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The only Indonesian Burghers in Sri Lanka-By M.D (Tony) Saldin Photo Source: Sundaytimes Willem Ferdinand Lumanauw hailed from Tondano, a town in Northern Celebes, now known as the island of Sulaweisi, when present day Indonesia was known to the outside world as the Dutch East Indies. The closest city to Tondano, is Manado. Regionally headquartered in Batavia which is present day Jakarta, the Dutch East India Company or Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) invaded the numerous Indonesian islands one by one to exploit the spice trade, especially pepper and cinnamon which was exported to Europe at enormous profits.  At its peak the VOC was the richest private company in the world with over 150 merchant ships, 40 warships, and 50,000 employees and with an army of over 10,000 soldiers. Indonesia continued to be under the iron heel of the Dutch for over 350 years until independence on 17th August 1945. Born ...