Kontribusi Kyai Ngabehi Cakradana dalam Mengembangkan Ekonomi Kesultanan Banten 1677-1682 M

Abstract

This article focuses on revealing the significant contributions of Kyai Ngabehi Cakradana in building and developing the economy of the Banten Sultanate during the reign of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (1677–1682). Entrusted by the Sultan, Cakradana was able to bring the Banten Sultanate to a relatively advanced position in the field of trade. Through his hard work, Banten emerged as a state recognized by foreign powers such as England, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the Ottoman Empire. This study employs the historical research method, encompassing the following stages: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The approach centers on economic history and biography, which serve as key frameworks in analyzing various source findings, thereby establishing interrelated historical facts. The article concludes that the reign of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa marked the golden age of Banten. At that time, Old Banten had become a thriving trade city visited by merchants and sailors from across the globe. The trade of pepper and other spices attracted many international traders to Banten, making it a crucial hub of international commerce in Asia. As a result, Banten’s agricultural and maritime trade activities flourished. This era of prosperity was closely tied to the role of the Sultan’s trusted aides and advisors. One prominent official among them was Kyai Ngabehi Cakradana, who served as the head of the port authority (syahbandar) and played a key role in implementing economic reforms that propelled the Banten Sultanate to its peak of glory.