Tracing families in Indonesia

Tracing families in Indonesia

I will be visiting Indonesia, God willing. I am busy with a project whereby I am trying to trace my ancestors who came from Sumbawa island. From which village I don't know. I have in my possession a Kitab (manuscript) with the names of my ancestors and the island. The information was passed down from generation to generation. They came with the Vrenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC), the Dutch shipping company, in 1743 and brought Islam to the region. Today we still have our heritage and culture from Indonesia. South Africa celebrated its 300 centenary on Islam brought there by Sheik Yusuf.

I would very much like to get in touch with as many people as possible who can assist me in this project. During the period these pioneers, who were forced to come to work here, had their names and surnames changed by the authorities. There were many who came from noble families as well as royalty. All their details were written down in Kitab, and they were kept in the family and passed down.

Today they are still in the possession of many families. Some of them got lost, some were taken to Mecca as no one could translate them, others were buried at sea, etc.

On behalf of my family, my grandfather was named Buheya Kariem. His name was Bakaar Manuel, that is the connection between Imam Abdul Karriem. The other families who do not possess Kitab, but know their ancestors came from Indonesia. They are the Jaffers, Manuel, Abdol Gafiel, Salie, Jaloodien, the Solomons also have a Kitab. There are so many other families as well, but I'm mentioning them because I interviewed only them. In due time I will visit all the others.

I would like to reunite families that were separated for 300 years by distance, the passage of time and faded memories. The only link we have is Kitab and other materials and photos, etc. If anyone can assist me, please write to me. I am also being assisted by Erefaan Rabiep, the first South African to trace his roots in Indonesia through Kitab as well as Hussien Salie and Ismael Petersen. They are regular visitors to your country.

If you have any information, I would be very grateful for a reply to Ebrahiem Manuel, Pentow Marine, PO BOX 1339, Cape Town 8000, Republic of South Africa. Or: Embassy of South Africa, Suite 705, 7th Floor, Wisma GKBI, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, No. 28, Jakarta 10210.

LINFORD ANDREWS

Third Secretary (Political)

on behalf of E. Manuel

Embassy of the

Republic of South Africa,

Jakarta