Armenians in Indonesia
Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 21:17
An unpublished Research about the Armenians in Indonesia
Author – Artsvi Bakhchinian
Published in: `Haigazian Armenological Review,’ Beirut, 2003, vol. 23.
The publishing material is an extract from a typewritten manuscript,
called `Concise History of the Armenians in Indonesia’ written by E.
H. Ellis in 1961 in English.
The manuscript is kept at the MesropMashtots Institute of Old
Manuscripts (Matenadaran), Yerevan (File of Various Authors, folder
240e, document 30). It consists of an introduction and four chapters.
The author dedicated his study to the memory of `GevorgManuck (Zorab)
Manucharian, Mrs. Mariam Hacub (Jacob) Arathoon, Miss ThaguhiManuck,
Hacob (Jacob) Arathoon and other patriotic benefactors.’
We are not aware that this manuscript has been published partly or in
full. Unfortunately no information is available about the
Indonesian-Armenian author. We assume his Armenian surname was
Yeghiazaryan[1].
In his `Introductory Note’ the author informs about the reason for
compiling his study: `In the course of the early part of 1960, B. J.
Galstaun, then president of the General Board of Administration of the
Armenian Community in Indonesia, while in Djakarta on a functional
visit, was approached by Mr. S. M. A. Tabatabai, director of the
Cultural Office of the Imperial Iranian Legation in Djakarta, with the
request to be supplied with a concise history of the Armenians in
Indonesia, apparently having knowledge that the Armenian community in
Indonesia, from almost its earliest days had directly or indirectly
migrated from Iran. Since the existence of such a book in English was
unknown, I was requested by our late president to try and compile the
said history. I was not keen to assume the responsibility, being fully
aware that neither my inadequate command and poor fluency of that
language nor my lack of experience in writing books, justified such a
venture. After lengthily cogitation, the instructive usefulness and
the historical importance of such a book dawned upon me and served as
encouragement to dismiss the feeling of the above mentioned
incompetence and to undertake the useful task even if it should entail
onerous labor, in order to comply with the following motives and
considerations.’
The first chapter, `Course of Historical Events’ is a short survey on
the Armenian community in India. The second chapter is called
`Armenian Religious, Social, Educational, and Cultural Activities in
Indonesia.’ The third chapter is a set of short biographies called
`Armenians in Indonesia, approximately between 1730s and 1900.’ It
includes 150 names (reference numbers are from 1 to 149a) of all male
Armenian-Indonesians. The fourth chapter is another list of `Armenian
Commercial Houses and other Enterprises in Indonesia’ (reference
numbers 150 to 230).
The author has not compiled his work as a scientific study: generally
there are no reference sources, some books and materials are mentioned
(like T. Gushakian, G. E. Gasper, J. S. Jordan) with no details.
Though several scholars have researched the history of the Armenian
community in Indonesia (particularly the late historian Raphael
Abrahamyan who used this source in his articles[2]), the publication
of this manuscript may provide additional information about the
Armenian community of Indonesia.
Below is the second chapter, which seems to have the most valuable
information about this disappeared Armenian community. The text is
unedited. There are some tautologies, though someone, presumably a
native speaker has partly edited it. While preparing the text for
publication, we made some unessential shortening, corrected
orthographic mistakes, but left unchanged the archaic style and
language of the text.
ARMENIAN RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN INDONESIA
By E. H. ELLIS
The exact year of the Armenian immigration in Indonesia has not been
quite clearly recorded. Apparently the pioneer Armenian settlers in
Indonesia were so seriously and deeply absorbed in their commercial
pursuits that as it is known they have neither left written records of
their commercial activities nor of the important events of the
Community’s religious, social or cultural life, which could prove of
historical value. Gasper Paulus, a resident of Batavia, in his `Short
history of the Armenian community in Netherlands India,’ published in
English,[3] states that according to `Realia’ (collection of
resolutions taken by the East India Company) an Armenian merchant by
the name of Codja Solima, was established in Macassar in 1656. The
inference may, there fore be drawn that at the time there were other
Armenians as well. In view of the fact that Armenian immigration to
the Netherlands started in the 16th century, it may be reasonably
assumed that the Armenian immigrants in Indonesia, during the middle
of the 17th century, came from Amsterdam, where, at that time, there
was a large Armenian Community, mostly prosperous merchants.
Mr. Casper Paulus also states that during the time of the East India
Company the Armenians were given permission on 31 March 1747 to
establish themselves under her jurisdiction, just like other citizens.
It is not unlikely that at that time there were a respectable number
of Armenians in Indonesia to have justified or necessitated the above
stated permission by the authorities.
It is also known that during the first half of the 18th century some
Armenians from Madras, where at that time there was a rich and
flourishing Armenian community, went to Manila and thence to Java and
established themselves at the present Djakarta. Three of the pioneer
prominent Armenian settlers in Djakarta during that period were Vardon
(sic) Gasparian, Manuck Hacobdjanian and Johannes M. Sherimanian. The
first two after many years of success trade returned to Madras with
substantial wealth. So far known the oldest grave of an Armenian in
Djakarta is that of Arathoon Zakaria, born in Julfa, Ispahan in 1712
and died in Djakarta, on 28 November 1801 at the age of 89, and was
interred in the public cemetery.
About the last quarter of the 18th century the most notable and
distinguished Armenian merchant was Agha Gevorg Manuck (Zorab)
Manucharian, born in Julfa in 1767, from poor and respectable parents.
He came to Java from Madras, with a substantial capital. (Bishop
Thorgom Gushakian in his book `Hendkahaig’ [Indian Armenians] states
that the amount was 4 million francs). He imported goods from Calcutta
and Madras and exported Indonesian products. He must have had a very
successful and prosperous business because, in 1808 the Dutch East
Indian Company floated a loan to which he subscribed a substantial
amount. He enjoyed the full confidence not only of the
Governor-General, but also of those with whom he had dealings.
It is also said that after his death, his estate was estimated to be
worth 5 million guilders. He was a very simple, modest and
unpretentious person and admonished others for display of show. That
he was magnanimous, munificent, religious and exceptionally patriotic
there can be no doubt because, while alive, besides helping all those
compatriots who were in need, he contributed very large amount to
various social, religious, national and educational institutions in
Persia, India and Armenia[4]. He also had the plan to establish a
University in London, where Armenian language as compulsory subject,
in order that they should learn their mother tongue and their history
and follow their National Church. It is said that he even remitted a
quarter of the necessary funds to London but, unfortunately his
unexpected early death prevented him from realizing his praiseworthy
plan. In his will he bequeathed two thirds of his estate to his two
sisters and the children of his deceased brother, Malcolm Manuck in
Calcutta. He brought out his above mentioned two orphaned sisters,
Mariam and Thaguhi from Julfa in 1795. They first went to Madras and
stayed with their relatives. Mariam married Agha Hacob Arathoon, a
respectable Armenian who, with his wife Mariam and his sister-in-law
Thaguhi, came to Djakarta (Batavia) and joined his brother-in-law Agha
Gevorg Manuck. Agha Gevorg Manuck remained a bachelor all his life and
passed away in Djakarta on 2 October 1827 at the age of 60 and was
laid to rest in Tanah Abang cemetery in Djakarta.
