During four centuries the Netherlands were the preferred trading partner of the nation that is now called Indonesia. Although this definitely does not imply a harmonious relation, it made us companions in distress, which unavoidably fostered a mutual understanding. The film Oeroeg tells the story of the resulting interaction, benefits and destruction, when two cultures meet. And since it does so in a fascinating and honest manner, the time spent watching it is worthwhile. Of course the topic is also relevant in view of the recent western occupations of Afghanistan and Irak. In films about history some background information is helpful, so here is a brief account. In the last century the already asymmetric power relation between the two nations was made institutional, when Indonesia (Dutch East Indies) became a colony. The merger was a synergy and mutually advantageous, since the Indies could supply the workforce and the Netherlands supplied the capital goods. Similar asymmetric arrangements had benefited Russia and France, India/America and England, and East-Europe and Germany. In addition the Netherlands strove for an enlightened rule, stimulated the indigenous emancipation and built an infrastructure. However at the time the centrifugal forces due to the rising nationalism everywhere in the world also affected the Dutch East Indies, so that after the Japanese invasion some leading indigenous groups proclaimed the Indonesian independence. After WWII the Dutch government was willing to negotiate a deal (everywhere in Europe there was a social-democratic surge). However, the situation was complex, since economic interests had to be protected. Many of the Indian isles rejected a central rule by Java, and preferred an Indian federation. And the nationalist movement contained many unreliable radical elements, among others a large Bolshevist fraction. Dutch natives were slaughtered, and the colonial government used military intervention in an effort to restore order. The military expedition is the subject of the book by Hella Haase (born in the Indies) and the ensuing film. However, the prewar colonial episode is also covered by means of flashbacks from the main character(s). The flashbacks give an excellent view of the rural life, including many scenic shots, and the informal apartheid between the eastern and western populations. The war scenes document the atrocities from both combatant sides, without unnecessary exaggerations. Since the narrative is partly biographical, it is not surprising that the characters look credible. The main theme is probably the inability of native Indians and Dutch to understand each other, even after decades of living together. The film has an open ending, which seems to call for mutual respect. Unfortunately the historic events took a tragic course for Indonesia. The Dutch effort to maintain a Commonwealth was declined by radical Indonesian nationalists, resulting in a one-sided Indonesian independence. The new rulers exercised a repression, which since decades had been abandoned by the colonialists. Already during the rule of the first president Soekarno many Bolshevists were murdered. The persecutions intensified under general Soeharto, who erected a military dictatorship and killed hundred thousands of people. All these excesses hampered the development of Indonesia, which only in the last few decades seems to recover. In the west we look with aversion at the abuse of power by the post-colonial indigenous elites. We are tempted to intervene, and install incorruptible governments. But remember that such noble motives also under-lied our then colonial urges. The tragedy is twofold. First, national sentiments are strong. People prefer a local dictatorship over a foreign democratic rule. Second, good intentions are insufficient and in practice the foreign interests tend to predominate (oil contracts etc.). If you are interested in Dutch colonialism in the Indies, there is a fair amount of cinematic documentation. Famous is the film "Max Havelaar", about the emerging colonial state. The TV series "De stille kracht" gives an impressive description of the life of the colonial elite. Another produce on this topic is "Van oude mensen" about retired ex pats. Then there is "Rubber", about colonial business at the time of the Great Depression. In addition there are excerpts from the extensive film archives (1900-1950), like "Van de kolonie niets dan goeds".
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