In your opinion, what could have prevented the Maria Hertogh Riots in 1950?

Give at least 2 suggestions.

The Maria Hertogh Riot was one that broke out over the custody battle of the 13-year-old girl, Maria Bertha Hertogh. Maria was born in 1937 in Java to Dutch Catholic parents.
Maria was brought under the care of a Malay woman, Che Aminah, and her husband because her parents were captured during the Japanese Occupation. Che Aminah raised her as a Muslim, and named her Nadra.

In1949, Maria's biological mother, Adeline Hertogh, went to claim Maria back from Che Aminah. Maria's case was brought to the High Court and Maria was put under the care of the Social Welfare Department.

Then, in May 1950, the court ruled that Maria Hertogh could be returned to her biological parents. Che Aminah opposed that decision and sent in an appeal, thus the court returned Maria to Che Aminah.
(At this time, Maria was considered underage, thus had no ablity to make decisions.)

However, in November 1950, the battle for the custory continued. The court ruled that Maria should be returned to her natural parents. The judge also announced that the Dutch law did not recognise Maria's marriage as she was under-aged and her natural father's consent was not obtained. This upset the Muslim community, and through this case, they felt that the Muslim law was not respected.

Meanwhile, Maria was put under the care of a Catholic convent in Thomson Road under the court's orders. As she was raised as a Muslim, the presence of Maria being in a Catholic convent caused much commotion, and reporters and photographers entered the convent to snap pictures of Maria. Even though as a Muslim, she had to pray and bow down before Virgin Mary. Pictures of the event were published and printed all over the newspapers.

On the 11th of December, Che Aminah tried to appeal again for the custody of Maria Hertogh. Large crowds gathered outside the court just to wait for the verdict. Much to Che Aminah's disappointment, the court rejected the appeal.

Supporters of Che Aminah were feeling somewhat betrayed at the fact that the British wre taking sides with the Duch, and they started a riot at the Padang. All Europeans and Eurasians were attacked. Cars were burnt and serious rioting erupted near Sultan Mosque, North Bridge and Jalan Besar roads.

The riots did not stop after one day. In fact, it dragged for three days. Because there was too much chaos, a curfew was imposed for two weeks. Troops were also called in to maintain law and order. During this riot, an approximate number of 18 people were killed, and 163 injured.

So, what could have been done?

The judge should have found out more about the Muslim religion, thus less problem would have been caused. If he could have paid more attention to the religion, then there might not even be a riot in the first place. For if the judge knew that the Muslims only worshipped one God, he would have offered to put Maria Hertogh in another place, and not in a Catholic convent. Because of his mistake, it inflamed the feelings of the Muslims and caused them to get angry.

Also, I think that if the judge could have given an order that no photographers and reporters could be let into the convent at all times, as the reporters and photographers just freely took pictures of a Muslim girl worshipping and kneeling before the statue of Virgin Mary.
This not only caused Maria to feel embarassed, it also was a sign of disrespect to the Muslims for allowing a Muslim into a Catholic convent.

Therefore, the judge should have been more careful and observant in this case. He should also try to think Maria's feelings, and how she would like it if she were to be separated by Che Aminah after living with her for years. However, the judge returned Maria to her natural parents, and this might have caused Maria to feel very upset, but nothing could be done because she was an underaged child, having no right to express her feelings and thoughts in the court. If I were Maria, I would have tried to express myself and choose who I want to be with. After all, Che Aminah brought "me" up and I am quite sure I would be grateful towards her and stay with her.

The judge should also put himself in the shoes of Che Aminah. After bringing Maria up for so many years, almost regarding her as her own child, would she easily let Maria be returned to her natural parents? The judge overlooked this point, and because of that, it made the Muslims feel that the British were biased towards the Dutch, which eventually led to the riot.

If the judge knew that there would be thousands waiting for the verdict to be announced, he should have thought of sealing the Padang to the public, as even though there were guards keeping guard, the crowd could force their way through and start fighting, like they did. Sealing off the Padang would at least keep the people safe, and keep the crowd under control. But unfortunately, this measure was not taken.

Also, the public should try to calm themselves and not act rashly. Their act only brought unhappiness to people of all races, and of course, injuries and death.


Therefore, in my opinion, I think the riot could have certainly been prevented.