The report on the Dutch deployment during the independence struggle in Indonesia (1945-1949) is not objective and factual. That makes it a disappointing report.
That says Jo Kneepkens, chairman of the National Indies Monument foundation in Roermond in the television program L1mburg Centraal.
Structural and extreme war violence
The report, some 4,000 pages thick, was presented on Thursday. The conclusion is that Dutch soldiers were guilty of structural and extreme war violence, such as torture, ill-treatment during interrogations, the shooting of imprisoned soldiers and civilians without judicial process and setting fire to slums.
One-sided lighting
Kneepkens finds it disappointing that only violence on the Dutch side is discussed, not violence on the republican side. “The report is a one-sided exposure of a complex situation at the time. It almost exclusively talks about Dutch violence. The report is too judgmental. Historians must uncover facts, not judge. This report did not succeed. opportunity.”
Veterans are wronged
Veterans are deeply disappointed. Kneepkens: “They are being wronged. At that time they did not have the means, they were not trained, they worked in an unfamiliar environment and had to deal with an enemy who hid among the local population. This is really salt in their wounds .” Kneepkens goes on to say that what the veterans meant to the local population at that time is being forgotten. “Then I am thinking of a contribution to the food supply, medical care, infrastructure and peace and order. It is extra painful that this is not mentioned.”
Apologies
At the time, the soldiers were sent to Indonesia on an order from the government. Prime Minister Rutte apologized to Indonesia on Thursday. He also made an apology, in a subordinate clause, to the veterans ‘who at that time behaved as a good soldier’. “But that’s not enough,” says Kneepkens.
Letter from Ollongren
The Indian veterans received a letter from Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren yesterday. In it, the minister expresses her appreciation for the efforts of the veterans and the difficult public prosecutor’s office they found themselves in.
Traumatic Consequences
Indonesia’s struggle for independence took place just after World War II. Many veterans who are still alive are still dealing with its traumatic consequences.