From Dusun To City: The Toponym And The Transformation Of Landscape Of Sungai Penuh, Highland Jambi

Abstract

This article discusses the history of the toponym of Sungai Penuh, a city in the highland of Jambi Province. It was legitimised in 2008, but its toponym has been used for more than 300 years. The use of this toponym is related to its community and could describe the change in its landscape. This research employs a qualitative approach and historical methodology. This research started collecting data through a literature review and a survey. Primary data in this research are manuscripts, colonial archives, and archaeological data. An archaeological landscape perspective is employed to interpret the change of landscape and its relation to the use of toponym. As a result, the toponym of Sungai Penuh was inspired by the natural resource. The traditional system has supported the preservation of this toponym, although it has different meanings for each context. The use of this toponym described the change of landscape from the traditional dusun of Kerinci society to the modern colonial city.