W. J. J. A. van den Bosch was the Medan representative of the B.P.M. (Bataafsche Petroleum Maatschappij, the Batavian Petroleum Company, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell) who, in February 1950, was one of eight technicians who participated in a B.P.M. survey party (survey-party) sent to Atjeh to assess the condition of the company’s oil installations.
Findings in Atjeh
Following the visit, Van den Bosch could provide only minimal information. The factory grounds (fabrieksterreinen), which had already been partially destroyed before the Japanese invasion, were found to be completely ruined. The oil fields (olievelden), however, were in a somewhat patched-up condition (enigszins opgelapte staat). Van den Bosch stated that he could not comment on the extent of the damage. The destroyed oil installations in Atjeh had been a significant economic asset, and their condition was a matter of concern for the provincial economy.
Source
Oostkust van Sumatra-Instituut Mededeling No. 37: Deli-Figuren uit de jaren 1950 t/m 1952, compiled by Ir. F. J. J. Dootjes (Amsterdam, 1953).