Armenians in Indonesia
In this article, we will explore the topic of Armenians in Indonesia in detail, providing an in-depth analysis ranging from its origins to its relevance today. We will delve into the different aspects surrounding Armenians in Indonesia, offering a comprehensive vision that allows our readers to deeply understand its importance and implications in different areas. Through research, data and testimonies, we seek to shed light on Armenians in Indonesia and its impact on society, culture, economics, politics and other relevant fields. What factors have contributed to the evolution of Armenians in Indonesia over time? What are the main challenges you currently face? What are the possible future implications of Armenians in Indonesia? These are some of the questions that we will address in this article, with the aim of providing a complete and enriching vision of this topic. Join us on this tour of Armenians in Indonesia and discover everything there is to know about this fascinating topic!
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Surabaya and Jakarta | |
| Languages | |
| Armenian, Dutch | |
| Religion | |
| Armenian Apostolic Church |
Many Armenian merchants from Amsterdam went to Southeast Asia in the 19th century to trade, and to set up factories and plantations. Armenian merchants settled in parts of Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies, as did Armenians moving east from the Persian Empire, establishing a community of Armenians in Java.
In 1808, with a growing community, George Manook (Gevork Manuch Merchell) along with others, securing 25,000 Guilders from the Dutch Government, established schools and a church. In 1852 Haileian Miabanse Thioen in Batavia, helped to open orphanages and schools for Armenian children. The community also built a small chapel in Batavia and founded a school in 1855.
In 1865, names like Galistan, Lazar, Joseph Amir, Manook, Arakiel Navaran, and Stefan Arathoon appeared in commercial almanacs. In the sugar industry, Manook Jordan owned the Mlongo factory, and P. Andreas owned the Trangkil factory.
On 6 January 1880, the Armenian community was formally recognised as an incorporated society by the Dutch government. Within a short time Armenians extended also to Singapore where they were involved in the opium trade, which was under British control, while some Armenian missionaries went on to the Philippines.
Most of the original Armenian community, however, has left Indonesia after the independence, however, there was an estimated number of less than a hundred people that still residing there, including in Java. This can be seen through few families that held family names such as Manook and Galistan.[1]
Notable Armenians
- George Manook, was among the richest figures in Dutch East India, and often lent the Dutch government funds. He left behind a large fortune of five million guilders when he died.
- The Sarkies Brothers, known for founding a chain of luxury hotels throughout Southeast Asia, owns several properties through out the colony, the most notable being the Kartika Wijaya hotel in Batu, East Java, which was originally a private vacation villa for the Sarkies family.
- Benjamin Galstaun, receiver of 1977 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
- Lucas Martin Sarkies (1876–1941), the son of Martin Sarkies, founder of the Hotel Majapahit (formerly Hotel Oranje).
See also
References
- ^ Encyclopaedie van Nederlandsch-Indië (1921) page 17.
Further reading
- Paulus, Gasper (1935). Short History of the Armenian Community in Netherlands India. Batavia.
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| Historic areas of Armenian settlement | ||
| Caucasus | ||
| Former Soviet Union | ||
| Americas | ||
| Europe | ||
| Middle East | ||
| Asia | ||
| Africa | ||
| Oceania | ||
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