Dutch King Offers Apology for Violence during Indonesian Independence War

Jakarta: Dutch King Willem-Alexander has offered an apology for excessive violence committed by his country during the Indonesian Independence War.
 
"In the years immediately after the proklamasi, a painful separation followed that cost many lives. In line with earlier statements by my government, I would like to express my regret and apologies for the excessive violence on the part of the Dutch in those years," the Dutch monarch said at Bogor Palace, Bogor, West Java on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
 
"And I do so in the full realization that the pain and sorrow of the families affected continue to be felt today. It is a hopeful and encouraging sign that countries which were once on opposite side have been able to grow closer and develop a new relationship based on respect, trust and friendship," he stated.

King Willem-Alexander conveyed the statement after he was received by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in a state ceremony earlier today. The king started his four-day visit by visiting Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta this morning.
 
Indonesia proclaimed its independence from the Dutch colonial rule on August 17, 1945. However, it was not until 2005 that the Dutch aced the date as Indonesia's independence date.
 
"It will be the 75th year since Indonesia issued its proklamasi, claiming its place among the independent and free states. The Dutch government explicitly acknowledge this fact both politically and morally 15 years ago. Today we warmly congratulate the people of Indonesia as we celebrate 75 years of independence," he stated.
 
On Wednesday afternoon, the king will lay a wreath at Menteng Pulo Cemetery, the resting place of almost 4,300 Dutch soldiers who died during the Second World War and the Indonesian Independence War. In the evening, the king will meet the members of the trade mission and will be present at the signing of various partnership agreements between Indonesian and Dutch businesses. The first day of his state visit will end with a reception for the Dutch community.
 
Besides Jakarta, the Dutch king is also scheduled to visit Yogyakarta, Kalimantan and Sumatra during their state visit to Indonesia.
 
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