Dutch in Batavia Bathed Only Once a Week, Reports Suggest

During the Dutch East India Company (VOC) era, European residents in Batavia, the precursor to modern-day Jakarta, were reportedly quite lax with their personal hygiene. Historical accounts suggest that these Dutch inhabitants bathed as infrequently as once a week. This practice stands in stark contrast to Batavia's historical nickname, the 'Venice of the East,' a moniker earned due to the city's intricate network of rivers and canals, which evoked comparisons to the famed Italian city.

The nickname 'Venice of the East' conjures images of a picturesque, water-centric metropolis, attracting visitors with its unique geography. However, the reports of infrequent bathing among the European population paint a different picture of daily life. This detail offers a glimpse into the social customs and living conditions of the time, highlighting a less-than-ideal aspect of the colonial experience in Batavia.

This juxtaposition of a romanticized urban image with the reality of personal habits provides a curious insight into the colonial past. It suggests that while the city's infrastructure might have drawn comparisons to European elegance, the lifestyle and customs of its European residents were perhaps less refined than the picturesque nickname might imply. The information serves as a reminder that historical narratives often contain layers of both admiration and less flattering realities.