The time of train hoods and hostages left the Moluccans in the Netherlands long ago. But they still fight for an independent state, apart from Indonesia. The Moluccans therefore celebrate on Friday that it is 75 years ago that the Republic of the South Moluccas (RMS) was declared. The government is still operating in exile, but according to Crams Nikijuluw (71) from the Moluccan district De Driesprong in Breda, this is going to change quickly. He plays an important role as a staff member and personal employee of the president.
“My father always said that in his time as a KNIL soldier the course of a gun was decisive,” says Crams Nikijuluw with his index finger pointing as being a loop of a gun while he is rumbling in his bag. Moments later he symbolically raises the air. “And then he taught me what is important now. The pen replaces the gun. To achieve something you have to handle and communicate the pen, transfer knowledge and form coalitions. Just look around in the world at the moment, you see that arms clatter does nothing.”
The struggle for an independent South Moluk state has also changed considerably over the years. The anger of the first generation, and later the radicalization of the second, has now given way to the Moluccans in the Netherlands for smartness and diplomacy. “What we are doing now is trying to internationalize things and get it on the agenda worldwide. Through a diplomatic and political path to independence, but also not shun the dialogue with Indonesia.”
“The people in the Moluccas are scared and we have to help them.”
Because the fire for ‘the case’ has not yet disappeared with the Moluccans. The wish of a sovereign RMS can be felt in all layers of the Moluccan community. Certainly also at Crams Nikijuluw. As a member of the Staff of John Wattelete, the president of the government in exile, he also has an active and important role.
“My work for the president is very diverse,” says Crams. “I support him in preparing meetings, do translations of documents and fulfill a role in making contacts for him. I also shine my light on speeches and policy issues.”
Crams also sometimes visits the Moluccas and sees the need for an independent Moluccan state. “We are about the well -being and justice of the Moluccan people,” he says. “That we can decide for ourselves how we deal with the riches of our country. That we ourselves ensure a good balance between dealing with our flora and fauna and our minerals. Because we are being operated considerably. The primeval forests on the large island of Seram are being cut down for the palm oil industry that is loudly tieren.”
And there is more. “Our people are suppressed by the Indonesian government,” he continues. “Indonesia can then be a democratic country, but there is no freedom of expression. Waving with a Moluccan flag or an RMS sticker on your moped, they see as undermining and therefore terror. You go for it. The people in the Moluccas are scared and we have to break that fear from the Netherlands.”
Why the Moluccans ended up in the Netherlands
After Indonesian independence in 1949, the KNIL (Royal Dutch-Indian Army) was lifted. Many Moluccan soldiers refused to join the Indonesian army and supported the independence (25 April 1950) of the Republik Maluku Selatan (RMS).
The Netherlands did not allow them to return to the Moluccas. In 1951, more than 3,500 Moluccan soldiers and their families were transferred to the Netherlands, where they were unexpectedly demilitarized. What was presented as a temporary residence turned out to be permanent.
The first generation first hoped to return to their homeland, but that faith slowly decreased. The next generation of Moluccans used violence (hijackings, demonstrations) to enforce return for their parents, but that also did not work. Now the path of diplomacy has been used.
Because once the Moluccas must be autonomous. And April 25 plays an important role in April 25. Every year on this day the proclamation of the RMS of 1950 is celebrated and commemorated. It keeps the fight alive.
Here too, Bredanaar Crams Nikijuluw plays a major role as chairman of the National Committee. During the celebration, he leads the official protocol as when hoisting the four color, reading the proclamation text and the announcement of President, among others. Also Friday at 75 years RMS. “I am very proud when I am there on Friday,” says Crams. “Proud that the RMS is still standing. On the Moluccas it is underground, but here in the Netherlands we can keep the RMS alive.”
“This year the theme is on April 25” Ale Dan Beta Jang Menentukan Masa Depan Maluku! “, Nikijuluw continues. That means: “you and I determine the future of the Moluccas.” So you and me here. But you too in the home country and me and we here. So together. “
“The thought of the RMS continues to live on,” he continues. “I am delighted to see in Breda that Navayleya dressed a 9-year-old girl of the fifth generation in black and marched a beret on her head on 12 April with the group towards the flagpole where the RMS flag was hoisted.”
“We hope that Indonesia falls apart just like in the Balkans with Yugoslavia.”
Perhaps she will ever experience an independent republic of the South Moluccas. Because Crams Nikijuluw is sure that this will come once. Even though it has not happened for 75 years.
“We follow developments in Indonesia and we see that things are changing in politics, economic and social,” he says. “The Opiniemakers predict that within now and five years Indonesia will fall apart. There is a lot of dissatisfaction and there are more population groups who want independence. We therefore hope that the land falls apart, just like in the Balkans, with Yugoslavia. Or the old USSR. There are therefore opportunities and until then we have to close the victims. is that far! “
On Friday, April 25, there are commemorations everywhere in the Netherlands at the local level and there will be a national celebration in Den Bosch.
Reporters from Omroep Brabant previously worked from a Pop Up editors in the Moluccan neighborhood in Breda. If you want to know more about the Moluccans in the Driesprong, then certainly read and view the stories below: