Dharmasraya Regency is one of the newly established autonomous regions in West Sumatra Province, formed through the division of Sawahlunto/Sijunjung Regency. This article examines the process of Dharmasraya’s formation, focusing on the background of the idea for regional expansion, the accompanying socio-political dynamics, and the role of local elites in advocating for the establishment of the regency. This study employs historical research methods, including heuristic stages, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The findings reveal that the creation of Dharmasraya Regency was driven not only by administrative needs but also by factors such as development disparities, the region’s economic potential, and the political aspirations of the local community. Despite various obstacles encountered during the formation process, the persistence of local elites played a significant role in shaping the future development of Dharmasraya.
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