[Hanno Spoelstra]

Lang,

Although I am not from the generation who was there when it happened, I do have some knowledge of that part of Dutch history. I have family who both lived there during the colonial days (pre-WW2) and who served there during the "police actions" (post-WW2).

The Dutch really had a sense of doing good in Indonesia. Indeed, over time the Dutch reigns did bring the country some good like proper governance, education, health etc. But it was a big moneymaker, too.

During WW2 the Indonesians came to realise the wanted to be the master of their own destiny, declared independence in 1945, and chose to fight for that right. The Dutch did not declare war - Indonesia was still "the Netherlands East Indies", part of the Kingdom, as far as the Netherlands were concerned - so they sent over troops for "police actions". As one does when there are riots in a certain area of the Kingdom.
Interestingly, Indonesia was initially "re-possessed" by British troops, who after the Japanese surrender had taken over strategic positions in the Pacific region. It was not before March 1946 when the British allowed the Dutch troops to land and take over British positions.
These military actions were more concerned about taking control again over the big plantations, natural resources, etc. rather than restoring peace and re-instating governance, education, health care etc. So money prevailed over doing good for the people. We know how this ended. After the loss of many lives (5,000 Dutch and some 150,000 Indonesians) and huge cost, the Netherlands finally succumbed in 1949 and granted Indonesia their independence. Since then, the Dutch governments have always tried to make good by sending over all sorts of aid (incl. military).

Whatever; I personally hope mankind would have learned from these types of mistakes. But alas, even today we still go to countries far away to bring peace and democracy with a sword because we think it is the right way to do so . . . but in reality is driven by political or economic motives.

Hanno