The following facts prove that Agha Hacob Arathoon, his wife Mariam
and her sister Thaguhi were also imbued with similar praiseworthy
patriotic and admirable characteristics as their late brother-in-law
and brother Agha Gevorg Manuck. Agha Hacob Arathoon was a religious,
conscientious upright and honest man, friend to all and enemy to none.
He erected a chapel in 1831, dedicated to St. Hripsimeh on the
North-West corner of Koningsplein, at gang Scott, the present Medan
Merdeka at Djalan Budi Kemuliaan No. 1, which later, his wife Mariam
and her sister Thaguhi, with the support of Community erected the
present St. John’s Church in 1855 on the same site as the former
Chapel Saint Hripsimeh.[5] Agha Hacob Arathoon passed away on 19 June
1844 at age of 76 and was interred in the General public cemetery.
Numerous are the charitable and noble deeds of these venerable sisters
– Mrs. Mariam Hacob Arathoon and her sister Miss Thaguhi Manuck, they
never disappointed applicants for help, coming from far or near, and
liberally gave them their support. G. G. Gasper in his concise
biography of the two benevolent sisters, written in 1883,[6] states
that their kindness and care so far as to make their own residence a
refugee for the needy and stranded people. He further adds that news
concerning the misery and unhappiness of any of their relatives or
compatriots in Julfa, their birthplace, moved them so deeply that shed
bitter tears. They attended church every Sunday and exhorted others to
do the same, and sent money regularly for the upkeep of the churches
in Julfa. It is well known that they, as well as their mentor, Manuck
Hordanan attached general great importance to the education of
Armenian children. Besides the Manuck and Arathoon School, which they
funded in Djakarta, according to historian Hovanian[7] they also
founded a school in Julfa in 1853. The necessary funds for the upkeep
of the school were also provided by them. They also liberally
subscribed to two new funds namely `Fund for the poor in Julfa,’ [and]
`Fund for Literary Works,’ which were established in Djakarta about
the middle of the 19th century. Although they were deprived of high
education, yet they subscribed to many Armenian papers with the object
of supporting their publication. They donated liberal amounts for the
publication of many Armenian books in Calcutta.
Miss Thaguhi Manuck departed this life on 9 December 1856 at the age
of 72 and her sister Mrs. Mariam Arathoon passed away on 4 May 1864,
at the age of 87. They are interred at Tanah Abang cemetery in
Djakarta.
ARMENIAN SOCIETY
On May 5, 1852, a general meeting was held in Djakarta to create a
special fund, with the income of which, to support poor widows,
orphans and stranded compatriots in Java. In that meeting `Haikian
Miabanuthiun’ or `The Armenian Society’ was founded. It was decided to
approach all Armenians in Java to contribute towards the said fund.
The two sisters, strongly conscious of social problems, headed the
list with very liberal contribution. It may be mentioned that since
the birth of the Society until the present day, the income of the said
fund has fully served its useful object, and no poor Armenian has ever
been obliged to approach charitable institutions in Indonesia for
subsistence. The members of the first elected Executive Body were
Gregory Joseph, Hovan Arathoon and George Aviet Zakaria.
ST. JOHN CHURCH IN DJAKARTA
On November 22, 1852 a general meeting was convened in Djakarta with
the object of raising funds to build a spacious church on the same
site as the old chapel. Mrs. Mariam Arathoon, whose husband Agha Hacob
Arathoon had built the said chapel in 1831, and her sister miss
Thaguhi Manuck, not only headed the list with their customary liberal
donations, but also paid for all the furniture, fittings, vestments,
etc., necessary for the church.[8] The erection of the church was
completed in December 1854 and was consecrated at St. John Church on
January 14, 1855. Further they caused their spacious house of the
present Medan Merdeka Barat No 9, Djakarta, to become the property of
the church after their death. Their object was that its income should
ensure the permanent upkeep of the church, the stipend of the priest
and other expenditures. The first committee members were Johannes Seth
Mackertich, Eliazar G. Gasper, Minas S. Joakim, Joseph Gregory or
Gregory John. The said house at Merdeka Barat No 9 was bought by the
Indonesian Government for 7,500,000 Rupees in 1957.
List of officiating priests in Djakarta for:
a) St. Hripsimeh chapel erected in 1831;
b) St. John Church to replace the above chapel, erected in 1854.
There are no records of the officiating priests during 1831 and 1836.
>From 1836-1840 – Rev. Stepannus Hovanessian; 1840-1845 – Rev. Gevorg
Hacob Eliazarian; 1845-1848 – Rev. Marcar A. Tsatoorian; 1848-1852 –
Rev. David A. Baghramian; 1853-1858 – Rev. Galstaun Nazarethian;
1859-1861 – Rev. Griegor N. Harouthiunian; 1861-1864 – Rev. Mackertich
C. (or K.) Simèhonian; 1866-1868 – Rev. Nerses Hordananian; 1868-1871
– Rev. Mesrovb G. Davdian; 1876-1878 – Rev. Griegor N. Haruthunian;
1879-1883 – Rev. Seghbetrus[9] Hovanessian; 1883-1886 – Rev. Dinesius
Eghiazarian; 1887-1890 – Rev. Mackertich Petrosian; 1890-1893 – Rev.
Zahak T. Ambarchian; 1893-1895 – Rev. Minas B. Creet; 1896-1899 – Rev.
Carapiet Thoumikian; 1899-1903 – Rev. Vardan S. Vardanian; 1903-1907 –
Rev. Andreas Abgarian; 1913-1920 – Rev. H. S. Vardanian; 1923-1926 –
Rev. David T. Margarian; 1927-1929 – Rev. Vardan S. Vardanian;
1929-1934 – Rev. David T. Margarian; 1934-1936 – Rev. Vahan
Aghanian.[10]
The St. George Church in Surabaya was erected in 1927. From 1927 to
1929 there was no special priest for Surabaya. Officiating priests
from Djakarta visited Surabaya a few times a year for special church
services. From 1929 to 1936 Rev. Vardan S. Vardanian was the
officiating priest of the St. George Church in Surabaya. After [the]
departure of Rev. Vardanian, Rev. Vahan Aghanian, officiating priest
from Djakarta visited Surabaya a few times for special church
services. From October 1937 the following priests officiated both in
Djakarta and Surabaya:
>From October 1937 to 1940 – Rev. Vahan Gharakhanian; between July 1940
and October 1940 there were two priests namely Rev. Vahan Gharakhanian
and Rev. Khoren Kirakosian; October 1940-July 1946 – Rev. Khoren
Kirakosian (from January 1944 to the Japanese capitulation in 1945
Rev. Kirakosian was interned in the Japanese concentration camp in
Tjimahi, Bandung); November 1946-September 1948 – no priest; November
1948-August 1950 – Rev. Hovakim Barseghian; September 1950-October
1951 – no priest; October 1951-July 1957 – Rev. Aristakes Mirzaian;
July 1957-April 1958 – no priest; April 1958-April 1960 – Rev.
