There is a monument for the first generation of Moluccans at De Boskamp cemetery. An initiative of Stichting Molukse KNIL-GRAVEN ASSEN and Midden-Drenthe. John Matahelumual calls it a recognition of the city council for the suffering that was affected by that generation. In addition, a KNIL insignia can be added to the grave monuments of them.
The first generation Moluccans are the approximately 4,500 soldiers of the KNIL who fought for the Dutch tricolor in Indonesia. Through a service order they were forced to come to the Netherlands with their families. The Dutch government had promised them that they could then return to their own Moluccan state, but that was made impossible for them. Among other things, they were taken care of in the barracks of former Westerbork camp, which at the time was called Woonoord Schattenberg.
Matahelumual lists what happened to that first generation. “They had a very complicated arrival here. Forced. Here they were housed in former camps with miserable circumstances. You come from the tropics and go to this little country. And above all that they were Knil soldier and was taken from their rank. They were not a soldier here and could not be depicted in the army. So all rights were taken away.”
The monument is a black granite base that stands for the foundation that this first generation has laid. In addition, a bronze model of a boat. The text tells the history of how the Moluccan community came to the Netherlands. In addition, monuments are also placed on cemeteries in Hooghalen, Bovensmilde and Westerbork.
There is also protest against the monument in Assen. Prior to the ceremony in which the monument was unveiled, Werkgroep RMS Assen Bovensmilde with flags and banners at the entrance of the cemetery. According to Otto Tatipikalawan, first reparation must come from the national government before municipalities reveal monuments. “Honoration does not start from a local government. It is meaningless. A nice gesture, but it is just a gesture. The real deed must come from the Dutch government, because it has deported the Moluccan community to the Netherlands.”
The Molukse KNIL-GRAVEN ASSEN and Midden-Drenthe Foundation is also satisfied that the monument has now been placed. “I also prefer the king,” says Matahelumual. “But where the local administration has thought that they can do something, you have to tackle that. I sincerely hope that the national administration will look and see what it does to people.”
In addition to the monument, the KNIL insignia also provides division. According to Matahelumual, the insignia shows that they fought in the KNIL. “We have fought for the tricolor and that recognition is important, but that recognition becomes a complicated story if you are betrayed by the tricolor. While you are proudly moisture, you are betrayed and tucked away and then that changes.”
The foundation offers relatives the opportunity to have the insignia added to the burial monument of their ancestors. And that ensures division. “That is up to the relatives and I notice that that sometimes causes discussion in the families. Sometimes families tears apart. And so painful is our history. And that may also be there.”