The results of the research programme Independence, decolonization, violence and war in Indonesia 1945-1950 will be presented several months later than originally intended, namely at the end of November 2021, rather than early September 2021. This delay is a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant that archives in the Netherlands and Indonesia were closed and it was no longer possible to travel to and within other countries. 

In response to this decision, on August 14 the following press release was distributed:

Research to be completed later due to COVID-19 pandemic

The results of the research programme Independence, decolonization, violence and war in Indonesia 1945-1950 will be presented several months later than originally intended, namely at the end of November 2021, rather than early September 2021.

This delay is a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant that archives in the Netherlands and Indonesia were closed and it was no longer possible to travel to and within other countries. Although most archives in the Netherlands have since reopened, the situation remains complex, particularly in relation to the work in Indonesia. Researchers in the Netherlands and Indonesia are making a thorough search for ways to tackle and circumvent the problems that have arisen, where possible.

Naturally we, like everyone else, do not know what the near future will bring. The adjusted delivery date may thus be subject to change, should the Netherlands be affected by a new wave of COVID-19.

First publication: an international comparative perspective

This summer saw the first publication by the research programme: an issue of the journal BMGN devoted to ‘Extreme violence during decolonisation wars in comparative perspective, 1945-1962.’ The publication was launched with a short video.

Social impact and debate

Due to its significant social impact, the research programme has been followed closely by many. From the outset, the programme sought to be broadly receptive to the responses and perspectives of different social groups in the Netherlands and, where possible, Indonesia. A Social Resonance Group was also established for the Netherlands, consisting of seven umbrella organisations from veterans’ circles and the Dutch East Indies and Moluccan community.

We are occasionally asked by the media whether we only speak to certain critical movements. That is not the case; in principle, the programme is open to criticism from all sections of society. Recently, however, we have observed a tendency to call the scientific and personal integrity of researchers and the programme as a whole into question. This is seen as a concerning development, because it oversteps boundaries: not only are the researchers being denied the right to personal opinions – opinions that can be combined very effectively with meticulous historical research – but such allegations also stifle all substantive discussion. And it is precisely this discussion that is valued by the programme, particularly now that the first research results are emerging.

14-08-2020