Perlawanan Non-Kekerasan Tirto Adhi Soerjo melalui Surat Kabar Medan Prijaji Terhadap Pemerintah Kolonial Hindia Belanda (1907-1910)

Abstract

Research on the indigenous press in the early 20th century generally positions Medan Prijaji as a medium of nationalism, while studies analyzing the newspaper as an instrument of non-violent resistance based on Gene Sharp's theory are still limited. This study aims to examine Tirto Adhi Soerjo's non-violent resistance through the Medan Prijaji newspaper against the Dutch East Indies colonial government from 1907 to 1910. It offers a fresh perspective by interpreting Medan Prijaji through the lens of Gene Sharp’s theory, thereby broadening the study of non-violet resistance within the history of the Indonesian Press. The study uses a historical method with a historical discourse analysis approach through the stages of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Data were obtained through library studies and archival documentation of the Medan Prijaji newspaper from 1909 to 1910. The results show that Medan Prijaji was used as a medium of non-violent resistance through methods of protest and persuasion in the form of legal, social, economic, colonial bureaucratic, and agrarian criticism. Tirto Adhi Soerjo utilized the press to build public opinion, spread political awareness, and challenge the moral legitimacy of the colonial government. This study contributes to strengthening the study of the history of the press and colonialism by positioning indigenous newspapers as an arena for discourse-based ideological resistance. The research conclusion shows that resistance through the press did not result in direct policy changes, but played an important role in shaping the initial national consciousness of the native people.