Purbawidya: Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengembangan Arkeologi
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): Vol. 15(1) Juni 2026

Malaria Control and Medical Services in Cilacap Under Dutch Colonial Rule In the Early 20th Century

Ilham Nur Utomo (Universitas Diponegoro)
Fauzan Syahru Ramadhan (Universitas Diponegoro)
Khairana Zata Nugroho (Universitas Diponegoro)
Desi Susanti (Universitas Diponegoro)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines health problems and healthcare services in Cilacap Regency in relation to malaria outbreaks during the Dutch colonial period in the early 20th century. Cilacap was known as the largest port in southern Java yet faced numerous complex health problems. This study employs the historical method, which is categorized into four stages: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. In analyzing the research problems, biopower theory is used, which positions the role of the Dutch colonial government in controlling biological aspects and public health. The findings of this study indicate that the health of Cilacap Regency’s population was under threat from diseases, particularly malaria. Inadequate environmental conditions were one of the main factors in the spread of malaria. Furthermore, efforts to eradicate malaria through healthcare services remained limited. The Dutch colonial government’s health interventions were solely aimed at serving their economic interests. This made Cilacap Regency one of the areas with the lowest quality of public health despite the implementation of the Dutch Ethical Policy and economic activities at Cilacap Port.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

purbawidya

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Purbawidya is a journal that publishes research, conceptions, and ideas on the development of archaeology. This paper explores the meaning and significance of “Purbawidya”, which translates to “Past Knowledge” in English. Using various approaches from archaeology, anthropology, sociology, ...