This Open Letter has two objectives. Firstly, the Netherlands must concede that the repression of the Indonesian fight for justice and freedom between 1945 and 1949 was not an internal Dutch affair but an illegal invasion of another country. Hence the atrocities committed by the Dutch army and its local collaborating militias were war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Secondly, the Netherlands must recognise that more than 300 years of colonial rule over Indonesia was not some effort to do good that went wrong. It was always a criminal endeavour exclusively aimed at enriching the Netherlands at the expense of millions of brutally enslaved people. Colonialism was and is a crime of theft, as codified in the UN Charter, UN Resolutions and international law.

What to the uninformed outsider may seem a trivial detail about a specific date touches on the core of the problem. 81 years after Indonesian independence from its former coloniser, the Netherlands still refuses to accept full accountability for its crime of colonialism.

On March 10, 2020, King Willem-Alexander expressed his apologies in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta for what he called “the excessive and disproportional violence of the repression” during the liberation struggle of Indonesia between 1945 and 1949.

On June 14, 2023, prime minister Mark Rutte 1 followed up by recognising August 17, 1945 as the official date of Indonesian independence. He did so during a debate in parliament and declared to do this “fully and without any reservations”. To the outside world that seemed to settle the issue. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The words spoken by the King and the prime minister do not match the facts. In practice, the Netherlands still maintains the legal fiction of the date of November 27, 1949 as official date of independence, when the Netherlands signed an agreement to finally end the futile attempt at reconquering its colony.

This allows Dutch courts up to this day to dismiss any claims of reparations for war crimes by victims of the colonial repression (and their descendants) during the period of 1945 and 1949, as they consider these victims still to be ‘Dutch citizens’ until 1949.

Why is recognition of the date of 1945 so important?

Right after World War II the Netherlands, assisted by allied British colonial forces and remnants of the Japanese occupation army, tried to reestablish its racist colonial hegemony over the Indonesian archipelago.

After liberating its own country of the scourge of Nazism, the Dutch ruling elite considered that justice and freedom were an exclusively European privilege not to be extended to lesser brown people in a distant country, more than 11,000 kilometres from its shores. It did so with deadly repression, massacres, extrajudicial executions, torture and disappearances.

By now claiming to recognise ‘fully and without reservation’ the independence of Indonesia since 1945, while doing the opposite in its courts, the Netherlands prove to the world that postcolonial racism is still rampant.

The brutal repression of the fight for freedom of the Indonesian people was not some ‘internal affair’, it was the illegal occupation of another country. Likewise, 300 years of Dutch colonialism was an occupation, a massive system of theft, exploitation, racism and corruption. The violence of colonialism was not some ‘excess’, it was its essence.

As long as the Netherlands refuse to accept full accountability ‘without reservations’ for its international crime of colonialism, the country has no moral authority to lecture any other country on human rights , justice and freedom.

Next August 17, 2026, the Dutch leading newspaper De Volkskrant will publish the Open Letter. The fight for justice is international. We therefore invite people all over the world to sign the Open Letter on the web page of De Goede Zaak (‘the good issue’). This essay represents the views of its author. The content has been edited by Global South World only for clarity of reading.

These were public exhibitions where people from colonised regions, particularly Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, were displayed for entertainment under the guise of education or anthropology.

Often presented alongside animals or exotic artefacts, these exhibitions reflected the racial hierarchies and colonial ideologies that defined Europe’s imperial age.

While largely forgotten today, the phenomenon reveals how deeply racism and empire shaped popular culture and scientific thought across Europe. Understanding this dark history offers critical insight into how ideas of race, civilisation, and spectacle continue to influence modern societies.

Figures like Carl Hagenbeck, a German animal trader turned exhibitor, pioneered the combination of animal and human displays to appeal to European audiences’ sense of exotic spectacle.

Examples of these shows were widespread in cities such as Paris, London, Milan, Hamburg, and Barcelona.

In Spain, for instance, a human zoo was held in Madrid’s Retiro Park in 1887, including indigenous Filipino people. Some of these displays even lasted into the mid-20th century. For example, at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, a “Congolese Village” exhibit drew criticism and protests from participants.

In recent years, museums and scholars have worked to uncover this history. The website humanzoos.net documents many of these exhibitions and shares testimonies and research. In Germany, a museum exhibition titled MENSCHENanSCHAUEN. Von Blicken zu Taten opened, focusing on this phenomenon.

Artistic works also revisit the topic: Brett Bailey’s controversial performance Exhibit B examined the ethics of spectacle, race, and history by bringing memory and critique into public space .

Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, fiercely maintained its independence through military resistance, most famously by defeating the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.

Despite a brief occupation by Fascist Italy from 1936 to 1941, Ethiopia was never formally colonised and retained its imperial structure under Emperor Haile Selassie.

Liberia, on the other hand, was founded in 1822 by freed African-American slaves under the auspices of the American Colonization Society . It declared independence in 1847 and remained free from European colonisation, although it was heavily influenced by American political and cultural norms.

Modern-day significance

The independence of Ethiopia and Liberia is more than a historical footnote—it continues to shape their national identities and regional roles today:

Cultural and psychological impact

The historical independence of Ethiopia and Liberia has had a profound cultural impact, serving as beacons of African resistance and resilience . Ethiopia, in particular, became a symbol of hope for Pan-African movements and Black liberation struggles across the globe, from Harlem to Johannesburg.

