and Trading Networks Through the Circulation of Currencies in the 19th Century East Coast Sumatera

Abstract

This article seeks to address how networks of trade can help explain the changing of complex environment of the commercial centres which mainly relied on ports. East Coast Sumatera, as a coastal area had hosted the power dynamics and contestations between capitalists during the colonial times. In addition to that, East Coast Sumatera was also regarded as a vital sea lane for commercial vessels and, hence, emerged into urban trading centres. This article employs historiography as the research method. Data presented in this article comprises of primary data, such as coin collections that were accessed from The Sumatran Numismatic Museum, as well as secondary data including published books and scholarly articles. This research shows that currencies found in East Coast Sumatra has demonstrated that currency was situated as the highest authority, meaning that it was not only understood as a tool of exchange in economy and monetary sense but also a tool for political legitimacy (money power) for territorial expansion, in competition for wealth. Aside from that, the produced space of maritime culture represented an environment and networks of trade that produced power.