Cianjur Regent Becomes the Wealthiest in Java, Yet His People Live in Misery

The phenomenon of officials living luxuriously amid the difficult conditions of the people is not new. This pattern has appeared since the colonial era and continues to repeat today, reflecting inequalities deeply rooted in Indonesia’s history of power.

One striking example occurred in Cianjur, West Java, in the early 19th century. This region was known as one of the most prosperous areas on the island of Java, particularly due to the abundant output of plantation commodities.

This prosperity was primarily supported by large-scale coffee production. Historical records show that Cianjur became one of the main coffee production centres in the Priangan region, even achieving very high production figures for its time.

This situation also elevated the social status of local elites, including the regent, who enjoyed the overflow of wealth from the prevailing economic system.

Dutch historian Jan Breman, in his book Colonial Profits from Forced Labour: The Coffee Cultivation System in Java 1720-1870 (2014), notes that during the forced cultivation period (1830-1870), Cianjur was the largest coffee producer in the Priangan region. In 1806, its production even reached around 1.5 million [pounds of] coffee.

This wealth then elevated the position of local elites, including the regent. According to historian Nina Herlina Lubis in Priangan Menak Life, 1800-1942 (1998), the regents were the richest group in their region. They obtained income from salaries, taxes, and unwritten feudal practices.

However, this prosperity was not felt by the people. The populace instead bore a heavy burden from the coffee forced cultivation system. The hard work of the farmers formed the foundation of the region’s wealth, but the results flowed more to the colonial coffers and were enjoyed by local elites, including the regent.

Moreover, the Regent of Cianjur was known for his luxurious lifestyle. Jan Breman records that the regent often travelled around in a gold-plated carriage, like a great nobleman.

“Like a consumptive great lord, they shopped for luxury goods at high prices. Upon returning, they brought opium, tobacco, and cotton, items that would be sold to their subordinates,” writes Breman.

This extravagance even had a direct impact on other regions. Dutch colonial official Multatuli, in his novel Max Havelaar (1860), highlighted how the Regent of Cianjur’s visit to Lebak burdened the visited area.

According to him, the regent arrived with a large entourage that had to be accommodated by the local region.

“Hundreds of people, all of whom had to be housed and fed, as well as their horses,” writes Multatuli.

According to Nina Herlina Lubis, this condition was inseparable from the view of power at the time. The regency was positioned as a stage, with the regent as the main actor who had to display magnificence.

“The regency is like a performance stage with the regent as the lead actor who must act superbly,” stated Nina.

In the end, history shows a pattern that continues to repeat. Power often walks hand in hand with the luxury of the elite, while the people continue to bear the suffering.