Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Fighting over inheritance between relatives of the same family occurred during Dutch colonialism. This problem befell the extended family of Oei Tiong Ham, a wealthy sugar entrepreneur from Semarang.
How could it not be, Oei Tiong Ham, who has managed to build a fortune of 200 million guilders or the equivalent of Rp. 44 trillion today, has a super large family. During his life, he had many mistresses, 8 wives and 26 children. In fact, his son, Oei Hui Lan, said that his father had more than 42 children from his mistresses.
It is clear that in a case like that, Oei Tiong Ham's legacy will become an issue between the brothers. However, long before he died, Oei Tiong Ham had anticipated this. He has detailed to the lawyer how much he will inherit and who is entitled to receive it.
As a result, when he died on June 6 1924, the lawyer announced the will. Through a lawyer, Oei Tiong Ham decided to give inheritance to his wife, concubines and sons and daughters.
“Oei Tiong Ham will give an inheritance to the wife who is considered legitimate from the deceased in the amount of US$ 12 million. Meanwhile, Oei Tjong Lan (first wife) will get US$ 1 million and Oei Hui Lan (daughter of the 1st wife) will get US$ 15 million. ,” said the lawyer, told by Oei Hui Lan in his autobiography entitled Oei Hui Lan: the story of the daughter of the Sugar King from Semarang (2017).
Apart from that, 3 children received ownership shares in Oei's holding company, Kian Gwan. Then, the other 6 sons got subsidiary companies.
Meanwhile, other children who were not mentioned and Oei Tiong Ham's mistresses or illegitimate wives received social and life security. The guarantee is in the form of monthly money and a place to live that is free to choose anywhere.
However, when the announcement was finished being read, a polemic emerged. Oei Hui Lan said that many families panicked because they inherited little. They do not accept inequality occurring between families. As a result, they filed a lawsuit.
“And finally it was agreed that they would each receive an inheritance of 400,000 guilders,” said Oei Hui Lan.
Those referred to are of course the parties called Oei Tiong Ham who are entitled to inheritance, such as wives, children and concubines. So, they will get 400,000 guilders. For the record, 1 guilder in 1925 could buy IDR 20 kg of rice. If the current price of rice is IDR 10,000/Kg, it is estimated that 400,000 guilders is worth IDR 80 billion.
Since then, the family of the late Oei Tiong Ham has lived happily. Their presence is spread throughout the world. Some live in London, Singapore, Beijing, Semarang, and Paris.
Oei Hui Lan, who later became first lady of China, spent the rest of her life in London and New York. Oei Hui Lan said, “the treasure is enough to provide a decent life for three generations.”
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
Next Article
The Secret to the Deliciousness of Coca Cola When You Used to Use Drugs
(mfa/mfa)