Dinamika Keturunan Portugis di Nusantara: Kaum Mardijker dan Orang Topas di Larantuka Abad XVI-XVIII

Abstract

This research examines the dynamics of Portuguese descendant communities in the archipelago in the 16th-XVIII centuries, with a focus on the Mardijker in Kampung Tugu (Batavia) and the Orang Topas in Larantuka (Flores). The background of the problem is the lack of in-depth studies on the sustainability of Portuguese heritage in these two mixed communities. The research objective is to reveal the process of cultural hybridization, socio-political structure, and economic role of both groups in the Portuguese and Dutch colonial contexts. The method used is historical research; including heuristics (collection of archives, chronicles, records of European sailors), verification of the authenticity of sources, interpretation of facts within a socio-economic-political framework, and historiography for the preparation of narratives. The results show that the Mardijker in Kampung Tugu developed a unique cultural identity through a combination of Catholic-Protestant religion, Portuguese-Malay-Dutch Creole language, and keroncong music tradition, which was maintained despite assimilation with Betawi society. Meanwhile, the Topas in Larantuka, led by the da Costa and da Hornay families, formed their own political-economic axis: partnering with local rulers, monopolizing the sandalwood trade, and containing the expansion of the VOC and the remnants of Portuguese power.