ON MISSION WITH DR. LILIE SOERATMINTO


“Soo Gy Nu Syt Was Ik Voor Deesen Dat Ik Nu Ben Sult Gy Ook Weesen - 4 12 1762”

Same as you are now
I used to be
Same as I am now
You'll be as well

The inscription above is the Calvinist’s tombstone. It has a deep and interesting in meaning.


This cemetry was a burial ground for Christian, established on land that sold or donated by Dutch authorities in 1795 by W.V. Helvetius van Riemsdijk, the son of Governor General Jeremias van Reimsdijk (1775-7).

Sunday morning 27 August 2006, I and my fellowships, Hatmanto, Niken, Ratna, and Yudi geared to former old Cemetery in Tanebang, now Park of Memorial Stone – Taman Prasasti, Jalan Tanah Abang I, Central Jakarta. Our mission was conducted by Dr. Lilie Soeratminto. He is a kindly lecturer in Faculty of Cultural Science – University of Indonesia. After onbijt in kerkhoflaan, we cruised in to cemetery. Yes, we are the cruelly decoder, translating the whispering tombstones...


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This journey was inspired by Dr. Lilie Soeratminto’s dissertation that entitled of “The Christian Community in Dutch Indies Period Regarded from Its Tombstones: a study of the history through the semiotics point of view and textual analysis”.
Therefore, I would to say a special many grateful thanks to Dr. Lilie Soeratminto who enlighten us about the whispering tombstones, cracked it, and brought the context behind the history in a whole day.

MY SHORTCOMINGS
It was favorable to stand upon the giant’s shoulder. However, my shortcomings, flaws, and imperfection in this journal are my responsibility. The submission and review are needed importantly.



MAP OF KONINGSPLEIN AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Blue point is location of Kerkhof in Tanah Abang.
Source:
“Batavia Military Guide Map”, published by Survey HQAFNEI in December 1945.
Courtesy of Hatmanto Sri Nugroho.



Kerkhof in Tanah Abang
Photographed by Woodburry and Page 1860s
Source: KITLV


CHRONICLE OF KERKHOF: FROM OUD BATAVIA TO TANEBANG
First cemetery: Kruiskerk – Hollandsche Kerk (1642 – 1795)
Second cemetery: Lutheran Kerk (1673 – 1795)
Third cemetery: Portugeesche Kerk (1695 – 1795)
Fourth cemetery: Verburgt, Kebon Jahe Kober (1795 – 1976)


ORIGIN OF THE TOMBSTONES
There is explanation regarding the origin where the tombstones were made. The tombstones that have embossed inscription were made in India (convex engraved). Whereas have concave engraved were made in Batavia.




THE TOMBSTONES: HERALDRY COAT & INSCRIPTION

FIRST STAGE: TOMBSTONES FROM 17TH CENTURY (VOC PERIOD)

CHRISTOFFEL MOLL



Former Of Cavalry Captain and The Member of Advisor Board of Batavia. Born in Meindertzhagen, 20 March 1699. Died at Batavia 12 January 1751. Age of 52 years, 9 months, and 22 days.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Pigs: Fertility
Three pigs: The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph




HAPPEL’S FAMILY

JACQUES DE BOLLAN VAN LUIK
The chief of Orphan Foundation in Batavia. Died at February 1684, age of 71 years old.
Also buried here
HENRIETTA VAN HAPPEL VAN BATAVIA
Last daughter of bravest captain of Johan Maurits van Happel. Died at 30 June 1689.
JOHAN MAURITS VAN HAPPEL VAN RAUSENB. Military Captain. Died 13 June 1690. Age of 36 years old.
D.H.M. HENRIC DE BOLLAN VAN BATAVIA
The chief of Judge in Batavia. Died at 23 September 1701, age of 45 years old, 10 months.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Mullet Star: A bearing resembling a five-pointed star, divine quality from above
Claw of Bird: Symbolizes that the 'preyer' upon others, has been preyed upon
Wings: Swiftness and protection




JACOB VAN ALMONDE

The First Commercial Head in Batavia Castle. Born in 31 July 1641. Died at 13 July 1707.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
St.Andrew’s Cross: Resolution
Wings: Swiftness and protection
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Three Crosses: The Trinity - relation the macrocosmos (Father-Son-Holly Spirit)
Banner: a reward for valiant service
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph




