Misa Melayu: Sumber Dokumen Penting Pengkajian Tentang Aspek Ekonomi Perak Kurun ke-18.

This article discusses the "Misa Melayu" as an important document in studying Perak's economy between 1728 and 1792. In the past, "Misa Melayu" has been a source for writings on the history of Perak, covering various aspects such its politics (lineage of its sultans and important political events) and social-cultural matters (social structure and custom) in the 18th century. However, the document has rarely been used in studying the state's economy. In relation to this, the current article discusses the importance of the "Misa Melayu" in unravelling Perak's economy in the 18th century. For instance, "Misa Melayu" proved Perak's economic ability to meet the demand for tin ore by the Dutch, who was then the state's main trading partner. Besides tin, elephants were also a major trade for Perak whose exports reached as far as India. This article makes reference to "Misa Melayu" as the primary source as well as foreign records, namely the Dutch East India Company trade agreements with Perak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]