Eghiazar Keshishian (Terterian); since April 1960 till now no priest.
The above dates as of 1937 are approximate.
In 1928, during an Episcopal visit to Java, His Grace Archbishop
Mesrovb Magistros, appointed E. M. Gregory and Mac. P. Hacobian as
demi-deacons. E. M. Gregory, during the absence of Rev. Vardanian, and
during the internment of Rev. Kirakosian, also when there was no
priest in Surabaya, conducted morning and other church services within
the scope assigned to him. Mac. P. Hacobian removed to Singapore on or
about 1930, where he also carried out his duties until he was interned
during the second world war. After the war he immigrated to Sydney,
Australia. He is a staunch patriot and has always taken keen interest
in National and Church affairs. He has written a booklet in English
entitled `Armenian Church'[11] rendering a brief account of the
history of the adoption of Christianity by the Armenians as well as
their Church Rituals and Communion Service.
About the middle of 1957, His Grace Bishop Poladian, appointed J. C.
Joseph of Djakarta, Johnnie D. Marcar of Bandung and C. C. David of
Surabaya as Semi-demi-deacons. J. C. Joseph is at present in Holland,
but while he was in Djakarta, together with Johnnie Marcar, on certain
special occasions, he also held ordinary Church services in Djakarta.
C. C. David after the departure of E. M. Gregory to Holland in 1960
has conducted ordinary Church Services, in accordance with his
degrees, practically every Sunday morning and on special Church
festive days.
Besides the above, A. N. Arathoon, when he lived in Rangoon, was
appointed Semi-demi-deacon, quite a good many years ago, by His Grace
Bishop Sahak Aivadian in Rangoon. He also conducted ordinary Church
Service during the absence of a priest or E. M. Gregory until the last
days of his life.
According to St. John Church, Djakarta, register of Baptism, Marriages
and Deaths, recorded in consecutive numbers, are as follows: Baptisms,
from 23 July 1836 to 14 July 1956: 355. Marriages, from 4 October 1854
to 3 August 1957: 50. Deaths, from 13 February 1837 to 14 April 1858:
126.
It must be stated that the foregoing numbers also represent Baptisms,
Marriages and Deaths which took place in other cities in Indonesia
during the occasional visits of the officiating priest from Djakarta
or other Armenian clergy to such cities. Concerning the baptisms there
have been more than 355, because it often happened that due to the
absence of a priest, in places outside Djakarta some families had more
than one child to be baptized at the same time, and such baptisms have
been registered under one and the same consecutive number only.
According to the said register, apparently Marcar Sukias of Japara had
a sort of Chapel there, dedicated to St. Mary, because three baptisms
were performed in the said Chapel namely Marcar Sukias’ son, Vahan,
born in Japara, Arathoon Thadeus’ son, Alexander, born in Semarang and
Manuck Gregory’s daughter, Mariam, born in Semarang. Besides the
abovementioned Chapel, evidently some of the Armenians in other places
had reserved special rooms in their houses, which were solely used to
offer their prayers. This proves their profound feeling, respect,
reverence and pious devotion to their religion and church.
THE LAST DAYS OF ST. JOHN CHURCH BUILDING IN DJAKARTA
The General Board of Administration of the Armenian Community in
Indonesia was invited to meet Brig. Dr. Sosroatmodjo Soemarno, the
Governor of Djakarta. At the meeting the Governor informed the
representatives of the General Board that the Government had an
already fixed and approved plan to transform and improve the
appearance of Medan Merdeka in Djakarta and to make it an admirable
part of the capital of Indonesia,[12] and in order to implement the
said plan it was quite necessary to have the Community’s St. John
Church building, which is situated in a prominent place in the said
area, demolished to make room for the planned improvements. At the
same time the Governor promised to give another piece of ground in a
favorable locality, free of charge and to build a new church,
personage, and other rooms, more or less similar to the old church at
the expense of the Government.
Naturally, it meant a great sacrifice to part with the, over century
old church building, which not only personified the very deep
religious feelings and passionate devotion to the church of our
venerable benefactresses and benefactors, but also it served as a
sacred edifice or monument, where their continual presence was always
felt. On the other hand, as loyal citizens of Indonesia, it was
considered the moral duty of [the] Community to support the Government
in carrying out his fixed plans. The Community feels very grateful and
thankful that Government has already granted a piece of ground
measuring 60×50 meters, with property rights, located somewhere near
the new hotel `Indonesia.’
Since the above was a religious matter, Rev. Aramais Mirzaian,
representative of His Grace Bishop Asoghik Ghazarian, came to
Indonesia from Sydney to assist the General Board of representatives
in their negotiations with the authorities concerned.[13] The
Community is now anxiously waiting to see the construction of the
church effected within a short time.[14]
OUR STATUTES AND THE GENERAL BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY IN INDONESIA
The Armenian Community was incorporated by the Ordinance on 6 January
1880.[15] On the basis of our Statute the above stated General Board
represents the Community. The original Statute was meant for the
Community residing in Java only, but Mr. Elias M. Zorab recommended
and advised to extend the territory, to include the Community in the
then Netherlands East Indies, present India, because at that time
there were many Armenians in the islands outside Java, especially in
Celebes and Bali.[16] The necessary amendment, after being adopted and
passed at an extraordinary general meeting was introduced in to our
Statute in 1930. At the same meeting another important amendment was
introduced into the statute regarding the seat of the General Board.
According to the original Statute of 1880, the seat of the General
Board was to remain in Batavia, present Djakarta, but in consideration
of the possibility that in the future it may be unexpectedly necessary
to transfer the seat, as early as possible, to another place in
Indonesia, the meeting adopted the following amendment: `Expecting
what is stipulated in Article 17, to commence with the year 1930, and
further every time when such may be deemed necessary, it will be
decided at the Annual General Meeting to be held in April in this
year, where (then Netherlands East Indies) at present in Indonesia,
the Society and the Board shall subsequently be established and where
consequently the following General Meeting for the change of the Board
shall be held.’ The above amendments were subsequently sanctioned by
the Government. The seat of the Armenian Board was, however, not
transferred to Surabaya until 1954. The present Statute contains 29
articles, which serve as a mandate to the General Board for
administrating the Religious, Educational and Social funds,
properties, incomes and other relative affairs, of the following main
institutions: St. John Church, Djakarta; St. George Church, Surabaya,
Manuck & Arathoon School; Armenian Society; Theological School, Julfa;
All Saviour Cathedral, Julfa. Besides the above, it has also the
administration of 11 or 12 various Religious, National, Social and
Educational Julfa Institutions, whose assets used to consist mainly of
Java Bank, their shares were sold and proceeds remitted to Julfa, via
Amsterdam. At present only small credits balances remain.