JOAN CORNELIS D. ABLEING

Extraordinary Member of Nederlansche Indies and Board of Orphans Foundation in Batavia. Born in Haarlem 20 November 1663. Died at 21 May 1721.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Helmet: Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection,
Lion: Dauntless courage
Crescent: Crescent: One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief)
Three crescents: The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)
Cross Moline: The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone)




THE KUVEL’S FAMILY
ANNA VAN DOORNIK VAN BATAVIA
Wife of merchant and official government protocol Abraham Kuvel. Born 29 May 1690. Died 22 Desember 1741. Age of 51 years, 7 months, 22 days.
ABRAHAM KUVEL
Born in 18 May 1699. Died at 25 May 1746. Age of 54 years, 7 months, 20 days.
And His Brother
PHILIP KUVEL VAN BATAVIA
Born in 24 November 1697. Died at 9 November 1757. Age of 40 years, 11 months, 15 days.




ANTHONIA COPS

Wife of DIRCK BLEYSWIJK COOP. Died at October 1685. Age of 29 years, 4 days.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Crab: Symbolizes force and energy expressed through emotions and imagination, and a desire to store memories and possessions
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Fishes: liberality and charity. The fish symbol has been used for millennia worldwide as a religious symbol associated with the Pagan Great Mother Goddess, and was also a noted symbol of early Christians. A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment
Roses: Peace and Triumph
Rope: Eternality
Three fishes: The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)




IAN HARRIS

Member of City Board (Retirement of Captain/Sailor). Born in Amsterdam, 20 November 1703. Died at Batavia, 8 July 1761. Age of 58 years, 7 month, 19 days.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Crescent: One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief)
Shell: Commander, Protection of Providence
Three Crescents: The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)




ALEXANDER VAN SCHRAVEN BROEK

Merchant of E. Company. Born in Schravenhage, 19 Agustus 1644. Died at Batavia, 2 November 1690. Age of 46 years, 2 months, 14 days.
This grave is owned by N. OLDENVIET, member of government board in Batavia.
INTAMINATIS FVL GET HONORIBUS
D.ED.H. HARMAN D.E. WILDEUYT
Den Haag, in his life, he was member of extraordinary and Army Commander in India. Died 14 November 1707. Age of 58 years old, 26 days.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Fish: , liberality and charity. The fish symbol has been used for millennia worldwide as a religious symbol associated with the Pagan Great Mother Goddess, and was also a noted symbol of early Christians. A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment.
Flower of Lilies: attributed to the Virgin Mary, purity and light




LODEWIJK SCHENEIDER

Major in The Huzarent Regiment X10.7. Born in Nijmegen, 17 October 1788. Died at Rijswijk, 12 August 1820. A Kind of Soldier, proudly son, and good friend. Loved by all people who have ever knew him.

Note: Bearing the Masonic Symbol





CHATARINA VAN DOORN

Sir Arend Meyer van Leeuw’s widow. Extraordinary member of Nederlandsch Indies Board.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Laurel Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph, peace and triumph.
Trees: New life sprouting from the old
Snakes: Wisdom
Castle: The emblem of grandeur and society, safety.
Bridge: Signifies the cares and patient stability of magistrates or governors, who must endure the assaults, taunts, and envy of the discontented and vulgar.
Three trees and aisle bridge: The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)




GEERTRUYT BROECMANS

The former of First Lady of Governor Balthazar in 29 December 1668.
BALTHASAR BORT ZAL. Born in Amsterdam, First Member and Director General of India. Died at 22 January 1684. Age of 58 years old, 27 days.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Flower: Peace and Triumph
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Birds: Courage and perseverance; hero; able man in politics, always ready for battle, ready to fight to the death.
Cross: Symbolic of some Christian experience or sentiment, faith, service in the Crusades

Explanation:
Balthasar Bort served as ambassador to Aceh, became governor in Malacca, led three expedition against China in 1662, 1663, and 1664.





