ABSTRACT

This article attempts to explain the social changes that occurred in Palembang at the beginning of the 20th century, when economic modernization also brought changes in social life. The main issue discussed in this article is how the impact of economic modernization has influenced the changes in the society of Palembang, especially the changes in lifestyle and its orientation in the period of 1900–1930. At the beginning of the 20th century, the people of Palembang were indulged by economic progress, especially in trade and plantations. There was a kind of consumerist pattern after economic development, such as the widespread and ownership of imported goods. In addition, the economic modernization also brought an impact to the orientation of people’s life, from river to land. This was caused by the increase of the large number of cars and bicycles. Yet, the river transport was an obstacle. Although there are a lot of studies about social changes, only few discuss the change about Palembang. One example is a study by Masyhuri who conducted an investigation about the social changes in Palembang, but the study discusses the main factor that was caused by the political development in the 19th century. This paper, on the other hand, talks about the impact of economic modernization on the social conditions in the 20th century. It is fascinating to discuss the pattern of changes and its impact on the society in Palembang itself using a historical method. This research is also supported by relevant sources such as archives, newspapers, journals, and secondary sources.