by Astrid Berg, PhD I interviewed three female cousins, all third-generation Americans in their thirties and forties, who have Indo mothers and African-American fathers. I began the interview by sharing my experience as a white-bodied child of interracial parents—an Indo father and Dutch mother. Growing up, I encountered subtle remarks and impressions from my mother…
As we approach our annual Sinterklaasfeest, celebrated by many Dutch and Indo families around the world, our thoughts often turn to tradition, the joy of giving, the taste of spiced cookies, and the comforting nostalgia of childhood memories. Sinterklaas, with his arrival by boat and his bag full of gifts, symbolizes kindness, togetherness, and continuity…
by Roderick C. Wahr This article was originally published in Dutch; due to heavy interest in its topic, the author has provided an English translation. Before I get into my opinion and thoughts on the Njai, I’d like to share a little bit about myself and my own origins, as that context is important. I…
Want to learn (more) about WWII in the Dutch East Indies, the Bersiap Period and the Independence War? Watch the 40-minute documentary by Simone Berger & Armando Ello with English subtitles. On December 3, 2023, The Indo Project hosted a live online Q&A session with the filmmakers. Over 60 people signed up and submitted questions,…
[Photo: The Hague, after 1933. Oma Moesje is second from the right wearing white] The Story of my Indo Oma By Robert Kaya Before I even met my Oma, she already had a long and interesting life. She was born in Kota Raja, Aceh in 1891 as the ninth of ten children. Her father was a…
A Young Indo Woman Displays Courage, Cunning, and Hope By Sally Brandle The author notes that Iris passed away early December 2021, just short of her 98th birthday before this article was published. Iris, the little girl on the left, and her brothers are the descendants of an Indo maternal grandmother, a French countess paternal…
by Astrid Berg, PhD During childhood, I had little connection to my Indonesian roots. I rarely heard Maleis (Malay) or Javaans (Javanese) spoken. I only had a slight relationship to Indo/Indische customs and culture. Both my parents appeared European. My mother is Dutch, and the Indonesian influences were subtle in my Indo father. I was…
The Indo Project Virtual Recognition Wall For only $25, have a name of your cherished person added to The Indo Project Recognition Wall encircled by a beautiful Delft heart tile for everyone to see. For another $10, we will send them a beautifully decorated Recognition Certificate with their name on it, they can proudly…
By Jan Krancher Book: Ambushed under the Southern Cross Author: Capt. George W. Duffy Highly decorated Capt. George W. Duffy has authored the book “Ambushed under the Southern Cross . . . The Making of an American Merchant Marine Officer and His Ensuing Saga of Courage and Survival”. Among several of his experiences, he also…
By Bianca Dias-Halpert, Washington, USA An article appeared in the magazine NOW! Bali August 2010 about a Dutch lady who has lived in Indonesia her entire life. They were kind enough to let me share their findings with you readers. Milly On the outside she looks Dutch but on the inside she is Indonesian. Milly…