AKTIVITAS SOSIAL EKONOMI ETNIS TIONGHOA

DI MALANG 1940-1959

"Socio-Economic Activities of the Chinese Ethnic Community in Malang, 1940–1959"

Penelitian ini membahas aktivitas sosial ekonomi etnis Tionghoa di Malang pada rentang tahun 1940 hingga 1959. Masa ini merupakan periode penting yang mencakup akhir penjajahan Belanda, masa pendudukan Jepang, hingga awal kemerdekaan Indonesia. Etnis Tionghoa memainkan peranan signifikan dalam kehidupan ekonomi Malang, khususnya dalam bidang perdagangan, jasa, dan usaha kecil-menengah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) mengidentifikasi bentuk aktivitas ekonomi yang dijalankan etnis Tionghoa di Malang, (2) menganalisis pola kehidupan sosial mereka dalam konteks lokal dan nasional, serta (3) melihat bagaimana perubahan politik dan sosial memengaruhi posisi dan peran mereka dalam masyarakat. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan sejarah, melalui empat tahapan utama: heuristik (pengumpulan sumber), kritik sumber, interpretasi, dan historiografi. Sumber data diperoleh dari arsip, surat kabar lama, wawancara, dan literatur sekunder. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa etnis Tionghoa di Malang memiliki jaringan ekonomi yang kuat, terutama di sektor perdagangan dan jasa. Mereka juga membentuk komunitas sosial yang solid melalui organisasi kemasyarakatan dan lembaga pendidikan. Namun, dinamika politik dan ketegangan sosial di masa revolusi kemerdekaan turut memengaruhi posisi sosial mereka, baik secara ekonomi maupun kultural.

Kata Kunci: Etnis Tionghoa, Malang, Sosial Ekonomi, 1940–195

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This study discusses the socio-economic activities of the Chinese ethnic group in Malang during the period from 1940 to 1959. This timeframe encompasses the end of Dutch colonial rule, the Japanese occupation, and the early years of Indonesian independence. The Chinese community played a significant role in Malang's economic life, especially in the areas of trade, services, and small-scale enterprises. The aims of this study are: (1) to identify the forms of economic activities carried out by the Chinese ethnic group in Malang, (2) to analyze their patterns of social life in both local and national contexts, and (3) to examine how political and social changes affected their position and role in society. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a historical approach, involving four main stages: heuristics (source collection), source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The data sources include archives, old newspapers, interviews, and secondary literature. The findings reveal that the Chinese ethnic group in Malang had a strong economic network, particularly in trade and services. They also formed cohesive social communities through civic organizations and educational institutions. However, the political dynamics and social tensions during the Indonesian revolution also impacted their social standing, both economically and culturally.

Keywords: Chinese Ethnic Group, Malang, Socio-Economic, 1940–1959