Inem: A Gripping Tale of Love and Loss in Colonial Indonesia

Transport yourself to the world of colonial Indonesia in the early 1930s with "Njai Inem", a poignant novel written by Barney Agerbeek. Delve into the heart-wrenching story of Inem, a young Javanese girl driven by poverty to become a contract laborer on a rubber plantation. Witness her separation from her village and her journey to the house of the plantation owner. With a trembling voice, she asks, "Must I become his njai, ibu? Can't I say that I want to work in the fields with my friends?" But her fate is sealed, and Inem is thrust into the role of the njai: an indigenous woman forced to live with a European man, her "toean".

In his book "Komen en blijven", Rob Nieuwenhuys shed light on the concept of the njai, the ancestral mother of many Indo people. Agerbeek masterfully captures the nuances of the colonial world and paints a vivid picture of the conditions a njai like Inem might have faced on a Sumatran plantation. Through the eyes of two diverse characters, he invites readers to experience the poignant existence of a contract laborer. The story is infused with the spirit of Central Java, providing a compelling portrayal of Inem's plight - a strong woman shackled by destiny, trapped in a world of devastation and isolation.

A Sensitive and Nuanced Exploration

Barney Agerbeek's remarkable ability to empathize with his characters shines through in "Njai Inem". His portrayal of the Dutch planter and the njai is exceptionally nuanced, leaving readers with a profound understanding of their complex relationship. Through Agerbeek's words, the pain and resilience of both characters are brought to life, resonating long after the final page is turned.

About the Author

Born in Surabaya, Indonesia, in 1948, Barney Agerbeek moved to the Netherlands with his parents in 1952. After a successful international career in banking, he spent four and a half years living and working in Indonesia during the 1990s. Upon retirement, Agerbeek traded the world of finance for the realm of literature and visual arts. He has authored two poetry collections, "Opzij van mensen" (2003) and "Elke dag is zondag" (2005),as well as monographs on Floris Meydam and Nelson Carrilho. Agerbeek has also contributed to literary magazines such as Nynade, Indische Letteren, Extaze, and Avier. In 2013, he made his debut with the short story collection "Schaduw van schijn" published by Uitgeverij In de Knipscheer.

Discover the evocative world of "Njai Inem" and join Inem on her journey through the complexities of colonial Indonesia. Agerbeek's masterful storytelling will transport you to a different time and place, leaving a lasting impact on your heart and mind.