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