By tf-lawyer.com In an exclusive interview at the Ambon market, a vendor selling Netherlands national team flags expressed how sales have surged during the World Cup season, highlighting the passionate support for the team among the local people. This connection can be traced back to over 300 years of Dutch colonial influence in the Maluku Islands, where the locals not only speak Dutch but also maintain cultural ties and cheer for the Dutch football team. However, historians caution against overlooking the historical grievances, noting that the economic contributions of the Dutch during colonization were minimal, and the Dutch later withdrew support for the establishment of the “South Maluku Republic.” They stress the importance of learning from history to foster cooperation while acknowledging the past.
Joyce Amelia Loedia, a Maluku native born in 1954 in Geleen, Netherlands, moved to Jakarta with her family at the age of eight. Fluent in Dutch, she regularly meets with others who speak the language in churches or restaurants each week, where they read the Bible and sing Dutch hymns together, sharing their cultural and emotional connections to both Maluku and the Netherlands.
During the Indonesian War of Independence, thousands of Maluku people joined the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) to support the Dutch against the Indonesian government, ultimately leading to the controversial establishment of the “South Maluku Republic,” which the Indonesian government perceived as treasonous, resulting in severe military suppression.
After the Dutch military withdrawal in the early 1950s, about 12,500 Maluku soldiers and their families sought refuge in the Netherlands, initially receiving support from the Dutch government as they awaited the opportunity to return home. However, many chose to stay in the Netherlands, creating a significant Maluku community there. As of 2018, government statistics indicated around 70,000 Maluku people residing in the Netherlands, establishing familial ties with those who remained in Indonesia.
The blend of Islamic and Christian populations in Maluku—especially in the capital city of Ambon where over 60% are Christians—reflects the region’s diverse cultural heritage. The emotional ties between the Maluku people and the Netherlands run deep, arguably stronger than those felt by other provinces in Indonesia.
During the World Cup, one can typically spot enthusiastic supporters known as the “Orange Brigade” in Ambon, as young people proudly ride through the streets waving Dutch flags. Notably, many players on the Dutch national team, such as Simon Tahamata and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, have Maluku ancestry. Joseph Matheus Rudolf Fofid, a cultural historian, underscores that for the Maluku people, “the Dutch team is ours,” explaining that while Indonesia may not compete in the World Cup, through the Dutch team, Maluku identities gain international recognition.
Nico Tulalessy, a music teacher in Ambon, enthusiastically supports the Dutch team, having even painted his motorcycle in the national color. With many relatives living in the Netherlands, he maintains close ties and remarked: “Even if the Netherlands loses, we celebrate here in Ambon. If they win, it’s a joyous occasion for the entire city, filled with orange, despite the distance.”
However, Joseph views these strong sentiments towards the Netherlands as complex. He points out that during the colonial period, the Dutch provided minimal benefit to Maluku, prioritizing their own interests over the welfare of the local population. The Dutch East India Company imposed harsh policies, including forced labor and violent repression of dissent.
Life for the Maluku soldiers and their families in the Netherlands proved challenging, as they faced discrimination and struggled to integrate into Dutch society. The first and second generations experienced significant hardships, transitioning from respected soldiers in Indonesia to marginalized individuals in refugee camps.
Joseph reflects on the mixed feelings many Maluku people harbor towards the Netherlands, stating that “while they long for relatives in the Netherlands, those in the Netherlands miss their family here, perpetuating a complex web of emotional connections.”
Linda, a 74-year-old resident of Ambon with many relatives in the Netherlands, expressed pride in her heritage and a desire to pass on Dutch culture to younger generations. “As Ambonese people, we communicate with the Dutch and speak Dutch. This language is something we have worked hard to learn and should not stop practicing.”
However, Joseph emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the tragic past. He advocates for reconciliation but insists on acknowledging the historical wrongs, stating, “We can reconcile with the Dutch, but we must not forget their transgressions.” He envisions collaboration in economic, educational, cultural, and sporting arenas among Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Maluku, but stresses the need to learn from history as they move forward.
