True Facts About Maria Hertogh

MARIA HERTOGH BIOGRAPHY

Maria Hertogh, or to be specific, Maria Bertha Hertogh was born in Java in 1937 to Dutch-Eurasian parents, she was adopted during the war by an Indonesian Muslim woman, named Che Aminah.  When Maria's father was arrested by the Japanese, Maria's mother gave Maria to Che Aminah to be raised. She was brought up as a Muslim and was named Nadra.

In 1949, Maria's mother, Adeline Hertogh, came back wanting her daughter in her care. 

Maria's case was brought to the High Court in Singapore and she was placed under the care of the Social Welfare Department.

In May 1950, the court ruled that Maria be returned to her biological parents. Che Aminah opposed the decision and sent an appeal. Two months later, the court returned Maria to Che Aminah.

Maria went through a marriage ceremony with a Malay teacher Under Che Aminah's care. She was then 13 years old. 

In November 1950, the battle for custody continued. the court ruled that Maria should be returned to the biological parents instead. The judge announced that the Dutch law did not recognise Maria's marriage as she was under-aged and her biological father's consent was not obtained. This upsets the Muslim community as they felt that Muslim law was not respected. 

Meanwhile, the court put Maria in the care of a Catholic convent in Thomson Road. there was a widespread coverage of the custody battle in the English, Malay and Tamil newspaper. Reporters and photographers entered the convent to take pictures of Maria.

Che Aminah appealed again for the custody of Maria. On 11 December 1950, the court sat to hear Maria's case. Large crowds gathered outside the court at the Padang to know the verdict. The judge rejected the appeal.

Feeling betrayed by what they saw as the British taking sides with the Dutch, the supporters of Che Aminah at the Padang started to riot. Any European and Eurasian in sight was attacked. Cars were overturned and burnt. Serious roiting erupted in vicinity 

of Sultan Mosque, North Bridge and Jalan Besar roads. 

The riots continued for three days and a curfew was imposed for two weeks. Troops were called in to matintain law and order. By the third day, the situation was under control. About 18 people were killed and 173 people were injured during the riot.