Chapter 7: Case Study of Maria Hertogh Riots (Pg 138-141)

Background of Maria Bertha Hertogh Legal battle for Marias custody Muslims angered How the Riot started Testimonies of by passers What Caused Maria Hertogh Riot? Verdict/Lessons learned Creative Work (Song) Creative work (Poem)

Upbringing of Maria Bertha Hertogh

Maria Bertha Hertogh was born in a Dutch roman catholic family living in Java. During WW2, her father, a soldier, was taken as a Prisoner of war. Their family friend, Aminah Bte Mohammad then took Maria to Bandung for the girls safety. Maria was brought up as a Muslim and given the name Nadar by Aminah. In 1947, Aminah brought Maria to Malaysia (then malaya) as the Indonesian War of Independence started to rage. By 1949 when the Hertoghs received news that Maria was in Malaya, Maria could only speak Malay and had been brought up as a Muslim.

Legal battle for Marias custody

In 1950, the Hertoghs sought to reclaim Maria through the Singapore courts. On 22 Apr 1950, the Court ruled that Maria should be returned to the Hertoghs. Aminah appealed and on 28 Jul 1950, Maria was returned to Aminah. Subsequently, Maria was married to a 22-year-old Malay teacher. On 13 Nov 1950, the legal battle took place and Maria was returned to the Hertoghs as they were not informed when she was taken to Bandung. As Maria was subjected to Dutch laws, which do not permit any girl under 16 to be married, her Muslim marriage would be made invalid.

Legal battle for Marias custody

While awaiting to move to the Netherlands, Maria was put in a Christian convent. There was also great media coverage by the media. With pictures of a Muslim girl in a convent, the Muslims were greatly upset and some even suggested starting a riot if legal methods failed to work. On 11 Dec 50, the Appeal Court sat to hear Marias case. Large crowds gathered outside, eager to know the result of Aminahs appeal. The judge however threw out Aminahs appeal after only five minutes. The incident convinced the crowd that the colonial legal system was biased against Muslims/Malays.

Maria Hertogh in a convent

Riot Started

The huge crowds gathered outside the court and the Padang vented their mob fury. Any European or Eurasian in sight was immediately attacked. Cars were burnt and overturned. The Muslim rioters took control of districts like Sultan Mosque, North Bridge Road and Jalan Besar, and set up roadblocks. The riot continued for three days and a 24-hour curfew had to be imposed for two weeks. British and Malay troops and the Singapore police had to be all involved to control the Riot. A total of 18 people were killed and 173 injured before law and order was restored.

Testimonies of by passers
Suddenly,

I was in the midst of about 2000 people. They started trying to turn my car over Dr BussHansen, WHO BCG Expert, here on a campaign The woman ran and took refuge in a Eurasian home. They were later escorted away by the police. An eyewitness who saw a woman being beaten up. I saw them point at me and then they came into the bus and started on my husband. They hit him with a stick. I went towards him but they punched me in the face and mouth and then pitched me off the bus. Mrs. J. W. Davies, who arrived only five days before the incident took place.

What causes Maria Hertogh Riot?

Insensitive British government for not recognising Marias marriage as she was under-aged and her natural fathers consent was not obtained. This upset the Muslim community who felt that Muslim law was not respected. Insensitive decision of the court to put Maria in the convent instead of a neutral place. Mass media insensitive in publishing pictures of Maria in the convent. Malays felt betrayed that the British was taking sides with the Dutch which sparked off the riot.

Lessons Learnt

We should learn about the importance of racial and religious understanding & tolerance to prevent future riots. The Mass Media should be sensitive in reporting racial and religious issues

Recommended Reading
The Nadra Tradegy This book gives a description about Marias life, background, and how the riot started in a vivid description. Relevant legal documents are included.It gives testimonies by various parties and what happened to Maria (or Nadra) in the end.