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Greetings from Capelle aan den IJssel: Joost Manusama, the first Moluccan mayor in the Netherlands
On 25 September 2024 Joost Manusama was installed as mayor of Capelle aan den IJssel. With his appointment the Netherlands made history: for the first time someone of Moluccan descent takes on this important office. We spoke with the mayor about what drives him, his career and the special significance of his appointment.
After a long career in the police you have taken the step to becoming mayor. What tipped the balance in making that move?
"There are many similarities. You are working for society and trying to be meaningful for the challenges that exist. In the police that focuses mainly on safety, liveability and subversive crime. I did that for almost 32 years. At a certain point I wanted to work on meaningful things more broadly. As mayor you work not only on safety, but also on subjects such as housing, education and economic affairs. That variety appealed to me, and that was also the reason I applied."
Your career is marked by strong social engagement. Where does that drive come from?
"I studied public administration and then worked briefly in business, but there it was really too much about making money. At the same time I saw that there were a great many challenges in society. That attracted me. I was a member of the municipal council in Krimpen aan den IJssel and active nationally for the VVD. I have also always been active on supervisory boards of housing corporations, client councils of health insurers and advisory boards in education, and I was chairman of the Kumpulan Abubu, the village on Nusalaut my family comes from."
What does it mean to you to carry the title 'first Moluccan mayor in the Netherlands'?
"It is an honour of course, but I always add straight away that I am a Dutch mayor for all the people in Capelle. Even so, I never forget where my father comes from. The values I took from Moluccan culture – such as community spirit and respect for elders – I can apply well in my work. I think it is important to be a figurehead in that, to show that in this society you can really achieve anything. To show that, regardless of or precisely thanks to your background, you can achieve anything if you go for it."
What are your priorities as mayor?
"Cooperation always comes first in the things I do. As mayor I want to build bridges and bring people together, even if we do not always agree. There are also important social challenges: making sure everyone has a roof over their head, tackling loneliness, attention to youth crime and encouraging economic development. Within a municipality everything is interconnected, and I hope to do my bit towards improving the liveability of the city. Together with others, with partners, but certainly also with the residents here in Capelle."
Do you have advice for young Moluccans considering going into politics?
"A few things are important. Be a good networker. Make sure people know you and that you know what is going on, not only in your own circle but beyond it. Be active in society and know your files. Go deeply into the subjects and talk with people. And finally, something I think is very important: persevere and make sure you are in it for the long haul. Do not let yourself be thrown off course too quickly."
Photos: Municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel / Frank de Roo and Jan Kok.
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In this exhibition, five talented young Moluccan artists of the third and fourth generation turn their attention to the story of slavery in the Moluccan archipelago, which until now has often been overlooked.
Stream our vodcast 'Unboxing – Uitgepakte verhalen'
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