The members of the General Board are elected by the Community once
every three years at the Annual General Meeting by majority of votes.
The elected board members elect their President, Secretary, Treasurer
and two advisors. The statute is considered by such authorities as His
Grace Bishop Thorgom Gushakian, later Patriarch of Jerusalem, as the
best foresighted and practical Community Statute in these parts of the
world.
MANUCK AND ARATHOON SCHOOL
The benevolent sisters, Mrs. Mariam Arathoon and Thagughi Manuck,
being deeply concerned and keenly interested in the education of
Armenian children in Java, felt the urgent necessity of a school in
order that the Armenian children should be given the opportunity to
learn also their mother tongue, which besides contributing to their
knowledge of their own history, would also tend to incite them to
follow their national church. On August 26, 1855, the two sisters
founded the Manuck and Arathoon School. In establishing the school the
sisters had the consolation and satisfaction that, to some extent,
they were fulfilling the earnest wish of their late brother Agha
Gevorg Manuck, who had planned to establish a University in London.
One of the rules of the Manuck and Arathoon School was that the
principal should be an Armenian. The first principal was Cachick
Thomas who served the school until 1866. The members of the first
committee were Hovan Arathoon and Minas G. Joakim. After Chachick
Thomas the following gentlemen acted as teachers: George A. Zakaria,
Hovsep (Joseph) Hyrapiet and Gaspar Galstin. The latter was invited in
1868 to come from Calcutta and take the post. He served school until
1876.
According to His Grace Bishop Thorgom Gushakian, besides the Armenian
teachers there were special ones for Dutch, English, French and German
languages, who taught other subjects as well. The pupils, besides
Armenians, also consisted of other nationalities.
When in 1860 [the] Dutch Government organized its own schools, the
pupils of the Manuck and Arathoon school decreased gradually and
consequently the school lost its importance and was closed in 1878.
Although the school lost its original character, yet, with the income,
which exists even to the present day, special teachers were engaged to
teach Armenian children their mother tongue in their own home. The
first teacher in Djakarta was G. E. Gasper, and in Surabaya from 1882
J. C. Jordan, the author of the `History of the Armenians in
Indonesia.’
After the immigration of the Armenians to Surabaya during the first
quarter of the 20th Century, when there were quite a good many
Armenian children, the pressing need of a school to tend them their
mother tongue was urgently felt and as a result the Manuck and
Arathoon School was continued in Surabaya as from 1923. In the
beginning lessons were given in the afternoons in a Dutch school
building, but in 1927 special classrooms were built by L. M. Sarkies
on premises of the St. George Church, No. 15, Djalan Patjar, Surabaya,
where more than 50 children took lessons. Besides the school, on the
same premises, there is a library named `The Durian Library’ where
there are Armenian, English and Dutch books and formerly also various
Armenian papers for the benefit of the Community.
After closing the Manuck and Arathoon School in Djakarta in 1878, the
General Board sponsored to pay for the schooling of Armenian boys, in
the name of the benefactresses, in the Armenian College in Calcutta,
founded in 1821, for the establishment of which, the benefactor Gevorg
Manuck donated 30 thousand Indian Rupees. From that year until some
years after the resumption of the Manuck and Arathoon School in
Surabaya, in 1923, the surplus income of the fund was utilized to
educate Armenian boys at the Armenian college in Calcutta. In the
beginning the general Board sponsored for 12 pupils, but gradually the
number increased to 24. J. C. Jordan at the recommendation of Cachick
Thomas, was one of the pupils attended to that school in 1878, for
which he felt deeply grateful to the benefactresses all his life.
During those years hundreds of Armenian boys were educated from the
Manuck and Arathoon School funds.
The late Gevorg (Zorab) Manucharian and his sisters Mrs. Mariam
Arathooun and Miss Thaguhi Manuck as well as Agha Hacob Arathoon,
until the present day, are held in the highest degree of veneration
and reverence by the Community. To honor their sacred and immortal
memory and in grateful appreciation for their admirable, praiseworthy
and charitable service to social, religious and educational
institutions in Indonesia, Iran and India, the Community annually
holds a memorial church requiem service on a special fixed day, for
the repose of their souls.
THE ARMENIAN IMMIGRANTS TO INDONESIA
The immigration of the Armenians to Indonesia may be classified
roughly into four periods: I) app. between 1650 to about 1750, II)
between 1750 to about 1800, III) between 1800 to about 1900. Fourth
period, the latest immigrants, as from 1900, practically all of them
immigrated from Iran. From the first period very little is known. From
the third period there were many prominent Armenians residing in Java
and surrounding islands. Some of those who came during the last
quarter of the 19th century were alive until about the fourth decade
of the present century. There are a few still alive but they do not
reside in Indonesia. Fourth period: with few exceptions, the present
day Armenians in Indonesia came to Java from Iran during the first 50
years of the 20th century. Gevorg (George) A. Zakaria in a book
entitled `Java,’ written in classical Armenian in 1849 and printed in
Calcutta in 1852, states that at the time there were 110 Armenians in
Java consisting of 42 men, 9 Armenian women, 10 Dutch women (married
to Armenians) and 49 boys and girls.
J. C. Jordan in his `History of Armenians in Indonesia’ states that
according to Rev. Vahan Aghanian and Rev. Vardan S. Melkonian, there
were about 500 Armenians in Indonesia as specified below:
According to Rev. Vahan Aghanian’s list
in west Java: Male Female
Children Total
Djakarta (Batavia) 32 25
16 73
Bogor (Buitenzorg) 2 2 2
6
Cheribon 3 2
– 5
Accoring to Rev. Vardan S. Melkonian’s list in east Java and islands:
Surabaya 148 120
– 268
Sidohardjo 1 1
– 2
Ngadiluwe 2 2
– 4
Tulungagung 1 –
– 1
Kediri 4 2
– 6
Lawang 3 2
– 5
Malang 9 5
– 14
Batu 3 2
– 5
Semarang 5 3
– 8
Solo 2 –
– 2
Madiun 1 1
– 2
Bali 5 2
– 7
Samarinda 4 1
– 5
Macassar 26 21
– 47
Menado 6 8
– 14
Medan 2 1
2 5
Ambon 2 4
– 6
Sub total 261 204
20 485
The rest
15
TOTAL
500
Rev. Vardanian has not, except in one case, specified separately the
number of the children.
