The Differences Between the Life of Aristocracy and Peasantry in Indonesia in the
Eighteenth Century on Java Island
The background of this writing is to illustrate the differences in lifestyle between the nobility
and the common people in Indonesia in the 18th century when kingdoms still existed and
Dutch colonialism (VOC) began to enter Indonesian soil. It is important to understand that
during that time, the caste system still prevailed, unlike the present era which is more open.
In the 18th century, the nobility held high positions in government and wielded power as
landlords in their kingdom's territories. This marked the beginning of the Dutch VOC's
influence in Indonesia, where the VOC gained significant profits from the spice trade.
the Dutch VOC's impact on Indonesia's social structure during the 18th century created a new
class system, with the Dutch serving as the upper class and the Indonesian nobility as the
lower class. This shift in power and influence had significant economic, political, and cultural
implications, which continue to shape contemporary Indonesian society.
From a social perspective, on the island of Java, there was a noble class known as the Priyayi,
who held high social status and wealth and had access to education and political power. They
lived in secluded environments with loyal followers and servants attending to their every
need, and owned land as landlords. On the other hand, the common people, or Wong Cilik,
mostly lived in lower social conditions, with limited access to education and social
opportunities, and worked as farmers or laborers for low wages, paying taxes to the nobility.
The upper class, consisting of village founders led by village heads, was also influenced by
the arrival of the Dutch VOC, with the Dutch becoming the upper class and interacting with
Indonesian nobility, either through cooperation or conflict. As a result of the VOC's
influence, the Indonesian nobility became increasingly dependent on Dutch trade and
commerce, leading to a decline in their economic and political power. Meanwhile, the Dutch
established a monopoly on the spice trade and amassed significant wealth and power.
The cultural implications of the VOC's impact on Indonesia's social structure were also
significant. The Dutch introduced their language, customs, and religion, resulting in the
adoption of Western practices among the Indonesian nobility. This cultural shift further
reinforced the divide between the nobility and the common people.
Economically, the nobility generally had abundant economic resources, such as land and
other assets inherited from generation to generation, and controlled agrarian production in
their territories. The common people lived in poverty, relying on traditional livelihoods such
as farming, small-scale trading, or fishing, with taxes imposed by the nobility for their lavish
lifestyle, resulting in limited economic opportunities for the common people.
In terms of culture, the nobility was known for meticulously preserving their traditions and
customs. They were patrons of the arts and literature and practiced rich and intricate customs.
On the other hand, the common people had a simpler cultural life and relied on oral traditions
and local beliefs in their daily lives. Notably, some cultural aspects were exclusive to the
nobility. For example, only noblemen were allowed to wear batik designs, while the common
people were not permitted to use this noble clothing style.
In conclusion, the differences in lifestyle between the nobility and the common people in
Indonesia in the 18th century were complex, and influenced by historical, political,
economic, and cultural factors that were intertwined.
Sources: -Manuscripts for the Archipelago Century Spice Archives in the seventeenth and
eighteenth by the National Archive Republic of Indonesia.
-The Effect of Cultivation System on the Social and Economic Life of Society in Batang
Regency from 1830-1870 by Aini Sadiya.
-National history of Indonesia IV: Indonesia in the 18th and 19th centuries by Sartono
Kartodirdjo, Marwati Djoened Poesponegoro , Nugroho Notosusanto.
-Indonesia Social Change in the 18th and 19th centuries by STIK Library