On colonialism II

On colonialism II

I have read the letters of Mr. de Jong and Mr. de Kort, the
last one of Nov. 5, 1994 in The Jakarta Post.

I got the impression by their tone and attitude of not willing
to admit (let alone apologize!) the malpractice of colonial
times, whether it is three-and-a half years or 350 years (this is
history), these gentlemen appear to be angered and embittered
that Indonesians as a whole ("former colonial subjects") are
capable of knocking them off!

There are also indications that many Dutch are annoyed at our
achievements, despite all efforts to keep Indonesian dependent on
the Dutch. Furthermore, it boosts the egos of the Dutch to
observe any small "human error" and other imperfections on the
Indonesian side (zie je well!). Yet, despite all hardships and
humiliations up till now, the Indonesians have class and dignity,
are generally forgiving and tolerant, provided they are not
offended or ridiculed. And for this, noble attitude, what we get
in return are the likes of Mr. de Kort, Mr. de Jong and last, but
not too hurriedly forgotten, Mr. Pronk. Whatever happened to him?

In view of this, didn't he make a fool of himself with his now
defunct IGGI? And meanwhile, presumably, forgiven and protected
by the Dutch at home, as they did to Westerling?

I fully support Mr. Richardson in that the information about
the malpractice of colonial times are (conveniently) suppressed
in the Netherlands. Why then, is Mr. de Kort ignorant about the
repeated demands of the Indonesian government to extradite
Westerling? The Dutch government's excuse was again and again,
that since Westerling was not a Dutch citizen, but a Turk, they
could not extradite him, while the Turkish Ambassador at that
time declared that there was no Captain Raymond Westerling
enlisted as a Turkish citizen. Prior to this incident, Westerling
was never referred to as "the Turk," even by the Dutch
themselves. Afterwards, only the Dutch for clear political
reasons, referred to Westerling as "the Turk," as Mr. de Kort
did.

RIA GONDOWARSITO

Jakarta