In Liberia, the preservation of indigenous identities alongside Americo-Liberian traditions has created a complex but uniquely self-governed African society that avoided the deep scars of European-imposed boundaries and rule.

Salazar's political career began in 1926 when he was appointed Minister of Finance under a military-led government . His reputation for financial prudence and economic stabilization earned him widespread recognition. In 1932, he ascended to the position of Prime Minister, solidifying his authority and shaping Portugal's political landscape for nearly four decades.

The Estado Novo Regime

Under Salazar's leadership, Portugal transitioned into an authoritarian state marked by strict political control , censorship, and opposition repression. The Estado Novo emphasised nationalism and corporatism, seeking to maintain social order through a hierarchical and state-controlled economic structure. A central tenet of his governance was "Portugalidade," a policy promoting the country's cultural and historical identity while reinforcing colonial rule over African and Asian territories.

He prioritised economic stability, advocating for fiscal conservatism and protectionist policies . His administration implemented a series of infrastructure projects, state-owned enterprises, and agricultural reforms aimed at fostering self-sufficiency. While these measures contributed to economic growth and stability, critics argue that his rigid economic policies stifled modernization and limited Portugal's industrial development.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

During World War II, Salazar maintained Portugal’s official neutrality, although his government maintained economic and diplomatic ties with the Allies and Axis powers. Post-war, Portugal became a founding member of NATO and later joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), reflecting its strategic position in Western geopolitics. However, Salazar's staunch defence of Portugal’s colonial empire increasingly isolated the country on the international stage, particularly during the decolonization movements of the mid-20th century.

Legacy and Impact

Salazar’s legacy remains a subject of debate. Supporters credit him with ensuring economic stability and preventing Portugal from being drawn into major conflicts. However, his authoritarian rule, suppression of civil liberties, and resistance to democratic reforms have been widely condemned. The Estado Novo persisted until 1974 when the Carnation Revolution led to its collapse and the establishment of a democratic government.

Following a stroke in 1968 that left him incapacitated, Salazar was replaced as Prime Minister by Marcelo Caetano. He remained unaware of his removal from office until his death on July 27, 1970.

Here are ten of the most significant revolutions that have left an unforgettable mark on the world:

The Glorious Revolution (1688)

Also known as the Revolution of 1688, this non-violent revolution in England led to the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. It laid the foundation for modern parliamentary democracy.

The American Revolution (1765–1783)

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt against British rule, leading to the establishment of the United States of America. It introduced the principles of liberty, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness, influencing many other nations.

The French Revolution (1789–1799)

This revolution overthrew the French monarchy, established a republic, and led to radical social and political changes. It inspired the rise of modern democracies and the decline of absolute monarchies worldwide.

The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)

The Haitian Revolution was the first successful slave rebellion, leading to the independence of Haiti from French colonial rule. It had a profound impact on the abolition of slavery and colonialism in the Americas .

The Taiping Revolution (1850-1864)

The Taiping Rebellion, also known as the Taiping Revolution, was a massive civil war in China that lasted from 1850 to 1864. It was led by Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ and sought to establish the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

The Young Turk Revolution (1908)

The Young Turk Revolution, also known as the July Revolution, was a significant event in Ottoman Empire history that took place in 1908. The Ottoman Empire was facing internal strife, corruption, and external pressures. Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who ruled from 1876 to 1909, established an authoritarian regime, suppressing opposition and dissent.

The Russian Revolution (1917)

The Russia n Revolution led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the rise of the Soviet Union. It marked the beginning of communist rule in Russia and influenced global politics throughout the 20th century.

The Chinese Communist Revolution (1949)

This revolution resulted in the establishment of the People's Republic of China under communist leadership. It significantly altered China's social, economic, and political landscape.

The Cuban Revolution

Led by Fidel Castro, the Cuban Revolution overthrew the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. It established a socialist state in Cuba and had a lasting impact on Latin American politics.

The Industrial Revolution (1760–1840)

Although not a political revolution, the Industrial Revolution transformed economies from agrarian to industrial. It introduced technological advancements, urbanization, and significant social changes.

The Iranian Revolution (1978-1979)

The Iranian Revolution replaced the pro-Western Shah with an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. It drastically changed Iran's political system and had significant implications for the Middle East.

Despite achieving independence, these nations continue to maintain strong economic, cultural, and political ties with France, a relationship often referred to as "Franç Afrique." 

This enduring legacy of French influence significantly shapes modern relations, with France retaining military bases, making substantial investments in African economies, and promoting the French language and culture. 

The relationship between France and its former colonies continues to impact the region's development and France's global strategy although in recent times its influence has significantly waned. The French former colonies include:

Algeria:  French rule began in 1830 following the French invasion of Algeria and lasted until the end of the Algerian War , with Algeria gaining independence in 1962.

Tunisia:  Established as a French protectorate in 1881, Tunisia remained under French control until it gained independence in 1956.

Benin:  The French takeover of the Kingdom of Dahomey began in 1872. It became the Republic of Dahomey within the French Community in 1958, and gained full independence on August 1, 1960, later renaming itself Benin in 1975.

Seychelles:  A collection of islands that came under French control in 1756. Settlers arrived in 1770, but France surrendered the islands to the British in 1794.

Other former French colonies are; the  Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Cameroon (formerly under German control), Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Chad, Guinea, Burundi, Togo, Central African Republic, Gabon, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Comoros Islands.

Though direct rule ended in the early 1960s, French influence over its former colonies continued. France has attempted to maintain a foothold in Francophone Africa through political, security, economic, and cultural connections.