In your opinion, what could have prevented the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950? Give at least two suggestions.

The riots broke out over the custody battle of a 13 year old girl, Maria Hertogh.

The riot started at the Padang as the supporters of Aminah felt betrayed by what they saw as the British taking sides with the Dutch. Any European and Eurasian in sight was attacked. The riots continued for the three says and a curfew was imposed for two weeks. About 18 people were killed and 173 injured.

Firstly, it was stated that "There was a widespread coverage of the custody battle in the English, Malay and Tamil newspapers. Reporters and photographers entered the convent to take pictures of Maria." If the reporters and photographers did not make a widespread coverage of the custody battle all over the papers and let everyone know about the news, the Muslim community would not have been upset by the news and that would have prevented any possible reasons of a riot occurring. A custody battle is very normal and there is no need to report about anything. The media was making big news out of a small matter.

Next, even if the supporters of Aminah did know about the whole custody battle news and was at the Padang awaiting the verdict, the court and Padang should have been sealed off to anyone. So the verdict was only made known to the people involved on that day.

The riots could have been prevented.