75 Years Ago: The Netherlands' Postcolonial Betrayal of Moluccans
Between 1946 and June 22, 1951, approximately 12,500 Moluccans, including ex-members of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) and their families, were moved from Indonesia to the Netherlands on various ships like Kota Inten, Atlantis, and Asturias. They arrived in Rotterdam eight times and in Amsterdam four times, having been part of Dutch colonial rule for 350 years. After Indonesia gained independence, the Netherlands helped with their relocation but did not support their integration, leading to their marginalization. The Moluccans had stayed loyal to the Dutch, who used the KNIL to suppress independence movements. This migration, 75 years ago, highlights a lingering historical responsibility for the Netherlands.
Key facts
- Approximately 12,500 Moluccans were transported from Indonesia to the Netherlands between 1946 and 22 June 1951.
- They were former soldiers of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) and their families.
- Ships used include Kota Inten, Atlantis, Roma, Castelbianco, New Australia, Skaubryn, Grote Beer, Somersetshire, Asturias, Fairsea, and Goya.
- Eight ships docked in Rotterdam, four in Amsterdam.
- The Moluccans had served the Dutch colonial power for 350 years.
- After Indonesia's independence, the Netherlands brought them over but failed to integrate them.
- The KNIL was used by the Dutch to suppress Indonesian independence movements.
- The migration is described as a historical debt and act of postcolonial arrogance.
Entities
Institutions
- Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL)
Locations
- Moluccas
- Indonesia
- Netherlands
- Rotterdam
- Amsterdam