Kepentingan dan Cabaran Monopoli Hak Menjual Garam oleh Keluarga Koo di Taiwan sebelum Perang Dunia Kedua (The Importance and Challenges of the Monopoly Right to Sell Salt by the Koo Family In Taiwan Before the Second World War)

Abstract

This article focuses on the importance and challenges of the monopoly of the right to sell salt owned by the Koo Family in Taiwan before the Second World War covering from year 1895 to 1930. This is because the narrative of the monopoly of the right to sell salt in Taiwan by the Koo Family is less discussed by scholars due to several factors, among which is the lack of resources. The objective of this article is to discuss the importance and development of the monopoly of the right to sell salt by the Koo Family in Taiwan throughout the study period. This research applies the method of historical interpretation by analyzing the primary sources found in The Archives of Institute of Taiwan History, The Institute of Qing History in China and the National Central Library in Taiwan. In addition, research is also done by reviewing books, articles, proceedings, and newspapers to strengthen this writing. The results of the study found that the monopoly of the right to sell salt obtained by the Koo Family in Taiwan was due to good relations with the Japanese government. In fact, the Japanese government also allocated a subsidy to the Koo Family to repair the salt soil that was destroyed by the heavy rains and strong winds that occurred during that period. This situation has indirectly helped the Koo Family to defend the monopoly of the right to sell the salt they own. However, the Koo Family also faced challenges in monopolizing the right to sell salt when huge costs were required to restore the damaged salt land. Therefore, this writing is very important to the general public especially in understanding the business strategy of the Koo Family to monopolize the right to sell salt in Taiwan before the Second World War.