On Dutch treat<\/p>\n
I refer to the article Dutch treat: Who pays for the pain?
\n(The Jakarta Post, Aug. 8).<\/p>\n
Historical facts in many countries are whitewashed or
\ndescribed in a subjective and improper way but as far as the
\nindependence of Indonesia is concerned the facts are known among
\nhistorians and are indisputable: Aug. 17 is celebrated by the
\nIndonesians as their Independence Date, and Dec. 27, 1949, is
\nregarded by the Dutch as the date of the transfer of sovereignty.
\nEvery Dutchman of stature is aware of these dates and these facts
\nshould have been made clear.<\/p>\n
To the question, \"So what notable legacy did we get from
\ncolonialism?\" I firmly believe, and with me many Indonesians of
\nstature of my age (practically all), who are dying out, that you
\nare underestimating the values of the past. I would recommend you
\nto delve into this question deeper. It is substantially more than
\nlanguage and law.<\/p>\n
To begin with, take Indonesia's rich natural resources. I have
\nbeen, so to say, all over the world. Indonesia is potentially one
\nof the richest countries in the world as far as resources are
\nconcerned. The Dutch saw this potential and made an all-out
\neffort to exploit them with great success, which also benefited
\nits former colony. There is no reason why Indonesia shouldn't
\nfollow the same path.<\/p>\n
I sense a grudge against the Dutch in your article. You
\ncertainly have a point and I will not deny arguments you may
\nhave, although not specifically mentioned. Delving into history a
\nbit deeper and trying to see things in the past with the
\nspectacles of the time in which they happened, and studying
\nworld history, may alleviate your grudge.<\/p>\n
International slavery in the 17th century up to the end of the
\n19th century (about 15 million victims), practically all present
\nmajor developing countries were involved, mass exploitation of
\nlabor in the U.S. and in Europe more than 100 years ago (Karl
\nMarx), segregation policies in South Africa, colonialism by west
\nEuropean countries in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.<\/p>\n
There are examples in our world's history that show that not
\nonly in your country deplorable things happened in the past. One
\nshould keep this well in mind when judging events in former
\ntimes. In addition, don't forget, every country has its dark
\nhistorical pages, Indonesia included.<\/p>\n
Anyway, please be assured that I am writing all this solely in
\nthe hope to reach a better mutual understanding. Your comments
\nwould be highly appreciated.<\/p>\n
PIETER ROELOFFS, Medan, North Sumatra<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-dutch-treat-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }