Family Cementery

Gerrit Willem Casimir van Motman, his wife Reiniera and many of their descendants have been buried on the 3400 m ² large family cemetery that was entirely walled in (afb 107). It lies in Djamboe (Kampung Sibanteng-Jambu), now  called Keeamatan under district Leuwiliang, approx. 28 km west of Buitenzorg, at the right of the road to Djasinga. Many have been buried elsewhere, for example on Tanahabang (Batavia).

According to a detailed article in a newspaper of  June 1st , 1975 Buana Minggu wrote that the ground was originally from Ki Elias, a well-known fighter with magical powers. GWC got friendly with him and got permission to found on his country a cemetery for himself and his family. Ki Elias and after him his descendants have have for many years exercised the function of cemetery guardian.

Mr. P.C. Bloys van Treslong Prins has incorporated the cemetery in his book Genealogische and Heraldische Gedenkwaardigheden concerning Europeans on Java, published in 1934.

From that book it becomes clear, that on Djamboe 40 persons have been buried in 39 burial spots. In 1821 Gerrit Willem C was  the first adult who was buried there; six of his early died children had preceded him as from 1812. Later his wife  was also buried there and of the remaining 33 persons there are seven who have to be classified under branch A, ten under branch B, ten under branch C, three under branch D and two under branch E. The last person who was buried there was Paul C.P. (branch C) in 1919. Therefore the cemetery has served as such more than 100 years.

During the Japanese occupation and also afterwards the cemetery has been plundered. During my visit in 1995, I found a complete ruin. Only the mausoleum (afb 108) of Pieter Reinier (branch C) still existed.

Family Cementry at Djamboe