CATHALINA VAN BRUIJNIS

Wife of Willem Timmers. Head of Commerce and The Administrator of Medicine Shop and Member of Court of Justice in Castle of Batavia. Born in 31 May 1684. Died at 12 August 1726.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Rope: Eternal
Deer: One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony
Sole Fish: the sole may be a symbol of plenitude, liberality and charity. The fish symbol has been used for millennia worldwide as a religious symbol associated with the Pagan Great Mother Goddess, and was also a noted symbol of early Christians. A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment.
Catharine Wheel: one who is prepared to undergo great trials for the Christian
faith.
Bay of Leaves in Border: Peace and Triumph




HENRICUS

Harbor Master and Authorize Chief. Born in Alckmaar, 7 May 1656. Died at Batavia, 27 August 1705.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Arrow: Readiness (for battle)
Arm: A person with qualities of leadership
Three Arrows: The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Rope: Eternality




MRS. JOHANNA CATHARINA PELGROM

The Late of Anthony Huysman’s Widow. The First Member and Director General of Nederlands Indie. Born in Amsterdam, 20 October 1686. Died at Batavia, 18 October 1784. Age of 48 years old to 2 days.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Crown: Royal or seigniorial authority
Agricultural tools: Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence
Ox: Valor and generosity
Phoenix: Symbol of resurrection
Rose: Grace and beauty
Three roses: : The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)
Horse: Readiness for all employments for king and country
Tree: New life sprouting from the old
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph



MICHIEL WESTPALM VAN AMELAND


The Reason of Turbulence
Here Laid A Good, Amazing, and Diligent Man
MICHIEL WESTPALM VAN AMELAND
The First Member and Director General of Nederlands Oost Indie.
Died at Batavia, 24 Augustus 1734
Age of 34 years old, 11 months, 26 days.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Horse: Readiness for all employments for king and country
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Trees: New life sprouting from the old
Rope: Eternality

Explanation:
Westpalm married the very rich and charming Indo-European girl: G.M. Goossens.
Two years after Westpalm’s death, his widow married F.J. Coyett.




ROGIER DE LAVER


Born in Nidde 23 April 1701. Died 28 October 1755
and his wife
ANNA MARIA VAN SPIJK
Born in Meurs 26 June 1694. Died 8 September 1757

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Wings: Swiftness and protection
Star (six pointed): Celestial goodness, noble person
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Trumpet: Ready for the fray
Pigs: Fertility Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph

Explanation
Rogier de Laver was the former governor general in Malacca.






VERHAGEN


Died at Batavia-Ommelanden 16 February 1694. Age of 56 years old, 4 months.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Man: Honor
Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Arm: A person with qualities of leadership
Embattled: Walls of a fortress or town
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph

Explanation
Verhagen was the architect of Portuguesse Church (Sion Church)






DISHONORABLE TOMBSTONES: THE ABATEMENTS.
What is the abatements? In the www.heraldica.org we found that abatements are, supposedly, additions made to a coat of arms to indicate dishonorable behavior on the part of the bearer.
Sir Christopher Lynch-Robinson, Intelligible Heraldry (1967), lists 7 cases: lying, boasting, sloth in war, drunkenness, killing a prisoner who has yielded, seduction or rape, revoking a challenge. He adds: "There is the argument that you cannot equitably have good conduct marks without bad conduct marks ...there is no reason why the minor peccadilloes ... should not have been recorded until by some deed of valor he wiped out the stain on his escutcheon."
G. Leigh's Accedence of Armory (1562) lists the abatements as:
1. A point Dexter parted tenné, for someone who boasts of some valiant act which he never performed
2. A point champaine tenné, for someone who kills a prisoner after quarter demanded
3. A plain point sanguine, for a person who lies to his sovereign or commander-in-chief
4. A point in point sanguine, for cowardice
5. A gusset sanguine borne to the Dexter, for an adulterer
6. The same borne to the sinister, for a drunkard
7. A delf tenné for one who revokes a challenge he has given
8. An in escutcheon reversed sanguine, for any man who "discourteously entreated either maid or widow against her will.
9. The whole coat reversed, for treason.



