Introduction

As an international organization, The Indo Project (TIP) takes pride in representing those whose roots are in the former Dutch East Indies at important historical and cultural events whenever possible. 15 August 1945 is of particular importance as it signifies the end of WWII and Japanese occupation of the former Dutch East Indies. Our family members suffered terribly, and a great number sacrificed their lives in defending this former Dutch colony.

To honor and commemorate the heroism of those who lost their lives as well as the tenacity of those who survived, this year TIP arranged a Bevrijdingsbal and Herdenking in California on August 10th and 11th. In The Netherlands, two of TIP’s board members presented a wreath at the de Dam Herdenking in Amsterdam and placed a huge bouquet of sunflowers at the Indisch Monument Herdenking in The Hague. Even in Japan, a TIP team member paid an honorary visit to the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama, where a great number of Allied Soldiers are buried. ~ Priscilla Kluge McMullen

Article feature image, Photo credit: Miron Ashkeazy

United States

Southern California Herdenking and Bevrijdingsbal

This year’s Southern California Herdenking event took place on August 10, 2024, at the Buena Parks Elks Lodge where the Bevrijdingsbal has been traditionally held for many years. It was The Indo Project’s honor to host this special memorial for the second year in a row. The ceremony was a heartfelt remembrance of those lost in the former Nederlands-Indië as well as an opportunity to celebrate the perseverance of the survivors, some of whom are still with us and were among the 120 attendees.

The hall was filled with joy too as the Indos and those with roots in the former Dutch East Indies enjoyed a lovely Indo meal together. Food is one of the many ways in which we keep our heritage alive. Another way Indos celebrate our unique history is by dancing, and the dancers were on fire as they danced to the Kool Breezzz band led by bandleader, Indo Wendy de Ridder. Several lucky Indos walked away with a beautiful raffle basket as well!

One of the evening’s highlights was honoring Henny Neys with The Indo Project Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to someone whose contributions reflect the values of service, sacrifice, and dedication that we honor in those who fought in WWII. It is part of our celebration of the war’s end and the lasting peace and freedoms that followed, which we continue to uphold. The award also recognizes that the legacy of those who served, lives on in the good work being done today.

Last year, René Creutzburg was honored posthumously for providing a platform to share stories from before, during, and after the war, and for his efforts in connecting the Indo community. This year, we honored Henny Neys for her tireless work in helping unfortunate Indo individuals who were left behind in Indonesia after WWII and for organizing herdenking ceremonies in San Francisco. Henny continues to host events that bring the Indo community together.

Henny’s inspiring story was shared with the audience through a filmed interview (see video below) conducted by our own Jeff Keasberry, TIP Vice Chair.  

The Indo Project is very grateful to its platinum, gold, and silver sponsors:

• Henny Neys (platinum),
• John Von Bargen (gold),
• Patricia and Nicole Teunisse (gold)
• Kees & Margie Kunstt (silver)
• Huibert & Silva Pitters (silver)

TIP couldn’t manage this event without you! TIP is also so grateful that John Von Bargen sang and prayed with the audience while Hans Doppert and John Teunisse made the flag ceremony possible. The special efforts of all our amazing TIP team members, our donors, and the Elks Lodge staff made this event memorable. 

Los Angeles Cemetery

The next day, TIP and several special guests visited the Indo WWII monument at the Los Angeles National Cemetery to lay the TIP wreath and Herdenking flowers.

TIP hopes this Herdenking will continue every year and that many more Indos in California and beyond will be able to join the Indo community in memorial. Let us Honor the Past and Preserve the Future together. Jamie Stern‘s father, Mr. Stern, collected signatures and thanksgiving from the some of the attendees. 

Japan

August 9 – Nagasaki

On the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki, August 9, 2024, TIP team member Ottilie Cools visited the city of Nagasaki to reflect on a moment in history that is both complex and profound.

For many in our community, the atomic bomb was the reason they and/or their (grand)parents survived the war. The Japanese occupation of the former Dutch East Indies left many starving, while others suffered in POW or civilian internment camps across the region.