In a census submitted by the Armenian Local Community of Surabaya to
the Japanese authorities during their occupation in 1942, there were
about 550 Armenians in Indonesia divided as follows: Djakarta – about
78, Bandung – 32, Semarang – 12, Surabaya – 230, Malang – 38, Batu –
20, Macassar – 70.[17]
ST. GEORGE CHURCH SURABAYA
During the early part of the 20th century the imperative necessity of
a National church was seriously felt in Surabaya, especially in view
[of] the continuous arrivals of Armenians from Iran. The first step
for the construction of a church was taken at a General Meeting held
in 1911, but unfortunately, due to various circumstances, also the
First World War, the plan did not materialize until 1927. With the
financial support of the General Board of the Armenian Community in
Djakarta a piece of ground, measurity about 2500m2, was bought from
funds provided by our National institutions and the church was built
within two months under the supervision of L. M. Sarkies.
On the same property three other buildings were constructed by the
following members of the Community who provided the necessary funds:
a) a personage by Mrs. Goegoelie George Jordan in a way,
on condition that the church should be named St. George in memory of
her late husband George;
b) three school rooms by L. M. Sarkies in memory of his
deceased brother Thomas. The school was to continue in the name of
Manuck and Arathoon School, for the upkeep of which financial support
was given by the General Board in Djakarta from Manuck and Arathoon
School Fund;
c) the Edgar Hall, by brothers Edgar, members of Edgar
Brothers Ltd., Singapore, with a branch office in Surabaya. Later a
spacious and well-equipped stage was built and connected with the
Hall. The stage was built with a donation from Manuck and Arathoon
School fund and contributions by the Armenians residing in various
cities in Indonesia.
The church was consecrated on 11 December 1927. At the time there were
about 300 Armenians in Surabaya, but alas, their number at present is
about a quarter of what it was then and is shrinking fast. The
unfortunate part is that owing to various circumstances and in spite
of all efforts made by the General Board, the church at present
remains without a priest. It is feared that in the very future this
church may also have to share the same fate as so many sister churches
in India, Penang and elsewhere.
According to the St. George Church, Surabaya register, since its
erection in 1927 there have been 138 baptisms, 46 marriages, 109
deaths.
ARMENIAN SPORT CLUBS
It is generally known that Armenians have always displayed keen
interest in sport, and some of them have been outstanding Rugger,
Soccer and Hockey players in India and Indonesia. It is [a] well known
fact that it was in Surabaya that soccer was played for the first time
in Indonesia, introduced by two brothers John and Freddy Edgar, who
formed the first football club in Indonesia on September 1, 1895
called `Football Club Victoria.’ They taught the game, which they had
learned in England, to many of their friends. When there were
sufficient players, another Armenian, Eugene Mesrope, formed the
second club in 1896, called `Football Club Sparta.’ The first match
between the two clubs took place on July 1 1896. `Football Club
Victoria’ was victorious and won the match by 6 goals to 1, and since
then soccer has gradually become the most popular game in Indonesia.
During the first decade of the present century a sports club was
formed in Surabaya called `The Armenian Merchants’ Football Club,’ but
as most of the players were rather advanced in age, the club did not
last more than two or three years. During the second decade of the
present century, quite a good many Armenian boys came to Surabaya
after finishing their schooling in Calcutta, where they have learned
various games. They first joined various sports clubs in Surabaya and
in an open competition in athletics the Armenian boys won about 80% of
the prizes. This success encouraged them to form their own club. Hence
the `Armenian Sports Club’ was founded in 1922 and the majority of the
Armenians, even non-players, kindled by a National flame of
enthusiasm, enlisted as members. In the beginning the club hired the
necessary playing grounds from other sports clubs, but in 1924 a
fairly large piece of uneven and morass ground, at Karangmendjangan,
was hired from the Surabaya Municipality, which took almost two years
and much expense to convert into a playable sports ground. The club
had its own statute passed by the government, which gave the club an
incorporated status. By virtue of one of the articles of the statute
persons of all nationalities were eligible to become members of the
club. There was opportunity to exercise: Soccer, Rugger, Hockey,
Cricket, Athletics, Lawn tennis, Baseball and Golf. Gradually the club
became one of the most popular clubs in Surabaya. When the new
hospital at Karangmendjangan was to be built, the Municipality took
part of the ground and instead, a much larger piece of ground,
measuring about 380.000 m2 mostly behind the hospital, was rented to
the club. The major part of this new piece of ground was morass and
uneven and it cost the club a very large amount and took almost two
years, by employing an average of 50 workmen a day, to reclaim and
make the grounds fit for a new golf course.
The golf course was planned by the international well-known
professional golfer James Braid[18] of England and when completed
about the middle of 1939 it was considered one of the best and
sporting nine hole golf links in Java. The popularity of the club was
proved by the fact that before the Second World War the club enjoyed
the patronage of about 200 non-Armenian members, consisting of
Americans, Dutch, Germans, Indians and Japanese, most of them golfers.
As for team-games, with one or two exceptions, all the other sports
clubs in Surabaya practised all the other team games. Rugger was
played against the Britishers and sometimes combined against the
British Navy on a visit to Surabaya. Soccer was played against all the
sports clubs in Surabaya and sometimes in Malang, while hockey was
played against a few Dutch teams in Surabaya and Malang in which
Armenian Sports Club players proved successful by winning the
East-Java Hockey Championship for 11 years. It is worthy to mention
that although the so-called Dutch Hockey, with a soft ball, was played
before once or twice in Surabaya, the hockey as it is played today
with a hard ball, was introduced in Surabaya by the Armenians. One of
the H. B. S. High school teachers was a keen hockey player and taught
the game to the students. Armenian Sports Club played the first match
against them and won the cup presented specially for that event. The
glorious history of Armenian Sports Club met with dismal fate during
the Japanese occupation in the Second World War. The lovely golf
course was relentlessly dug or ploughed and used for planting tapioca
roots and other eatables. Trenches, dugouts and what not were made on
the soccer, hockey and tennis grounds. After the war the whole place
was in an abominable condition. The Armenian Sports Club members were
very keen to reestablish the club and after lengthy negotiations with
the Municipality, it was agreed that the club would cancel the
agreement with the Municipality, covering about 380 thousand m2 which
has hired partly for 30, partly for 20 and partly for 10 years and in
exchange the Municipality would sell, at a compensative price, to the
General Board of the community the grounds formerly used for soccer,
hockey, etc.
About 30 km2 of ground were bought by the General Board of
Administration of the Armenian community in Indonesia. Large amounts
were contributed by the Armenians in Surabaya, Macassar and Djakarta
and also by Community funds in Djakarta to cover the expenses in
reclaiming, levelling and planting good grass. It took rather a long
time to complete the task and make the ground suitable for play. The
clubhouse was also cleaned, repaired and repainted in order to make it
as attractive and comfortable as possible. The Armenian Sports Club
has hired the grounds from the General Board of Administration of the
Armenian Community in Indonesia, and gives opportunity to all sports
clubs who wish to make use of the grounds at a remunerative charge to
cover the costs for the upkeep of the grounds.
