New Dutch exhibition examines Indonesia’s independence

By MIKE CORDER
Associated Press

AMSTERDAM (AP) — A new exhibition opening this week at the Dutch national museum examines the violent birth of Indonesia after three centuries of colonial rule. The Rijks Museum show, “Revolusi! Indonesia Independent,” portrays the Southeast Asian nation’s struggle for independence in the aftermath of World War II through the eyes of 23 witnesses. The exhibit has already caused controversy and anger in the Netherlands over the use of a word describing attacks by Indonesians on Dutch and other nationalities in the early days of the 4 1/2-year independence war. One group has filed a complaint with police and prosecutors over use of the term “bersiap,” saying the museum “knowingly continues to use a term that stigmatizes Indonesians in a colonial way.”