Hey there, adventurous souls! Today, we’re diving into a riveting story that you probably haven’t heard before. It’s about a humble security guard who turned the tables and ended up owning a vast expanse of land in Jakarta. Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just any rags-to-riches tale—it’s a saga filled with grit, determination, and a sprinkle of revenge. So, buckle up as we travel back in time to colonial Batavia (now Jakarta) and uncover the extraordinary life of Leendert Miero.
The Guard Who Dreamed Big
Leendert Miero’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Born in Poland, Miero made his way to Batavia (present-day Jakarta) in 1775 as a low-ranking soldier for the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Despite being illiterate, he had a burning ambition that drove him to success.
Serving as a soldier for the VOC, Miero’s daily life was that of a guard—a role often looked down upon, especially since he was also illiterate. Despite his dedicated service, fate dealt him a harsh hand in 1778 when a mistake on duty led to a severe beating from his employer, Reiner de Klerk, a high-ranking VOC official.
Imagine the scene: Miero, tasked with guarding a luxurious mansion, falls asleep on the job. Furious, de Klerk punishes him with fifty lashes. In the throes of pain, Miero swears an oath: “One day, I will own all this land and house.” His comrades mocked him, considering his dream a delusion. But for Miero, this moment of humiliation sparked a burning resolve to change his destiny.
The Road to Riches
Determined to make his oath a reality, Miero left his post as a soldier and ventured into business. He started small, trading gold in the bustling markets of Glodok and lending money. His entrepreneurial spirit and relentless work ethic soon paid off. By consistently dealing in gold and acting as a moneylender, Miero amassed significant wealth.
By 1800, Miero had accumulated enough wealth to buy a grand house known as Pondok Gede (which gave rise to the name of the area known as Pondok Gede around the border of East Jakarta and Bekasi), built by Reverend Johannes Hooyman. This property was just the beginning of his real estate empire.
Miero’s big break came in 1818 when he acquired the former residence of Governor-General Johannes Siberg from his widow, the house known today as Gedung Arsip Nasional (National Archive Building). This was the very house where he had been punished years earlier. His dream had come true—he now owned the land that once symbolized his downfall.
The Legacy of Leendert Miero
Leendert Miero passed away on May 10, 1834, leaving his properties to his children. Although they did not maintain the same level of wealth, his descendants lived comfortably. The house known today as Gedung Arsip remains a historical landmark, while Pondok Gede’s original structure no longer exists.
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