Unfortunately all the records and the cups presented to the club for
various golf and other sports competitions as well as those won by the
club were lost during the Second World War. Fortunately some of the
photos of the champion hockey teams have survived and it would not be
out of place to mention the names of the players, taken from those
photos, who formed the champion teams.
1931 Champion Team: H. C. David, Ara Sarkies, B. G. Bagram, W. J.
Sarkies, Mack Alaverdy, J. L. Hacobiantz, Albert Sarkies, C. C. David,
Haik Galstaun, Jack Abcar, M. Pasiac.
1933 Champion Team: H. C. David, Charlie Apcar, Lazar Martin, Z. M.
Michael, Mack Alaverdy, J. L. Hacobian, Albert Sarkies, C. C. David,
Haik Jordan, S. M. Ingram, R. Nash.
1934 Champion Team: Haik Jordan, Albert Sarkies, Ara Sarkies, Mack
Alaverdy, Jack Abcar, Lazar Martin, H. C. David, C. C. David, C. C.
David, Sammy Balakian, J. L. Hacobiantz, Minas C. Michael.
Champion Team (exact year unknown): Freddy Kamarzarian, Artash
Kamarzarian, H. C. David, Andranik Edgar, Ashot Mathews, Albert
Sarkies, Jack Apcar, J. S. Michael, Minas C. Michael, Leon Jordan,
Lazar Martin.[19]
ARMENIAN MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY OF SURABAYA
As there were many keen amateur musicians and theatricals in the
Community, it was decided in 1926 to form this Society, there were
about 15 musicians and more than 25 theatricals. The society did not
have its own stage, so for the first few years the performances were
staged at the then Concordia theater, Tagalsari. Later a fairly well
equipped and large stage was built, annexed to the Edgar Hall on the
St. George property, Djalan Patjar 15. A few plays were staged
annually consisting of well-known Armenian dramas and comedies. During
the intervals the audience was entertained by the musicians and
sometimes with choir participation. The stage was also used for
variety, entertainments and also by the pupils of the Manuck and
Arathoon School for singing, recitation and staging small plays, all
in our own language during the annual prize distribution day which
took place in the early days of each year.
The followings are some of the pieces staged by the Armenian Musical
and Dramatic Society: `Kortsanwats,'[20] `Ashgari Datastan,'[21]
`Patvi Hamar,’ `Char Hogi’ (sic)[22] `Pepo,'[23] `Oosh Lini Noosh
Lini,'[24] `Mitzapativ Muratzkan,'[25] etc. In spite of all endeavors
unfortunately only a few of the programs were obtained in Surabaya.
Below are some of the programs for the benefit of those interested in
acting and music.
February 7, 1929, Concordia Theatre: `Char Hogi’ (`The Evil Spirit,’
drama in 4 acts), presented by Mr. and Mrs. Haik Ardziv[26]
(professionals). The Cast: Sona- Mrs. H. Ardziv, Shushan- Mrs. T.
Johannes (at present in Sidney), Zarik- Miss Maro Vardanian (at
present in Bangkok), Manan- Gladys Galstaun (at present in America),
Catchick- Master Kamarzarian (at present in Iran), Gizh Danel- H.
Ardziv, Voskan- G. A. Jordan (died in Surabaya), Murad- C. C. David
(at present in Surabaya), Zarnishan- Mrs. J. Kamarzarian (died in
Holland), Carapiet- R. Johannes (at present in Holland), Javahir- Mrs.
M. Ellis (at present in Sidney), Miansar- B. J. Galstaun (died in
Surabaya). Souffleure:[27] Miss I. Zorab (at present in Julfa).
October 15, 1929, Concordia Theater: `Pepo’ (drama in 3 acts). The
Cast: Pepo- G. A. Jordan, Shushan- Mrs. N. Apcar (at present in
Sidney), Kekel- Mrs. J. S. Joseph (at present in Holland), Gigoh- B.
J. Galstaun, Aroothyn Zimzimoff- M. G. Jordan (died in Surabaya),
Kakooly- C. C. David, Ephemiah- Jack Apcar (at present in Holland),
Samson- Sammy Balakian (at present in Holland). Souffleure: Miss I.
Zorab (at present in Julfa). Stage-maker: J. C. Joseph.
August 4, 1934, Edgar Hall: `Oosh Lini Noosh Lini’ (a musical comedy
in 3 acts). The Cast: Nahapiet- S. H. Hacobian (died in Surabaya),
Martha- Ms. V. Hacobiantz (at present in Sidney), Naziek- Mrs. T. P.
Hacobian (at present in Sidney), Shoghy- Jack Apcar, Sahgo- C. C.
David, Ohan- Martyn Jordan (died in Surabaya), Arshak- S. Balakian,
Nahapiet’s servant- S. Vardanian (at present in Iran). Villagers:
misses S. Kamarzarian, M. Vardanian, V. Jordan (at present in
Holland), mistresses A. Hacobiantz, L. Stephens, J. Kamarzarian. Piano
accompaniment: Ms. Nelly Jordan (at present in Sidney), thar[28] by
Haik Johannes (at present in Sidney). Souffleure: Miss I. Zorab (at
present in Julfa). Stage and property man: B. J. Galstaun (died in
Djakarta).
July 17, 1929, Edgar Hall. Concert by A. Chah-Mouradian[29] (Prix de
Conservatoire et ténore de l’opera de Paris). 1. Premiere valse, by
Aug. Durand: Mrs. J. C. Joseph. 2. a) Hair mir by M. Ekmalian, b)
Hazar Erani by J. Baronian: A. Chah-Mouradian. 3. Fantasie-Impronton
by F. Chopin: Miss Reg. Edgar (at present in Surabaya). 4. Kanche
Keroong by Komitas Vardapiet, Haireni Garoon[30] – A. Chah-Mouradian.
5. Balladi by F. Chopin: Miss Nellie Galstaun. 6. Mignon (Fantaisie)
by A. Thomas, violin solo Mr. E. Weskin (died in Melbourne),
accompanied by Miss Reg. Edgar. 7. a-b) Yes Saren Kougayi; Zinch u
zinch by Komitas Vardapiet, c) Christos Pataragial by M. Ekmalian – A.
Chah-Mouradian. 8. Polonaise by F. Chopin: misses Reg. Edgar, Nellie
Galstaun. 9. Haiastan by Komitas Vardapiet: A. Chah-Mouradian, piano
accompaniment by Mrs. J. C. Joseph.
September 17, 1932, Edgar Hall. Soire Varie de Jeunesse. 1. Bamb
Vorotan[31] (National march): Chorus. 2. Sailor Dance: Araxi Edgar (at
present in Sidney), Sophie Galstaun (at present in England), Sathenik
Mackertich (at present in Holland), Martha Paulus (Sidney resident),
Yvonne Johannes (at present in England), Miss Maro Vardanian. 3.
