Si Kancil - Friendships` Bond

By Nurul Hasanah and Ben Gaum

"Si Kancil von Batavia - Friendships' Bond" tells the story of a street kid from Batavia and a sold female slave who are bound by an unshakable friendship. Together they fight against the dangers and obstacles they face in life to gain their freedom. It is a moving story about friendship, courage, and perseverance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ben Gaum
• Release date: Jun 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223647294

Book preview

Si Kancil from Batavia

Friendships` Bond

Part 1

Copyright (c) 2023 Nurul Hasanah aka Ben Gaum

Images and text by Ben Gaum.

All rights reserved. The content of this publication, including text, images, graphics and links, may not be reproduced, distributed or published without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Street Kids of Batavia

Chapter 2: A New Friend

Chapter 3: Sari, oh sari

Chapter 4: False Trade

Chapter 5: The Dutch Captain

Chapter 6: On the open sea

Chapter 7: What a Beauty

Chapter 8: The Port of Amsterdam

Chapter 9: A new officer on Board

Chapter 9: The End of a long journey

Chapter 1: Street kids of Batavia

It is the year 1625 AD.

Batavia, one of the Dutch East India Company's most important colonies, thrives on the trade of spices and other goods from across Asia. The city at the western end of Java, an island in Indonesia, is a melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups, all of which come here to trade or to find a new home.

However, the city of Batavia also has its downsides. The residents have to deal with theft, corruption and gang wars. Such problems are particularly widespread in the poorer parts of the city and the residents live in constant fear of attacks and crimes.

One of these residents in the poorer parts of the city is Si Kancil.

Si Kancil slept under the bridge by the river. The cold drops of water fell on his face, waking him up from an uncomfortable restless sleep. He got up and stretched. His stomach was growling with hunger and he had only one hope - to find enough food for the day.

Si Kancil is an orphan who grew up in a small village outside of Batavia, headquarters of the Dutch East India Company in Asia, more commonly known today as Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.

His father was a small trader who one day never returned from one of his trading trips. Si Kancil's mother, a very pretty woman who sold handmade jewelry in the markets, could no longer support her family and died a few years later from a serious illness and a broken heart.

After the death of his father and mother, he had no one. No adult could take care of him from now on.

Si Kancil, now nine years old, was alone, scared and without a permanent home. He was one of the street children of Batavia. Theft, corruption and gang wars were his daily companions.

He learned very quickly how to survive in the big city of Batavia, who his friends were and who it was better not to stand up to.

He stole from elderly passers-by and fought other gangs against children. Finding food, a place to sleep, and surviving in the shadows of the other gangs was his pursuit of happiness. He knew no other world.

Si Kancil was a slim boy with black hair and dark eyes. He was small for his age, but his movements were quick and smooth. Due to his harsh childhood and the constant struggle to survive, he often had a tired and exhausted expression on his face.

Si Kancil was a clever and resourceful boy. He was brave and knew