The European Cemetery of Peneleh serves as the final resting place for several prominent figures who played a role in the history of Surabaya and the Dutch East Indies. The presence of these graves marks the social, political, and cultural journey during the colonial period.
Additionally, the cemetery is the resting place for colonial officials, religious leaders, and Dutch families who resided in Surabaya. Each grave features unique architectural elements and symbols reflecting the social status and background of its occupant. The presence of these important figures strengthens the historical value of the Peneleh Cemetery as part of Surabaya’s long journey.
Daniel François Pietermaat
Daniel François Pietermaat was born in Schiedam on October 2, 1790, and died in Surabaya on November 30, 1848. During his lifetime, Pietermaat was known as Resident van Soerabaja or Resident of Surabaya, an important position in the Dutch colonial administration.
As a government official, Pietermaat played a significant role in managing governmental and community affairs in Surabaya. His final resting place is located in the Peneleh European Cemetery, where his tombstone can still be found as historical evidence of his contributions to the city. The presence of Pietermaat’s grave adds to the list of prominent figures buried in this historic area, reinforcing the cultural and historical significance of the Peneleh European Cemetery.
Shape: Slab (Rectangular) standing against the monument
Material: Marble
Decoration: Inscription, Flora (Acanthus), Fauna (Doves), Emblem
P. J. B. de Perez
P. J. B. de Perez was born in s’Hertogenbosch on December 1, 1803, and passed away on March 16, 1859. During his lifetime, he served as Vice President of the Council of the Dutch East Indies and was known as the Commissioner of the Bone Expedition. His dedication to the colonial administration earned him several honors, including the Order of the Dutch Lion, Knight of the Order of the Oak Crown, and Commander of the Royal Order of Leopold in Belgium.
De Perez was buried at the Peneleh European Cemetery on March 29, 1859. His tomb is a square-shaped obelisk without a pedestal, made of metal, adorned with inscriptions and floral motifs such as wreaths, fleur de lis, laurel branches, roses, and acanthus. An urn with a wreath and an inverted torch completes the symbolism of his final rest.
De Perez is remembered as a respected and beloved figure, both by his colleagues and the community. His sudden passing was a great loss to the homeland, his family, and friends. His grave in Peneleh is one of the important monuments recording the colonial history of Surabaya.
Shape: Obelisk (Square) without Pedestal
Material: Metal
Decoration: Inscription, Flora (Wreath, fleur de lis, laurel branches, roses, acanthus), urn with wreath, inverted torch
Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk
Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk was born in Malacca on October 24, 1824, and passed away in Surabaya on August 17, 1894. He is known as the founder of modern linguistics for several languages in the archipelago, such as Malay, Javanese, Sundanese, Toba Batak, Lampung, Kawi (Old Javanese), and Balinese. His works in language studies made significant contributions to linguistics and philology in the Dutch East Indies.
Van der Tuuk’s tomb is a square reclining slab with a pedestal, made of marble, adorned with inscriptions honoring his services as a linguist.
Van der Tuuk’s presence in Surabaya left an important mark on the scientific and cultural history of the archipelago, making him one of the prominent figures buried in the Peneleh European Cemetery.
F.J.H. Bayer
F.J.H. Bayer was born in Aachen on July 4, 1807, and passed away in Surabaya on January 12, 1879. He was known as the largest iron and steel entrepreneur in the Dutch East Indies during his time. For his services, Bayer was awarded the title Knight of the Order of the Dutch Lion.
Bayer’s tomb is a rectangular reclining slab without a pedestal, made of metal. The decorations on his tomb include inscriptions, compass and square, and a winged hourglass, symbols representing time, wisdom, and the journey of life.
His role as a significant figure in the iron and steel industry highlights the major contributions of the European community in Surabaya in the 19th century.
Pieter Merkus
(March 18, 1787 – August 2, 1844). Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies from 1841 to 1844 and Supreme Commander of the Navy at the Cape of Good Hope.
The Honorable Minister Mr. Pieter Merkus, Commander of the Order of the Dutch Lion, recipient of the French Legion of Honor, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Supreme Commander of the Army and Navy in the East of the Cape of Good Hope, etc. etc. etc., passed away at Simpang House on August 2, 1844.
His tomb is a reclining slab without a pedestal, made of metal, decorated with floral motifs (acanthus) and inscriptions.
