Javanese family in Netherlands: “Living next to each other only has advantages”

Next year a Javanese-Surinamese family of three will live in Almere (Netherlands). These three families recently signed the purchase contract for the three houses in the new construction project De Kreekvelden in Almere Oosterwold. Reporter Sam Jones researched them for Omroep Flevoland.

This concerns a total of six adults and their children and grandchildren who have taken this step. They will live next to each other: grandfather Michael Leidelmeyer (62 years old) with grandmother Winnie Keilani (61 years old) in the corner house. In addition to daughter Nikki Liedlmayer (31 years old), with her husband Yuri Graf (28 years old) and their five-month-old son Keanu. And also Barbara Liedlmeyer (29 years old) with her husband, Marbel Casale (31 years old), and their one-year-old son, Jivairo.

It was Nikki's idea who didn't like her son's apartment. “Then you would prefer a house with a garden.” Sister Barbara thought this was a good idea and also registered for the new building project De Kreekvelden in Almere. “I was actually immediately excited because it just has advantages.” Grandpa and grandma can take care of the grandchildren and when they grow up there are children and grandchildren nearby who can take care of their grandparents.

Because there were still so many options, Nikki immediately told her parents, who, like Barbara, live in Amsterdam. They were interested in him. “With us in Suriname, you often live together as a family,” says grandmother Winnie Kelani, who is from Java. Her Indian husband, Michael Liedlmeyer, does not think they will lose their privacy. “We meet now almost every day.”

The in-laws are also used to something. “I think this is a beautiful environment and a new challenge,” says Yuri, who has an Indian background like his father-in-law. “I'm a Moluccan myself,” says Marple. “I don't know any other way. It feels so warm.” Divorce, troubles in the family or disagreements are not on their minds now. “If I fight with my sister, I close the door,” Nikki says. “tomorrow is another day.” Construction of the homes will be completed early next year and the three families will be able to move into their homes before that year's summer vacation.