Maria Hertogh riots

Maria Hertogh riots


Maria Hertogh, born to Dutch-Eurasian parents in Java, was adopted during the war by an Indonesian Muslim woman named Aminah .


After the war, the Hertoghs launched a legal battle for the custody of their daughter after they received information in 1949 of her whereabouts in Malaya. People were angered by photographs of a Muslim girl in a Catholic convent , whipping up emotions. As editor of the Jawi daily, Dawn, Ghani instigated emotions by working out an extensive plan for 1,500 girls to protest in a procession. Exhortations were made at the Sultan Mosque to wage a holy war to force the return of Maria to Aminah. At the appeal hearing on 11 December 1950, the Judge dismissed Aminah's appeal and custody was given to Adeline Hunter, her biological mother. Upon hearing the judgement , muslims felt that the government was biased against them.

For three days, mobs of Malay and Indian Muslim rioters attacked any European and Eurasian in sight. Even so, scattered attacks continued over two days. A 24-hour curfew had to be imposed for two weeks before British and Malay troops and the Constabulary regained control of the situation.

Altogether, 18 people were killed and 173 were injured.

Feelings

Singapore , a country with diversity . Formed by different races , racial harmony is an essence. One which defines us , represents us and is highly important to uphold our harmonious bonds between the people of different races . When Singapore became independent in 1965, we faced a multitude of challenges. We had to educate and house our people, create jobs, set up our own armed forces, develop good relations with the rest of the world, and build a nation from people of different races, religions and cultures. Because we remained united, we have succeeded. But our social cohesion cannot be taken for granted. Each of us must do our part to preserve the strong racial ties in Singapore. Look at the Maria Hertogh riots. This just highlights the vulnerability of our country. Differences among the various racial groups may cause misunderstanding so we should give and take and make this society a much better one.

-Marcus Tan 302