The Dutch East Indies was occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945, the ally of Nazi Germany during the Second World War. On August 15, 1945, Japan capitulated after two atomic bombs destroyed the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This officially ended the war with the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies.
Yet it was not the end of a period of horrible violence. Two days later, on August 17, the battle for independence began. The country wanted to come loose from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Only in 1949 did the Netherlands recognize the independence of Indonesia.
Rise
Today is considered the end of the Japanese occupation. Memorial services are throughout the Netherlands. In Hilversum, the regional commemoration of the Gooi and the Vecht region was organized at the Indian monument at the Noorderbegraafplaats.
It is the tenth time that the regional commemoration took place here. Although the liberation of the Japanese took place 80 years ago, there were still too few seats for all spectators who came to see. Around 300 people were present, including all mayors from the region.
A lot of emotion
The emotion can still be felt with the audience and also in all speeches for all these years. For example, Hanson, the master of ceremonies, says during the commemoration: “80 years ago my father had escaped from the Japanese camp. He would be shot. And then the atomic bomb came. That is why the Fusillade did not take place.” He tells how things are still going on for him.
The Hilversum mayor Gerhard van den Top is also speaking. He speaks on behalf of all municipalities in the region. His story is mainly about how we cannot celebrate ‘freedom’ on such a day and today, because it was not ready for the Indonesians at all.
“Many Indonesians ended up from one war in the other. With our hearts we feel the grief of all the horrors affected. We cannot speak of freedom today. There is still much to process. Today it is no reason for a festive moment, but for commemorating,” says Van den Top.
Traditional closure
After the speeches, two minutes of silence was held and wreaths were laid by the guests of honor. The memorial service traditionally finished with an Indian rice table for all guests.