At the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park, she paid her respects, noting the focus on the devastation of the bombing, but also the quieter memorials dedicated to the POWs who perished. One such monument, the Fukuoka 14th Branch, was erected in 2021 to honor these forgotten souls.

In a gesture of remembrance, she hung a streamer of paper cranes, symbolizing peace and the bittersweet reality that this tragic event may have saved many of our loved ones. We honor the past and the sacrifices made, while always striving for a peaceful future.

The Fukuoka 14th Branch Monument was erected in honor of and for mourning for all the prisoners of war at the 14th branch, and with the wish for “peace, friendship and freedom” in the world. The construction project for the monument was launched in 2015. With the deep understanding and great efforts of the members of the “the Memorial Building Committee for the Victims at Fukuoka No.14b Prisoner of War Camp” in Nagasaki, it has become such a beautiful Japan-Netherlands joint project. Watch the unveiling ceremony of the monument in 2021.

August 15 – Yokohama

On August 15, 2024, TIP team member Ottilie Cools visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama. This date, marking the end of World War II, is observed differently in Japan and the Netherlands. While Japan reflects on peace, in the Netherlands, the focus is on remembering the immense suffering and deaths in the former Dutch East Indies and throughout the Pacific, where many POWs were forced into brutal labor. Ottilie honored the fallen Allied forces and the Dutch POWs whose ashes rest in Yokohama, paying tribute to their sacrifice and the painful history they endured.

The Commonwealth War Cemetery was established by the Australian War Graves group in 1945. It is the only war cemetery in Japan administered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is the final resting place of Australian service personnel and other allied forces, who died while interned in Prisoner of War (POW) camps in Japan during World War II.

The Netherlands

The weather in The Netherlands could not have been more beautiful on 15 August 2024 for the over fifty Herdenkingen commemorations held around the country. TIP Co-Founder Priscilla McMullen and board member Josina Hillsland represented the international Indo community at the Herdenking at de Dam in Amsterdam in the morning and in the evening at the Indisch Monument Herdenking in The Hague.

Herdenking in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Herdenking was conducted by the Indische Kwestie | Indisch Platform 2.0  at de Dam square in front of the Royal Palace, where the Dutch public and a great number of tourists were able to walk by and observe and learn about this commemoration. 

It is less formal than the Indisch Monument Herdenking  but it was once again a beautifully impressive commemoration by the people and for the people. A “gezellig” atmosphere hosted by Peggy Stein that included presentations on the Bersiap by historian Victor Laurentius, special ceremonial guard-of-honor Ferry Brouwer von Gonzenbach, presentations by other well-known Dutch personalities as well as music by the band “WolvesandBears” along with singing of the Indisch Our Father. A tribute to the late Wieteke van Dort. The Indo Project wreath was formally presented on behalf of Indos worldwide.

Herdenking in The Hague

A large bouquet of sunflowers was placed at the Indisch Monument by Priscilla and Josina, on behalf of the Indo community worldwide; sunflowers are a symbol of optimism, happiness, positivity and strength, always looking for the sun. Prior to the ceremony the Indisch Monument is decorated throughout with sunflowers. After the procession and placement of all the sunflowers, they form a sea of yellow and hope. A formal Herdenking was conducted by the Nationale Herdenking 15 Augustus Foundation, attended by a crowd of 5,000 people and several Dutch dignitaries. It was an emotional and dignified gathering. Several well-known Indo and Indisch personalities, like authors Yvonne Keuls and Robin Block, singers Ruben Annink, Lisa Noya and Yosina Roemajauw shared personal WWII stories and poems about their families.

The presentations reflected on the victims of the Japanese occupation during WWII in Southeast Asia. There were musical performances by Yosina Roemajauw and Lisa Noya and the Marine Band of the Royal Navy. Ruben Annink performed “Song of Desire” by Wieteke van Dort. Wreaths were placed by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Representatives of the Dutch Parliament and by the Ambassadors of Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Article contributors: Ottilie Cools, Josina Hillsland, Jeff Keasberry, Priscilla Kluge McMullen, Jamie Stern, Patricia Teunisse