論十九世紀柔佛開埠與港主制度實施之肇始

The Formation of New Johore and the Implementation of the Kangchu System in the 19th Century

柔佛港主制度是研究馬來亞華人史、社會史、經濟史不可繞過的一個課題，過去針對港主制度的研究也不少，不過研究視角大多圍繞在港契或者港主的個人事蹟，較少全面探討港主制度得以在柔佛實施的因素，及港主制度實施初期的情況。這就導致柔佛港主制度或柔佛開埠初期的探討並不全面，有所偏駁。本研究以中西報章，結合柔佛港主制度的港契作為研究史料，分析十九世紀中期柔佛港主制度實施及甘蜜胡椒種植園初期發展的情況，試以探討十九世紀華人在馬來王族主導的經濟體系中，如何形成新柔甘蜜貿易圈。本文分為四節，首先探討柔佛開港的前因後果，再分析柔佛的港主制度的運作，並且探討維繫港主制度的契約與法令，最後以柔佛開港初期的幾個港腳概況來審視開埠初期的港主制度實施的具體發展情況。

The paper aims to explore the Kangchu system in Johore during 19th century. The Kangchu system is integral to understanding Chinese history, social dynamics, and economic evolution in Malaya. While previous studies have delved into aspects such as plantation deeds or individual Kangchu (river’s owner) actions, a comprehensive examination of the factors facilitating the Kangchu system’s establishment in Johore and its initial plantation ownership context has been lacking. This gap has resulted in incomplete discussions about the Kangchu system and the early phases of Johore’s development.
This research utilizes Chinese and Western newspapers alongside the Surat Keterangan Membuka Kebun (SKMK) of the Johore Kangchu system as historical sources. The objective is to analyze the implementation of the Johore Kangchu system and the initial development of gambier and pepper plantations in the mid-19th century. The study aims to uncover how, in the 19th century, the Chinese contributed to forming the Johore-Singapore trading circle within an economic framework dominated by the Malay royal family.
The article is structured into four sections. Firstly, it examines the causes and consequences of Johore’s opening. Subsequently, it delves into the functioning of the Kangchu system, exploring the contracts and laws sustaining Kangchu ownership. Finally, the article provides an overview of several Kangchu in the early days of Johor's plantation, shedding light on the specific development circumstances surrounding the implementation of the Kangchu system during that period.