Jambi

Jambi's lower Batang Hari connected a pepper-producing hinterland with the shipping lanes of the Straits of Melaka. By the sixteenth century its highland pepper was well known, and both the Dutch and English East India Companies established posts in 1615. The court's maritime power also depended on Orang Laut communities. At Simpang, near the mouth of the Nior River, they guided ships, carried intelligence and patrolled approaches to the river capital.

Competition with Johor over Tungkal and access to inland pepper districts produced open warfare in 1671–1674. Falling pepper prices subsequently weakened Jambi's economy. In 1687 the Dutch banished its ruler and installed his son Kiai Gede, but some Orang Laut refused to transfer their loyalty. In 1714 renewed conflict brought Johor vessels into the Batang Hari system; attackers burnt Simpang and captured inhabitants. River passages, pepper revenues and personal allegiance were therefore closely connected: control of the capital depended on communities operating far downstream.