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Freedom in perspective
Do you not recognise your family stories in the annual commemoration? Or would you like to gain a better understanding of the wartime past? A day after Japan’s capitulation, on 16 August, freedom was no longer self-evident for anyone in the former colony. That is why we, the Indisch Herinneringscentrum and Museum Maluku, invite you to commemorate together on Wednesday 16 August 2023, with a unique and varied programme that gives a voice to diverse perspectives and experiences.
On 15 August 1945 Japan capitulated. In the Netherlands we commemorate on that date all the victims of the Second World War in the former Dutch East Indies. The stories, experiences and testimonies of that war and its aftermath still affect many people today who have a bond with the past of the Netherlands and Indonesia. To add more diversity and different perspectives to the commemoration of the end of the Second World War, this year Museum Maluku and the Indisch Herinneringscentrum in The Hague are joining forces for a special programme around 15 August.
A longing for freedom
Let us start with the date. On 16 August 1945, one day after the surrender, a longing for freedom arose in the former colony. This day marked the beginning of all the changes that followed. Although many people think the war was over on 15 August, that was not entirely the case. 16 August is an important day that is nonetheless not yet part of the culture of commemoration in the Netherlands.
After 16 August people were above all searching for freedom. It was not only about freedom after the Japanese occupation, but also about liberation from oppression and colonialism, and the freedom to be who you want to be. Many Dutch people, Indo-Europeans and others who had dominated colonial society before the Japanese occupation were threatened and killed after 16 August during the Bersiap period. Chinese people, Moluccans and others who worked for the Netherlands were also suspected of collaboration and were in danger. Young Indonesians from various backgrounds were searching for freedom. After 16 August, however, freedom was no longer self-evident.
Programme
Together with you we want to shed light on this history and commemorate it. Not only on 15 August, but also, and especially, on 16 August: giving a voice to all the different perspectives and experiences. By coming together and listening, we can create understanding and connection. On this inspiring evening we will talk with, among others, Lara Nuberg, Bruce Siemens, Charissa Leiwakabessy, Pris Roos, Jason Keizer, Tieka Masfar and Nona Luca.
Tickets
Will we see you on Wednesday 16 August 2023 at Museum Sophiahof?