Recitation (Armenian): Miss G. Galstaun. 4. Piano solo: Cyril Jordan
(at present in America). 5. Song (English): Miss L. Vardan (at present
in Perth). Maro Vardanian. 10. Piano Duet: Araxi and Andranik Edgar.
11. Song Duet (English): Maro Vardanian, Siranoosh Kamarzarian. 12.
Piano solo: Rosie Johannes (at present in Holland). 13. Dance
(Minuet): Miss D. Paulus (at present in Sidney), H. Vardon (at present
in Holland). Part II. 14. Swedish Drill: Manuck and Arathoon School
pupils. 15. Tableaux: Manuck and Arathoon School pupils. 16. Piano
solo `Minuet à l’Antique’ (Ignace J. Paderewski): Miss G. Galstaun.
17. Recitation (Armenian): Miss Siranoosh Kamarzarian. 18. Piano solo
`Folk Tune’ (Edward Grieg): Miss K. Minassian (at present in Germany).
19. Dance: Maro Vardanian. 20. Song (Duet in English): Araxi and
Andranik Edgar. 21. Song (Armenian): H. Vardon. 22. Dance: L. Vardon.
23. Piano Duet: `Fraulenherzen’ (Herman Wenzel): Misses G. Galstaun,
K. Minassain. 24. Song (Armenian): Miss G. Galstaun. 25. Dances: Miss
R.John (died in Surabaya), L.Vardon, D.Paulus, H.Vardon, Sophie
Galstaun, Araxi Edgar, Lena Kamarzarian, Kathleen Johannes, master
Harold John (died in Japanes camp in Surabaya). 26. Mir Hairenick:
Alpie Apcar (at present in Holland), piano accompaniment by Miss Reg.
Edgar. It may be mentioned that participations of Soirée Varié de
Jeunesse were practically all pupils and ex-pupils of Manuck and
Arathoon School in Surabaya.
The orchestra: The following members of the Society participated in
the orchestra and in various times: Mr. Emir Eskin (first violin),
Joakim Sarkies (first violin, at present in Iran), Jimmy Hacobian
(second violin, died in Surabaya), Eghia Johannes, cello (died as a
result of shrapnel wound during Indonesian revolution), L. Z. Martin,
drum (at present in Sidney). Pianists: Miss Lucy Galstaun (at present
in Holland), Rose Edgar, Reg. Edgar, Nellie Galstaun[32].
After the Second World War, with great difficulties it was managed to
stage few Armenian dramas. It is more than sad to have to record that
due to the continual departure of the members of the Community from
Surabaya, there are no prospects that the stage will serve its
national useful purpose in the near future.
ARMENIAN LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF JAVA
The charitable and praiseworthy society, as the result of a General
Meeting, was founded on April 16, 1925. During that meeting 43 ladies
were enlisted as members. The meeting was presided over by
Archimandrite Reuben, delegate of His Holiness, the Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of all Armenians, during his short visit to Surabaya.
The Society has its own statute approved by the Government and is a
consequently incorporated body. The object of the Society is not only
to help those in need in Indonesia, but also to extend its aid to
other deserving institutions and objects, both in Indonesia and
elsewhere. The sources of income for the Society consist of Life
membership and ordinary membership fees, donations, sale of
handicrafts, prepared by members, net proceeds from entertainments and
occasional collections.
It must be recorded that all these years the Society has
conscientiously and faithfully its objects and has not only given
additional help to the needy in Indonesia, but also helped other
charitable and religious institutions in Iran, India and elsewhere.
Unfortunately due to the unavoidable circumstances its activities have
been curtailed considerably.
It is significantly noteworthy and praiseworthy that members of our
Community in spite of all these years associating with other
nationalities as members of their social and cultural clubs, they have
not neglected their own institutions and have stead respectably
maintained their national identity.
The Armenian Community in Indonesia, particularly in Java, during its
history in Indonesia has always been found ready to contribute
liberally towards various national, religious, social, cultural and
educational funds outside Indonesia, especially during and after the
First World War for the relief of Armenian refugees scattered in
various places.[33]
It is heartbreaking and more than mournful to have to record that
during the Japanese occupation and at the beginning of the revolution,
65 members of the Community (about 13%) lost their lives, most of them
in the Japanese concentration camps and five during the Indonesian
revolution.[34]
ENDNOTES
________________________________
[1] The late historian Rafayel Abrahamyan in one of his articles has
mentioned Ellis’ name as Edward (see `Indoneziayi Hay Gaghtojakhi
Patmutyunic (From the history of Armenian community in Indonesia),’
Patmabanasirakan Handes, 1992, n. 1, p. 37). From the same family was
James Ellis, a science master in Chester Hill high school (Australia),
who was born in 1912 in Surabaya (Java) and lived in Australia since
1951.
[2] Rafayel Abrahamyan, pp. 33-41.
[3] Gasper Paulus, Short History of Armenian Communities in
Netherlands India, 1935, Batavia.
[4] Manuck Arathoon has sent well-equipped printing facilities to the
All Savior Cathedral in Julfa (H. G., `Indonezio Hay Gaghute’
(Armenian community of Indinesia), Ararat, Beirut, 9.II.1968, p. 3).
[5] St. Hripsimeh church (later recalled St. Hovhannes) was made from
wood. It was burned in 1855. A new church was been built in its place
in the same year. It was located in very center of Djakarta, in the
city park (see `Armenians in Indonesia,’ National Archive of Armenia,
file 875, list 14, act 186, p. 5).
[6] Seems to be unpublished stuff, I did not find it in bibliographies.
[7] Perhaps E. H. Ellis means H. Hordananian, author of Patmut’iwn
Niderlandakan Hndkastani Hay Gaght’ojakhneri Patmut’yan Hnaguyn
Shrjanic Minchev Mer Orere’ (History of Armenian communities of
Netherlandish India from the ancient times till our days), 1937,
Jerusalem.
[8] Mariam Arathoon and Thaguhi Manuck have bequeathed also their home
located on Merdeka Square to St. John Church (Yeritasard Hayastan, New
York, 26.X.1960).
[9] The correct form should be Seghbetius.
[10] Rev. Vahan Aghanian has published a number of calendars,
containing information about the Indonesian Armenians.
[11] Unfortunately no details have been found about the book which
seems to be a very small booklet.
[12] This happened in the beginning of 1960s.
[13] According to the Djakarta Daily Mail, Rev. Aramais Mirzaian also
gave the last mass in St. John Church (`News from Diaspora,’ Sharjum,
Buenos Aires, 3.03.1962, p. 2).
[14] There is not further information about the construction of the
church, in all probability it did not happen.
