Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations took place on a beautiful day in Amsterdam’s Tolhuistuin on 17 August. The atmosphere was relaxed, joyful, and full of togetherness. There was laughter, Indonesian conversations, and delicious traditional food. Everyone looked stunning, and the stalls were beautifully decorated. Some people were even moved by how much it felt like home. What a great compliment!
The day began with a welcome speech by Rui Jun Luong, the founder of Asian Raisins. She addressed the pervasiveness of colonial thinking in the Netherlands, such as the glorification of Dutch colonisers and mass murderers in public spaces. A striking example is the Coentunnel in Amsterdam, named after Jan Pieterszoon Coen, who was responsible for the genocide of the Bandanese people. She also pointed out the colonial spelling and naming of places in Indonesia, such as the Indische Buurt.
Rui Jun Luong emphasised that it is time to recognise Indonesia as an independent and equal state,
with space for Indonesian heroes in the Dutch public sphere. The worship of colonial figures in the Netherlands shows how deeply rooted the colonial past remains in our collective memory. The absence of Indonesian national heroes like Cut Nyak Dhien or Kartini only reinforces this skewed view and denies Indonesian communities in the Netherlands the recognition they deserve. Promoting the visibility of these heroes is not just a step toward recognising Indonesia as an independent and equal state, but also a way to confront a history dominated by colonial perspectives.
It creates space for an inclusive and just historical narrative where Indonesian resistances and resilience also find their place. This is why we launched this sticker campaign: to literally give Indonesian national heroes a place in Dutch public spaces and contribute to raising awareness, recognition, and a fairer engagement with the colonial past.
To strengthen this message, Asian Raisins organised a special sticker campaign on 17 August featuring ten Indonesian national heroes. Visitors could collect free stickers at the Asian Raisins stall and were invited to place them in their own city to draw attention to demands for the end of colonial glorification. The stories of these heroes can be read on the Asian Raisins website.
After her powerful speech, Rui Jun Luong handed the stage to Fitria Jelyta and Asri Prasadani. Together, they rallied the crowd with a powerful chant: “When I say Indonesia, you say: MERDEKA! INDONESIA, MERDEKA!” This created a sense of solidarity and determination. The audience then listened to a recording of President Sukarno proclaiming Indonesia’s independence. An emotional moment, full of meaning for both Indonesia and the Netherlands.
On 17 August 2024, Indonesia celebrated 79 years of independence. In 1945, the country freed itself from 350 years of oppression under the Dutch colonial apartheid regime. In Indonesia, this is a widely celebrated day, yet it is often ignored in the Netherlands. This says a lot about how the colonial past continues to shape Dutch society. While the Dutch commonly recognise 15 August as the end of World War II in Indonesia, they pay little attention to Indonesia’s struggle for independence and the victims of the Dutch colonial regime. Furthermore, 17 August 1945has yet to be legally recognised as Indonesia’s official Independence Day by the Netherlands. Indeed, the latter continues to adhere to 27 December 1949, which corresponds to when sovereignty was officially transferred. Prime Minister Mark Rutte did acknowledge in the Dutch parliament that 17 August 1945 was the factual Indonesian independence date, this has had no legal consequences, and the law remains unchanged.
It is thus high time for the Netherlands to also celebrate this day and correct the colonial legacy. Fortunately, visitors at the Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam were able to start this process together.
Asri Prasadani first introduced the different stalls, which included Histori Bersama, Kembang, Moskabouter, Selalu Soap, AI-Yumm!, Terartai, and Arena Budaya Indonesia. Then visitors were invited to enjoy traditional games, such as sack races, egg-and-spoon races, kerupuk-eating contests, and congklak, typically played during Independence Day celebrations in Indonesia.
Around 5:30 pm, the food was ready to be served, prepared by iBoenda. The programme closed with beautiful music from ISAIAS, while volunteers distributed the food. With over 340 attendees, it was a day full of connection, remembrance, and joy.
One visitor even shared that this day had held deep emotional significance to them: “My mother is Indonesian, from a family that refused to accept inequality out of political conviction. Within our family, 17 August was always celebrated, even if it was just with red-and-white flowers, delicious food, and gathering together. The commemoration on 15 August, on the other hand, received little attention; it didn’t feel like a place where we were welcome.
“When I heard that there would be a celebration of 17 August in Amsterdam, I knew I had to be there. The atmosphere was amazing: beautiful weather, delicious food, and great conversations. But the moment that touched me most was hearing the proclamation and collectively shouting “Merdeka!” For the first time, I felt the power of those words, not just with friends or family, but with an entire community. I burst into tears. It felt like coming home. For the first time, I felt that there was a place for me and my family, and that we weren’t forgotten. This day was more than a celebration. It was an acknowledgment of our history, a moment of togetherness, and a step toward justice.”
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