An Indian descendant turned out to be making history in North Sumatra. Precisely in Sorkam District, Central Tapanuli Regency. Even based on the saga of lineage or known as ‘tarombo’ in the language of the Batak Land, it gave birth to famous figures in Indonesia.
He was Abdul Muttalib who earned the title of Datuk Bandaharo Kayo because of his prowess in trading. Born in Nagur, South India, in 1760. Despite having an official title attached, Abdul Muttalib or Datuk Bandahari Kayo is better known as Datuk Itam.
That identity emerged due to his jet black skin. Finally, the community and the colonial government at that time were more familiar with him as Datuk Itam. Even today, historical literature records his name as Datuk Itam.
The arrival of Datuk Itam to Indonesia was brought by the British government to trade and work. Even though he was a historical figure in the Sorkan sub-district, Datuk Itam’s arrival in Indonesia was actually originally to Bengkulu.
In Bengkulu, Datuk Itam also told a historical story. He was the first person to build Kampung Nagur because he took his name from his homeland. Now Kampung Nagur has changed its name to be known as Kampung Nala in Bengkulu.
Not only establishing a village, Datuk Itam also actively spread Islam in Bengkulu. It can be categorized if Datuk Itam was one of the first spreaders of Islamic teachings in the province of Bengkulu at that time. In addition, Datuk Itam was also asked for his help as an intermediary for British trade interests in Bengkulu.
Then because of his trading skills, Datuk Itam was able to “flap his wings” to Tapian Nauli Bay in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Initially, the British succeeded in discovering the natural resources of camphor (currently commonly used as raw material for bathroom fragrances), salt and frankincense.
This made the British finally set up a trade representative office in Tapian Nauli Bay, Central Tapanuli, namely Fort Tapanaoully. The rapid progress of British trade there spread everywhere, especially in the area which is now included in the territory of Central Tapanuli Regency and its surroundings.
The condition was also heard by Datuk Itam. So, Datuk Itam decided to trade in Teluk Tapian Nauli. Datuk Itam also ‘migrated’ to the area surrounded by the vast ocean (known as Sibolga Bay now). Datuk Itam decided to settle in Pulau Poncan Ketek.
However, there is also other historical literature which states that the transfer of Datuk Itam to Central Tapanuli was because the British government was assigned to Bengkulu to strengthen the basis of trade representatives in the Batak Land in 1793.
The transfer of Datuk Itam’s trading center from Bengkulu to Tapian Nauli Bay turned out to be even more rapid than when he was still in Bengkulu. It was in this land that the title of Datuk Bandaharo Kayo was obtained because of his prowess in trading so that he was known as one of the richest people at that time.
Not only trading, Datuk Itam still does his job of broadcasting Islam in Poncan Ketek. So it is not just the identity of the rich merchant that is attached to Datuk Itam, but also the respected, respected and influential Islamic religious leaders there. Until finally, Islam became a religion that many people there, especially Tapanuli Tengah, because of Datuk Itam’s tenacity.
While teaching and spreading Islamic teachings in Central Tapanuli, Datuk Itam also founded an Islamic religious school. All students are free of all school fees. The students of the Islamic religious school founded by Datuk Itam come from all areas of Tapanuli.
Datuk Itam’s prowess in trading is not only in the Central Tapanuli region. However, it also spread to Pulau Malaysia (now Negara Malaysia). On the island of Malaysia, Datuk Itam also continues to broadcast the teachings of Islam. Datuk Itam’s fame as a scholar was known by the people of Malaysia at that time.
Datuk Itam died in 1836 and was buried at Pulau Poncan Ketek. Datuk Itam leaves behind three wives and six children. Datuk Itam is not only known as a rich merchant and a leading scholar. But also Indonesian figures who defend the rights of indigenous peoples. Datuk Itam is well known for his sociability and helping the indigenous community in Central Tapanuli.
Based on the history of ‘tarombo’, descendants of Datuk Itam who is now known as an Indonesian figure include former DPR Speaker Akbar Tandjung, former Chancellor of the University of North Sumatra Syahril Pasaribu and North Sumatran NU figure and freedom fighter KH Zainul Arifin Pohan.