Dutch Prime Minister makes formal apology to Moluccans - Europe - The Jakarta Post

Europe

Many Moluccans, from the so-called "spice islands" in eastern Indonesia, fought for the Dutch colonial army during the post-World War II struggle for independence.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten answers journalists' questions after a meeting with Indian Prime Minister in the garden of the Catshuis during an official visit by India's Prime Minister to The Hague on May 16, 2026. (AFP/Lina Selg)

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten Sunday issued a formal state apology to members of the Moluccan community for their decades-long mistreatment by the Netherlands after Indonesia won independence from colonisation.Many Moluccans, from the so-called "spice islands" in eastern Indonesia, fought for the Dutch colonial army during the post-World War II struggle for independence.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1949, around 12,500 Moluccans were brought to the Netherlands in a state-organised transfer to escape reprisals.

Europe

Many Moluccans, from the so-called "spice islands" in eastern Indonesia, fought for the Dutch colonial army during the post-World War II struggle for independence.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1949, around 12,500 Moluccans were brought to the Netherlands in a state-organised transfer to escape reprisals.