Stories from Deli

In the Pinang Gazette of April 4th, we read the following regarding the actions of the Dutch on the East Coast of Sumatra. From this, it becomes clear that the Resident of Riouw is still making all possible efforts to bring the various pepper ports along that coast under the exclusive control of the Dutch:…

Letters about Sumatra’s East Coast from a “Wanderer.” Deli, June 8, 1876 Recently, I read the peace message from the “Mail-Courant” and came across two letters—one from a settler, written in very polite terms, but with a shocking twist, addressing the resident and asking about 16 questions, upon the answers to which he would depend…

The Hague, 17 September. Everyone will remember that a few years ago, private agricultural enterprises were established on the Northeast coast of Sumatra under the name of the Deli Company, initially employing Chinese laborers brought in from Singapore or elsewhere. If we are correctly informed, it should come as no surprise that there has been…

Java Bode 13-12-1897 Medan, November 1897 Long before Tandjong-Poera, also known as Klambir, the capital of the Beneden-Langkat district and the residence of the Sultan of Langkat, gained the significance it holds today, an enterprising merchant established there built a sturdy, large bridge over the Batang Serangan and created the road to the petroleum facility…

Java Bode 06-12-1897 Medan, November 1897 Things are anything but quiet here with all the festivities and celebrations. As soon as one event ends, another is already being announced. In my previous letter, I had to devote considerable space to one such event, and once again, I must start with a party. However, the story…

Java Bode 25-10-1897 Medan, October 1897 To stay true to the promise made at the end of my previous letter, I must begin with a brief mention of the celebration of our young queen’s birthday. Apart from the salutes and a parade, which was canceled due to the wet grass, there were a morning reception…

Java Bode 11-09-1897 Medan, August 1897 So, the new ministry has been formed, and we welcome our former countryman and old Delian, Mr. J. F. Cremer, as the new Minister of Colonies. This is particularly significant for Deli, as much good is expected for our region from a man who has always been deeply involved…

Java Bode 03-07-1897 Medan, June 24, 1897 I have kept you waiting for quite some time for any news from me, which can fairly be attributed to the fact that there was little or nothing to report. However, upon reviewing my list, I find that quite a few points have gradually accumulated that may interest…

Java Bode 17-03-1897 Medan, March 1897. The poewasa is over, and all the locals have returned to work, at least as far as they engage in it. The locals of Medan and its surroundings could this time express their “glory to God” in a brand-new mosque, which was recently completed at the place where the…

Java Bode 25-02-1897 Medan, February 1897. It has been quite a while since I last wrote, but to write, one first needs material, and that has been lacking. Everything here is going along so calmly in its usual way that one who doesn’t know better might think that’s how it should be and continue on…