[15] The Ordinance was called in Armenian §ê³Ñٳݳ¹ñáõÃÇõÝ ºõ
γñ·³õáñáõÃÇõÝ ÄáÕáíñ¹»³Ý гÛáó Æ Ö³õ³¦, consisting of 97 points (see
H. G., Ibid). Later, in 1891 the `Armenian Encouraging Union’ (§Ð³Û
Êñ³Ëáõë³Ï³Ý ØÇáõÃÇõݦ) was formed, which has published its statute
(Marseille, 1892). It made contribution during the riot of Sasoun in
1894 (H. G., Ibid).
[16] Among outstanding Bali-Armenians were the merchant Gevorg Abgar,
originally from Nor Jugha, who established factories of tapiocas, rice
and sugar in Branghana and Ngadiluweh. He was a member of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union (Miutyun, Paris, 1917, August, N 58, p. 51).
Another outstanding Bali-Armenian, the coffee merchant Hakob Minas was
founder of `Minas’ tourist agency on Bali in the 1920s. He advertised
Bali through literature and cinema. He was called the Bali’s Crownless
King’ (Araz, Bucharest, 17.08.1933).
[17] As Rafayel Abrahamyan has noted, `The list does not include the
number of Armenian children from 17 cities (only the mumber of 20
children from 3 cities are included). As the number of adult Armenians
is more than 400, 200-250 Armenian children should be left out of the
list» (see his unpublished article «Haykakan Gaghtojakhnere
Indoneziayum» p. 98. The text is provided by the historian’s widow,
Araksya Simonyan).
[18] James Braid (1870-1950), golf champion, one of golf’s original
and great champions, course designers and modernizers.
[19] In 1907 a big competition of rapid traverse was organized in
Java. The first two winners were Armenians: Arakel Vardanyan and
Karapet Hovakimyan (Andradardz, Yerevan, 8-14.05.1992).
[20] `Kortsanvatse’ (The Destroyed One), play by Alexander Shirvanzade
(1858-1935). The Armenian Musical and Dramatic Society of Surabaya has
played this drama in 1926. The cast was: Artashes- Garnik Hordananyan
(also known as G. A. Jordan), Senekerim Saharouni- Mkrtich Ter-Psak
Hakobyan, Anahit- Gladys Galstaun, Artashes’ mother- Balasan
Melkonyan, Flora- Mary Hovsepyan, Noyemzar- Lucy Abderhalden, Nazani-
Mrs. Khazhikyan, Sophie- Ms. Nichols, Haik Apcar (also known as Jack
Apcar), Martiros Hordananyan, Vahan Hordananyan, Rouben Hovhannisyan,
S. S. Davityan (also known as C. C. David, the real name- Khachatour
Catchick Davtyan). (See Hrach Yervand, `Inch Tesa Hndkastani Yev
Javayi Mej’ (What I have seen in India and Java), Boston, 1927, pp.
82-86. The author has also mentioned a Dutch lady, Mrs. Awnie Lucas,
who sung Armenian songs). According to a second source there was
another cast for this performance: Mrs. J. C. Joseph, Bagrat Galstaun,
Hovsep Catchick Hovsepyan (Joseph), Grigor Arakelyan (National Archive
of Armenia, file 456, list 14, act 7).
[21] Drama by Ye. Muradyan.
[22] `Patvi Hamar’ (For the Sake of honour), `Char Hogi’ (should be
`Char Vogi’, `Evil Spirit’) – plays by Alexander Shirvanzade.
[23] Popular play by Gabriel Sundukyan (1825-1912).
[24] Musical comedy by Garnik Yeritsyan and Artemi Ayvazyan.
[25] Story by Hakob Paronyan (1843-1891).
[26] Ardziv Haik (1897-) and Emma (1908-) – Armenian singers and
actors. In 1924-1940 they gave performances in many Armenian
communities (Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, India, Italy, France, Germany,
Austria, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Iran, Burma, Indonesia, Singapore,
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay). In 1940-1959 they lived in Buenos Aires,
in 1959 – repatriated to Armenia. They told about their activity in
Indonesia in the book Askharhov Mek (All over the World, Yerevan,
1964, pp. 95-102). In Surabaya, the Ardziv couple performed also
`Corrado’ by Giacometti, `Trilbi’ by Ge, `Anoush’ by Toumanyan,
`Successful Marriage.’
[27] Souffleure (in French)- prompter.
[28] Thar- Armenian musical instrument.
[29] Armenak Shahmuradyan (1878-1939), Armenian singer.
[30] A song by Vagharshak Srvandztyan (1891-1958).
[31] Lyrics by Leon Alishan, music by Pietro Bianchini.
[32] It is important to note that the Indonesian Armenians have
celebrated the 1500th anniversary of the invention of the Armenian
alphabet, performing a drama at Edgar Hall, Surabaya, in 1935. Cast:
Mesrop Mashtots- Artashes Hovhannes Kamarzarian; Sahak Partev- Bagrat
Galstaun; Mashtots’ pupils- Andranik Constantinos Edgar, Serovb Avetik
Vartanian, Mikayel Aghavel Mikayelian, Garnik Nikolyan; angels- girls
from Armenian School; other participants- Hasmik Grigor Arakelian,
Araxie Constantinos Edgar, Martha Sarkies Poghosian (Paulus),
Siranoosh Hovhannes Kamarzarian. Maro Avetik Vartanian, Rozik Ghazar
Arzouian, Yvonne Arathoon Johannes, Satenik Mackertich, Sophie
Galstaun (see file 456, Ibid).
[33] In 1922 the Indonesian-Armenians had collected 4620,50 guilders
for the needy people in Armenia (see the list of donors in Ardzagank
Parizi, Paris, vol. 7, 1922, N 6, July 15, p. 6-7).
[34] During the Second World War the Armenians gave more victims than
the other ethnic minorities in Indonesia (Lraber, New York,
18.VII.1961). Thereafter the Armenian communities disintegrated
through assimilation with either the Dutch or rarely with the native
population. According to information from 1968 there were 300
Armenians in Macassar, Surabaya and Djakarta (Ararat, 9.II.1968). The
St. John and St. John Armenian Apostolic Churches in Surabaya and
Djakarta, as well as the Armenian Club in Surabaya still functioned in
the late 1970s (see Ovena: A Directory of the Armenian Diaspora,
Personalities and Organizations, ed. R. Jebedjian, etc., Beirut, 1980,
p. 109). The latest evidence about Indonesian Armenians we found in
Vahram Ter-Matevosyan’s article `From the Indonesian Notebook,’ where
he noted about his meeting with a one-quarter Armenian girl in
Djakarta, who was proud of her Armenian origin (Vahram Ter-Matevosyan,
`Indonezakan Notatetrits’, Orer, Prague, no. 1-2, 2002, p. 42).
source:
http://www.armenian-history.com/en/armenian-history/armenianhistory/24-history-of-armenian-diaspora-spyurq/45-armenians-in-indonesia.html
www.armenian-history.com