THE FLORACRATS: KELAPA SAWIT, TEYSMANN, DAN BIROKRASI DI 'S LANDS PLANTENTUIN, 1848-1868

Abstract

This article explores the history of the ‘s-Lands Plantentuin (Kebun Raya Buitenzorg-KRB), focusing on the leadership of Johannes Elias Teysmann. Teysmann represents the first generation of “floracrats” a term for botanical experts who also served as state bureaucrats. Using the introduction of oil palm in Nederlands-Indie as a case study, the paper analyzes the tension between practical field knowledge and the intervention of European academic authorities. This conflict often resulted in the colonial government systematically neglecting Teysmann’s technical advice. This article aims to provide a comprehensive account of the early history of oil palm. The study explores the initial research conducted by botanists in Buitenzorg (Bogor), the first planting trials, and the pessimistic attitude of the colonial government toward this crop. Using historical research methods and colonial sources, the paper reconstructs how oil palm, which today makes Indonesia the world’s largest producer, was originally regarded only as an ornamental plant. This limited status was primarily caused by the failure of early government-sponsored trials. A central focus of this research is the struggle of Teysmann, the Botanical Garden's hortulanus. Although he recognized the plant's economic potential early on, his efforts were halted by bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of confidence from colonial authorities in his practical expertise. This study highlights how early administrative neglect delayed the development of an industry that would eventually dominate the Indonesian economy.