The Glory of Lampung Pepper: A Historical Laboratory of Inter-Cultural Exchange

UNGKIT.COM – Pepper from Lampung gained worldwide renown after European traders seized control of Malacca in 1511. The Banten Sultanate began intensively purchasing and monopolizing the Lampung pepper trade starting in the 16th century—particularly following the Sultanate's establishment in the 1520s—with its influence strengthening further throughout the 17th century.

Through Banten, Lampung pepper reached markets in Malacca, Europe, East Asia, and other parts of the world. At that time, Lampung served as Banten's primary source of pepper to meet international market demand.

It is evident that while pepper plantations existed in Lampung prior to the region falling under the control of the Banten Sultanate, the global recognition of Lampung pepper is inseparable from the role of Banten, which held political dominion over the area during the 16th century.

Under Banten's rule, the people of Lampung were required to cultivate and tend to pepper plants. The resulting harvest had to be sold to—and purchased by—the Banten Sultanate, with the selling price determined by the Sultanate itself. Consequently, the Banten Sultanate was able to dominate the pepper trade across Java and Sumatra, particularly within the Lampung region.

As it controlled the pepper trade—relying heavily on plantations and supplies from Lampung—Banten became a bustling hub visited by merchant ships from China, Persia, Arabia, India, and Europe. The northern coast of the Java Sea teemed with maritime traffic transporting agricultural produce.

The Karangantu market, located near the port, became a center for international trade. Pepper—the Sultanate's primary commodity, with Lampung serving as the main supplier—was a major item traded at this market.

The introduction of Banten's influence on pepper cultivation in Lampung was also inextricably linked to the arrival of Islam in the region. A 2016 journal article by Iim Imanudin of the West Java Cultural Values ​​Preservation Center, titled "Pepper Trade in Lampung Across Three Eras (1653–1930)", notes that this distribution access effectively opened up after numerous "marga" (clans) in Lampung acknowledged the authority of the Banten Sultanate, which subsequently regulated the pepper trade.

This development was particularly significant given that pepper production in Banten experienced a sharp decline during the 17th century, whereas pepper plantations in Lampung were simultaneously expanding. The regulation of the pepper trade was even formalized in a charter containing various binding rules, underscoring the vital importance of Lampung pepper to the Banten Sultanate.

Evidence of this trade cooperation between the Banten Sultanate and the Keratuan Darah Putih (Darah Putih Kingdom) in Lampung exists in the form of a "dalung" (a metal document or plate), which remains in the possession of the Keratuan Darah Putih heirs to this day. The "dalung" bears three circular iron seals. One of them features an inscription in the Arabic-Pegon script reading: "Dalom Kesuma Ratu. From the ruler of the State of Banten, Head of Sekampung."

The first seal represents the Keratuan Darah Putih, while the second and third—which are smaller—served as commercial seals for trade transactions. These latter two functioned as trade stamps; notably, one was specifically designated for the pepper trade with the British Kingdom. These three historic seals mark the flow of the Lampung pepper trade.

Further evidence of Banten's authority can be found in the Sukau Charter, dated 1104 Hijri (approximately 1695). This document outlines the authority to appoint and dismiss regional leaders in Lampung and details their obligation to collect pepper for Banten. Issued during the reign of Sultan Abdul Mahasin Muhammad Zainal Abidin (1690–1733) of the Banten Sultanate, the charter reveals a system of customary hierarchy that was officially recognized within the power structure.

Between 1500 and the 1800s, Banten’s influence over Lampung was formidable. Throughout this period, the trade and distribution of pepper out of Lampung continued unabated. The abundance of Lampung pepper served as a lucrative new source of wealth for the Banten Sultanate, prompting the issuance of numerous charters specifically regulating the trade and distribution of the commodity.

The Sultan of Banten appointed a "jenjen" (or "jenjem")—a type of special representative—at Teluk Semangka (Kotaagung) to manage the receipt of pepper from Lampung and oversee its distribution to the port of Banten. Meanwhile, in Tulangbawang and Sekampung (East Lampung), the Sultanate assigned "punggawa" (officials) to act as its representatives.

Furthermore, the pepper trade spurred the growth of new settlements and trading towns along the Lampung coast, such as Telukbetung. Pepper traders from the interior traveled down rivers to reach coastal estuaries directly connected to ports like Suka Menanti, Bandar Balak, Bandar Lunik, and Bandar Teba.

In addition to serving as trading hubs, the areas of Perwata and Suti Karang (Telukbetung) functioned as customs points and storage sites for tons of pepper gathered from across Lampung. Banten also appointed Tumenggung Nata Negara as the "adipate" (regional governor) in Telukbetung. 

Two merchants from Minangkabau, Nakhoda Mangkuto and Nakhoda Muda, described the booming pepper trade in Lampung as a veritable "black gold" mine for many traders. Nakhoda Mangkuto—an inter-island merchant who traded across Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Karimata, and beyond—was so captivated by Lampung pepper that he settled in Piabung, eventually becoming a wealthy and influential merchant solely through the pepper trade.

