Families of Dutch Men Imprisoned for Refusing to Fight in Indonesia Seek Exoneration

October 14, 2024

Families of 20 Dutch men who were imprisoned for refusing to fight in Indonesia are calling for their relatives to be exonerated. These men, known as “Indonesië-weigeraars” or “Indonesia-refusers,” faced charges of desertion, treason, and cowardice during a turbulent period when Dutch authorities attempted to suppress Indonesian independence following World War II.

An official investigation into the historical events revealed that the Dutch military campaign employed “excessive violence” and resulted in the massacre of countless innocent villagers. This inquiry led to former Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s public apology in 2022, acknowledging the harsh treatment of conscientious objectors. The investigation also suggested that if these men were aware of the extreme violence perpetrated during this time, their reputations could be restored.

Now, the families are urging the current right-wing government to formally clear the names of these men, who have long been stigmatized. Nel Bak, 68, whose father, Jan de Wit, was imprisoned for three years, emphasized that her father was a man of principle who respected Indonesia’s call for independence. She stated, “We want the verdicts canceled because our fathers are still registered as deserters, traitors, and cowards.”

The Dutch government had conscripted approximately 120,000 men to combat the Republic of Indonesia, which declared independence on August 17, 1945. The official investigation noted that the Dutch military’s approach was increasingly brutal, leading to a protracted and violent conflict.

Eelco van der Waals, another family member, received an apology from the former defense minister for his father’s harsh imprisonment. He stresses that full rehabilitation would help convey important historical lessons about the Dutch government’s misguided choices during that era.

Despite the calls for rehabilitation, the Dutch Ministry of Defense stated that clearing the men’s names would require evidence that they were aware of the violence committed during the conflict. This poses a challenge, as communication was limited during that time, and official denials persisted for decades.

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