Stories from Deli

From North Sumatra, Michielsen went to Borneo in 1878, where he served first as a controller in the South and East department and then as an assistant resident of Koetei (East Borneo) in 1881. A year later, in 1882, his son Karel was born in Sampit, an illegitimate child, who was recognized by him. Nothing else is known about the mother, an indigenous Chinese woman named Kim Nio.

In 1883 Michielsen was appointed assistant resident of Deli (East Sumatra) and in 1886 his second son Frits was born in Medan, also illegitimate and also recognized, again with Kim Nio as mother. So she will have accompanied Michielsen from Koetei to Deli. After that it disappears completely from view.

Incidentally, she is not mentioned anywhere in the memoirs. Michielsen indirectly talks about the two-year European leave that was granted him in 1886. He mentions his son Karel, who went with him to the Netherlands, but neither the newly born Frits nor mother Kim Nio. Karel and Frits both later, as usual with European children, received their education in the Netherlands.

In 1888 Michielsen returned to the Indies. He was briefly ‘civil servant on non-activity’, but with effect from 3 September 1888 he was appointed assistant resident ‘at the disposal of the resident on the east coast of Sumatra’, and subsequently appointed in that residency position in 1889.

It can be safely said that his stay in East Sumatra as a civil servant was his ‘finest hour’, which also later in the many obituaries were emphasized. He was a powerful and decisive man who meant a lot to the region at a time when that region itself was undergoing tremendous economic development. ”

But his performance was not undisputed by everyone and a few articles in various newspapers highlight a striking characteristic of Michielsen, namely his straightforward and authoritative hand of governing. ‘

After his transition in 1894 from Ost-Sumatra (resident) to West -Sumatra (governor) appeared in the Indian newspaper De Locomotief, published in Semarang, in 189 5 a long article about Michielsen under the title ‘The legacy of resident Michielsen’. about Michielsen’s actions in East Sumatra, as this newspaper was more lutically speaking about the colonial government, but the resident’s idiosyncrasy was such that the newspaper spoke of Michielsen’s ‘autocratic rule’.

The dissatisfaction that the Sultan of Deli supposedly had about the regional government was widely reported, and his trip to Batavia to complain to the Supreme The act ‘which had been given to him by the resident on several occasions was mentioned in detail. The tone of the lengthy article is strongly insinuating and the tenor is repeatedly very disapproving, but it also sheds light on Michielsen’s style of management. The newspaper went on to say that the sultan was so offended that he was in December 1893 with a petition drawn up by mr. J.R. Voûte, to Governor General C.TT.A. van der \ X’ij turned and that Michielsen was then summoned to Batavia in order to answer for himself. He came directly to the capital to, as it was called, ‘to exchange ideas’ with the government.

According to De Locomotief, the Governor wished to see the dispute settled and a reconciliation took place, in which Resident Michielsen shook the sultan, “adding some friendly but serious words.”

In early December 1893, P.J. Kooreman appointed to succeed Michielsen as resident of Sumatra’s East coast. Then the sultan returned home. A good refuge was sought for Michielsen, according to the newspaper, and then shortly afterwards O.M. de Munnick left the service, Michielsen was promoted to his position as Governor of Sumatra’s west coast. According to the newspaper, there was a lot to be made up for on the East Coast, which entailed serious reproach against Michielsen. But it was The Locomotive who spoke here, who was clearly displeased with Michielsen’s person.

On the other hand, the East Coast said goodbye to Michielsen with a grand display. A special commission was set up, including the Sultan of Deli, and the sale of his household effects brought in an unbelievably large sum (‘unparalleled splendid revenue’), and a year later he was made another the tribute promised to him on his departure. This, among the many other expressions of affection, was an expression of great gratitude.

“When he left us as Assistant Resident in 1888, I wrote that he would never become a Resident who could handle indirect management well, and on his departure last year I dedicated an article to him, in which I made it clear that he left no friends on the east coast among the native princes. I will perhaps be told that this could not be concluded from the colossal proceeds of his vendution, thanks to the participation of those same princes, but with the venduties in Deli it is usually ‘who keeps most of me silent, who has it. best said ”. The rushing and expensive buying by the Sulthan of Deli was as heartily sincere as the offering of a royal present – a golden smoking set – was undertaken shortly before the protest trip to Batavia.”