The city had historically been a trading center since the pre-colonial era, trading in pepper and gold. The Dutch made contact with the city in the mid 17th century, eventually constructing a fortress and taking over control of the city from the Pagaruyung Kingdom. Save for several interruptions of British rule, Padang remained part of the Dutch East Indies as one of its major cities until Indonesian independence.http://www.kicc.jp Indonesia: Surabaya And Padang In 1906, Padang along with Palembang became the first populated places in Sumatra to achieve city status (gemeente).
