Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Embedded Files
Moving Away
Moving Away
You decide that you will have no part of this new Dutch government. Choosing to pursue new opportunities overseas, you hear of Singapore, a growing trading port. Packing up your belongings, you bring your family to leave on the first ship to Singapore.
It was painful to watch the island grow smaller as you sailed away. How agonising it was to witness the peaceful island that you grew up in turn into one of chaos and violence.
Your family settles down in Singapore and soon sets up a jewelry shop, making use of your few connections back in Banjarmasin. You and your family live well, benefiting from Singapore's status as a major trading hub.
Your family’s wealth and diamond trade tradition was handed down from generation to generation until today. Your story is just one out of many facets of the history of Banjar people.
Banjarese Emigration to Singapore
Banjarese Emigration to Singapore
The Banjarese migrated to Malay Peninsula for various reasons. Some were dissatisfied with their live in Banjarmasin and wanted to look for a better livelihood. Others migrated as the Dutch took control of their homeland after the collapse of the Sultanate in 1860. (Hawkins 238)
In Singapore, the Banjarese were well known as jewel cutters, polishers and dealers in the region and would set up their shops around Arab Street. These jewellers were also involved in the purchase and development of land in the city area. (bin Rasheed 525)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse