The history of Indonesian independence explored in a Dutch museum

Amsterdam – In a groundbreaking exhibition at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, artifacts depicting Indonesia’s battle for independence from the Dutch include a bullet-torn shirt and images of liberation fighters.

“Revolusi! Indonesian Independent” opens to the public on Friday, organizers say, and aims to “start a conversation” about a difficult relationship that existed between the Netherlands and one of its most treasured possessions.

The goal is to study the Southeast Asian country’s struggle for freedom from its declaration of independence in August 1945 to Dutch recognition in 1949 after four years of violent conflict from both Indonesian and Dutch viewpoints.

At a preview, Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits has remarked, “We really wanted to highlight these human stories that offer shards of this really crucial moment.”

“We wanted to show it and have a discussion about it.”

Related Posts

Objects belonging to 23 eyewitnesses of Indonesia’s battle for independence are on display in this exhibition.

A bullet-ridden shirt belonging to Tjokorda Rai Pudak, a 42-year-old Indonesian independence warrior who was shot dead on October 9, 1946, a day after he was detained by Balinese militia assisted by Dutch forces, is one of the most tragic items on display.

Another is Mohammad Toha’s little watercolor drawings, which he painted when he was 11 years old and captured the arrival of Dutch colonial soldiers in Yogyakarta, Java, in December 1948.

Dutch bombers over the city, Dutch paratroopers landing, and victims at a funeral are depicted in the aquarelle paintings, which were so small that they could not be found.

A morning cloak created out of silk maps that has been used by the British troops by Dutch lady Jeanne Van Leur-de Loos is also on display.

Bonnie Triyana, an Indonesian historian and the exhibition’s guest curator, remarked, “The more you share these stories, the closer you go to the past.”

Katherine S

1/4 German, 3/4 Malaysian. I write, follow and monitor closely political news happening in Malaysia, and other happening news in the ASEAN region. Newswriter for the best ASEAN news website - The Asian Affairs.

Recent Posts

Anne Hathaway Casted as ‘Verity’ in Colleen Hoover’s Book Adaptation

Anne Hathaway is slated to play the much expected film version of Colleen Hoover's best-selling book Verity in front of…

November 21, 2024

Gucci Set to Revolutionize Fashion Presentations with Unified Shows in 2025 under Sabato De Sarno’s Vision

Gucci is ready to change its presentation approach for 2025 in a radical action aimed to revolutionize the fashion industry.…

November 21, 2024

South Korea’s “Korea Discount”: Addressing the Governance Gap to Boost Market Value

As world investors wait for significant changes that might solve long-standing problems of governance and responsibility in South Korea's companies,…

November 21, 2024

Pentagon Cracks Case of 2015 UFO Spotted by Navy Jet, but Doubts Persist About Government’s Explanation

Regarding the controversial 2015 UFO incident, a Pentagon official disclosed in a major development that it has cracked the riddle…

November 21, 2024

Trump’s Second Term: Key Cabinet Picks and What They Mean for America’s Future

As Donald Trump prepares for his second administration, his cabinet choices blatantly deviate from his first government. Once distinguished by…

November 21, 2024

BTS’s Jin Shines on ‘The Tonight Show’ with Super Tuna Dance and Electrifying Performance of ‘Running Wild’

To highlight his solo debut album Happy, BTS member Jin (Kim Seokjin) made a much awaited visit on The Tonight…

November 21, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More