ARTIKEL
Based on the picture of architecture study about old buildings surrounding Jakarta published by National University of Singapore, I and Dharmawan Handonowarih [Editor in Chief of IDEA Magazine] cruised the former rubber plantation house in Tangerang on Sunday, 23rd November 2008.
It is the nearly forgotten country house in Tangerang, suburb of Jakarta. Located about quarter of Imam Bonjol-Teuku Umar Street, village of Karawaci Baru, Tangerang, westbank of Cisadane River (in map from 19th century known as Tjisadanee River).
As we knew, in 1874 the government of Netherlands Indies introduced the early rubber plantation in Java. This building was formerly owned by biggest Chinese landlord of rubber plantation. Now, his descendants owned this mansion. However, they don't reside in their ancestor house.
Today, this country house is inhabited by four families within.
Unfortunately, this building was not included the Heuken's Historical Sites of Jakarta in the chapter of country house and former residences of big estate owner. Really neglected building!
THE MAP: TANGERANG - BATAVIA
However, the private lands that owned by Chinese in Tangerang have suggested to Batavia's self-sufficiently for agricultural products, such as rice, and sugar. Whereas the plantation product such as rubber was introduced in the end of 19th century or early 20th century.
According "Sinar Harapan” in 2003, a daily newspaper in Jakarta, wrote that the owner this country house was the important Chinese person who influenced in Tangerang. He was landowned of rubber plantation in the westward of Tangerang (presently known as Perum I and Perum II). His descendants don’t want to reside in this house, even present day they prefer to live in Jakarta, Magelang, and The Netherlands. The rubber plantation in Tangerang was closed down in 1965.
However, I am still in searching about the former owner of land in Karawaci and its surroundings. Probably, was Lieutenant Oey Djie San the owner of this country house, because he was a director of the private estate of Karawaci-Tjilongok? It could be, but, probably he was not the first owner because he lived in the end of 19th century, whereas the country house was built in the end 18th century. For the best answer I need your support.
SAVE OUR HERITAGE, WE NEED YOUR ATTENTION!
We still have only a little time to terminate this vandalism of heritage building. There is no one who cares about the vanishing old buildings. Please, save our heritage!
"…satoe orang kapala miring boeat djadie kapala negeri…"
A native letter, dated 19th March 1893, and other complaints kept in Goevernementsbesluit, 24th August 1893.
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Ancient Chinese Housing in Tangerang |