Para Saudagar Batik dan Pengembangan Muhammadiyah Cabang Garut, 1919-1940

Abstract

The development of Muhammadiyah in West Java has been so far considered lagging behind, even though historical records show that the development of Muhammadiyah in West Java, especially in Garut in 1923, was included in the early period of its establishment. It is related to the role of batik merchants in Garut, including H. M. Djamhari who has been a catalyst in the development of Muhammadiyiah since 1919. Studies on the role of the early generations of batik traders in Garut, show a historical disconnect. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the role of batik merchants in the establishment and development of Muhammadiyah in  Garut, 1919-1940. By using the historical method which emphasizes on primary and secondary sources, especially in the form of archives, publications, and interviews, this study succeeded in showing that the important contribution of batik merchants in the establishement of Muhammadiyah in Garut and  appointed it as the center for the Muhammadiyah establishment in West Java. They built educational charities and developed other branches in Priangan (Tasikmalaya, Kuningan, Bandung and Sukabumi) as well as West Java. The merchants at that time were an elite group who had respectable social positions, so they could establish good relations with many parties for business, political and da'wah interests. Through this social role, batik merchants in Garut easily communicated with priyayi groups, religious leaders, and political figures at that time.