Nakhoda Mangkuto was a merchant active during the first half of the 18th century, in the era of Dutch colonialism. He had been driven out of Karimata by Bugis pirates and subsequently sought refuge in the Sultanate of Banjar. Later, he relocated to Piabung in southern Lampung, where he focused his business operations on the pepper trade with the Banten region.

After his death, his trading business was continued by his son, Nakhoda Muda (born Tayan). Due to his success as a merchant and his significant influence in the Lampung region, Nakhoda Muda was appointed "Demang Semangka" (a local administrative chief) in southern Lampung by the Sultan of Banten.

After successfully dismantling the sovereignty of the Banten Sultanate, the VOC (Dutch East India Company) took control of and monopolized the pepper trade in Lampung. This development stemmed from the turmoil in Banten in 1682—specifically, a conflict between Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa and the crown prince, Sultan Haji. 

Finding himself in a precarious position, Sultan Haji sought assistance from the VOC, promising to cede territories controlled by Tirtayasa—including the pepper-producing regions that served as Banten's markets, such as Lampung—to the company.

Following Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa's defeat, Sultan Haji signed a treaty granting the VOC monopoly rights over the pepper trade. From that point on, the Dutch held legal control over the pepper trade in Lampung, eventually leading to Banten losing its authority over the region. This state of affairs continued until 1799, when the VOC went bankrupt and was taken over by the Dutch East Indies government. 

In terms of trade, the Palembang Sultanate sought to control the pepper trade and challenge Banten's dominance. Palembang assisted the inhabitants along the Tulang Bawang River in excavating a canal to connect the Way Umpu and Way Tulang Bawang rivers. This canal served as a distribution route for pepper traders, allowing them to bypass Banten's trading posts.

In reality, Lampung pepper traders at the time preferred selling their produce to Palembang because the prices were higher there than in Banten. However, Palembang's attempt to enter the pepper trade sector failed after Banten seized control of Tulang Bawang.

The book "De Lampoengsche Districten" by Dr. R. Broersma, published in 1916 (Batavia: Javasche Boekhandel & Drukkerij), notes that Lampung's hot and humid climate was highly suitable for pepper cultivation. The Abung territories adjacent to Sungkai and Besai were prime areas for pepper production. 

The same applied to the hilly regions in the west, according to Broersma (1916) in "De Lampoengsche Districten"—a significant colonial text documenting conditions in the Lampung region during the early 20th century.

The global renown of Lampung pepper is even etched in history; in the early 20th century, a prospective Hajj pilgrim from Sukadana arrived in Mecca carrying pepper—not merely as a commodity, but as a mark of identity and a source of pride.

John Joseph Stockdale’s 1811 book, "The Island of Java", notes that Lampung produced the world's finest pepper; its quality rivaled—and even surpassed—that of pepper from Kerala, South India, which is considered the spice's place of origin.

Between 1910 and 1930, the Dutch East Indies government’s pepper exports to the global market averaged 25,000 tons annually, meeting more than half of the world's demand. A decade later, these exports accounted for approximately 80 percent of global needs. The vast majority of the Dutch East Indies' pepper production came from Lampung and Bangka Belitung. 

During the colonial era in Lampung, pepper was extensively cultivated in the Tulangbawang, Sekampung, and Seputih regions, as well as along the west coast in areas like Krui and Manna.

Later, pepper cultivation expanded into North Lampung (around Ranau and Liwa) and East Lampung (around Sukadana), which subsequently became the province's pepper hubs. These two regencies account for nearly half of Lampung Province's total pepper production.

Over time, the centers of black pepper production—once concentrated in East Lampung and North Lampung—have expanded to other regencies such as Tanggamus, Way Kanan, and West Lampung. In fact, West Lampung is now recorded as the second-largest pepper producer, trailing only North Lampung.

Lampung is more than just a region at the southern tip of Sumatra; it is a historical laboratory that chronicles the convergence of nations and strategic commodities. Dutch archives and the collection of the National Archives of Indonesia (ANRI) preserve evidence of how Lampung’s "black gold" transformed its coastal ports into key pepper-loading hubs for nations across several continents.

These modest ports evolved into global crossroads. Traders met and mingled with local communities, forging social, economic, and political networks that enriched Lampung’s identity. Pepper also gave rise to trade patterns and cultural interactions that continue to shape local society to this day.

Whether as whole peppercorns or pungent ground powder, the spice can be found everywhere—from humble boiled-noodle stalls and roadside eateries to upscale restaurants. Its price may seem insignificant.

In small shops and traditional markets, one can even find affordable, single-serve sachets of pepper. Yet, there was a time when it was hailed as the "King of Spices"—a commodity fiercely sought after by nations across the globe. (*)

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