Stories from Deli

Indië; geïllustreerd weekblad voor Nederland en koloniën, jrg 6, 1922, no. 13, 28-06-1922

Question 579. — As a subscriber to your magazine, I hereby take the liberty of politely requesting your answers to the following questions. I.e. Is it as difficult to obtain a home in the Indies (for example, in Medan (Sumatra)) as it is in Holland, so that upon arrival one runs the risk of having to stay in expensive hotels for a considerable period of time? 2nd. What is the general rent in a good place like Medan for a decent home for a European? 3rd. Is ƒ 400 per month (as a starting salary) a salary to be able to live properly in a place like Medan when married (without children)? S. W. F. v. D. in A.

Answer 579. — Sub 1. There is now a housing shortage in the Indies that is just as great as in our country and that is certainly also the case in Medan. You will have to take measures yourself upon arrival in the Indies to obtain shelter in time, in whatever way; from here you certainly cannot do much for that purpose.

Sub 2. The rents vary greatly and vary for an ordinary home from ƒ 75 to ƒ 150 and more per month.

Sub. 3. With a salary of ƒ 400 per month, one can hardly make ends meet in a place like Medan, where it is very expensive. We believe we should refer you to the booklet: “Een en ander over de kosten van het leven in Nederlandsch-lnië in het jaar 1920”, a booklet that you should nevertheless consult with the necessary reservation. The Association of Associations of Civil Servants considers the contents of this brochure, since it does not correspond to reality, misleading for those who are going to the Indies. The booklet is published by the Ministry of Colonies, where you will also be able to obtain it.