SECOND STAGE: TOMBSTONES FROM 19TH CENTURY

OLIVIA MARIAMNE RAFFLES
Sacred to the memory of Olivia Mariamne wife of the Hon’able Thomas Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant Governor of Java and its dependencies who departed this life in Buitenzorg, the 25th of November 1814, aged 43 years.

Explanation:
Olivia was born in India (1771) from a Circassian mother, a tribe in mountains of the Caukasus.
These stones of steps in gravestone were taken from ruins of Niew Hollandschekerk in Batavia.

THE MYSTERY OF 25 OR 26 NOVEMBER 1814? There is different date between Memorial in Buitenzorg and Tombstone in Batavia. The memorial in Buitenzorg was in scripted that Olivia was Died at 26 November 1814, but it has different inscription in her tombstone. Which one is true?




DIRK ANTHONIUS VARKEVISSER
An old resident from Pasuruan. Royal Family of Lion Nederland. Born in Semarang 11 July 1800. Died at Batavia, 4 January 1857.

Decoding The Heraldry Coat
Agricultural tools: Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence
Rope:eternality
Snake in circle: eternality
Sandwatch with wings: impermanent
Olive Bay of Leaves: Peace and concordance
Urn and cloth: mortality

Helmet: royal family, wisdom and security in defense, strength, protection, invulnerability
Bay of Leaves: Peace and Triumph
Keys: Guardianship and dominion
St.Andrew’s Cross: Resolution
Dove: Loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit
Three keys/doves: The Trinity - relation with macrocosmos (Father, Son, and Holly Spirit)






THIRD STAGE: TOMBSTONES FROM EARLY 20TH CENTURY

DR JEAN LAURENS ANDRIES BRANDES
Born in Rotterdam, 13 January 1857. Died at Weltevreden, 26 Juni 1905.

Explanation:
He wrote the two monograms: “Beschrijving van de Ruine bij de Desa Tumpang, Genoem Tjandi Djago in Residentie Pasoeroehan” (The Description of Ruins in Desa Tumpang, entitled Tjandi Djago, Resident of Pasoeroehan). Other monograms about Candi Singhasari and Panataran.

ENGELHARD SERAT KANDA – He describe the manuscript from Middelkoop about history of java until the dusk of Amangkurat II, 1702. This manuscript were available in Bataviaasch Genotschap, code of K.B.G. MS 540. Result of Brandes’ work is entitled “Engelhard Serat Kanda” – contains 4 books in continues pagination from 1 to 1439.

THE NAGARAKRTAGAMA – He saved The Manuscript of Nagarakrtagama. The salvation of this manuscript was important stage in the history of our nation Indonesia presently. He was a translator who obtains the old principal manuscript in the region of Balinese Kingdom. He found this manuscript in the ruins of Cakranegara Palace in Lombok, November 1894. He took and saved it and left the others treasuries behind.

THE PARARATHON – He published this principal manuscript in 1896. Not only translation, but notes and comments comprehensively. Serat Pararathon or Katuturanira Ken Angrok explained the story Kings of Tumapel and Majapahit.




WILLIAM F. STUTERHEIM

Born in 27 September 1892. Died at 12 September 1942
Explanation:
Stuterheim was the Last Head of Oudheidkundige Dienst Nederlandsch Indie (Archaeological Bureau) in Batavia. He has ever been a prisoner in Japanese period. He has been freed as prisoner in temporary but has a duty to make a new pinnacle or the part of Borobudur’s main stupa. Unfortunately, not long time after that he was Died at 1942. Finally, there is no change in the main stupa.

His book entitled of “Tjandi Baraboedoer, Naam, Vorm en Beteekenis” (The Baraboedoer, Name, Form, and Meaning, published in 1929).




MARIUS HULSWIT
The Architect
Born in Amsterdam, 2 January 1862
Died at Batavia, 10 January 1921

Explanation:
Together with Cuypers, built the offices of Javasche Bank in Batavia (1910) and many buildings in several big cities.




See also The Funeral in Batavia 19th Century: Theatrical Act!
http://mahandisyoanata.multiply.com/photos/album/10

See also English Tombstone in my previous journey!
http://mahandisyoanata.multiply.com/photos/album/17

THIS JOURNEY HAS NOT FINISHED YET