ASEAN's First Tycoon

JALAN Kiai Saleh 12 in Semarang testifies to the history of Oei Tiong Ham. On the road, the mansion of the wealthiest tycoon in the Dutch East Indies during the early 20th century-he was known as Asia's 'Sugar King'-still stands imposingly. The sugar magnate occupied a grand residence of classical European architecture with eight pillars supporting its terrace, beautified by several chandeliers. A Javanese touch of architecture is seen on the eaves with wooden shingle ornaments.

Passing the main entrance, Tempo enters the principal room, which resembles the hall of a grand old European building. Broken white hues dominate the room, almost as big as half a soccer field. From white marble floors, the walls rise up to more than five meters, to convex ceilings bearing brass, flower-shaped decorations. Two paintings of elderly couples in the style of Dutch aristocrats adorn the room.