Dutch Govt to Apologize on Rawagede Massacre

Ilustrasi pembantaian Rawagede
Sumber :
  • Radio Nederland Wereldomroep

VIVAnews – The word “sorry” will finally be forwarded officially by the Dutch government to the victims of Rawagede after 64 years.

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The Netherlands would probably deny this before.  However, the family of victims will never forget: the story of men slaughtered by gunmen from behind their back, river crimson with blood, tears of widows and children who tried their best to bury their loved ones, and the stench of human flesh for days will never be forgotten.

On Monday, December 5, 2011, Dutch Foreign Minister, Uri Rosenthal stated that an apology is only appropriate. “It's for the sake of justice in the case of Rawagede serious incident.  I hope this will help the family of the victims close the hardest chapter in their lives, so they can move on to the future,” he said to Radio Netherlands. 

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The Dutch government represented by the Ambassador for Indonesia, Tjeerd de Zwaan will directly apologize during the commemoration of the massacre which will be held in Balongsari Village, the new name for Rawagede. 

The Rawagede massacre was believed as the cruelest, most brutal criminal act committed by the Netherlands between 1945 and 1949. 

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At that time, December 9, 1947, 300 Dutch soldiers led by Major Alphons Wijnen, stormed Rawagede for one purpose: to find and capture Captain Lukas Kustaryo, the commander of Siliwangi Division who had often caused problems with the Dutch troops.  He was called “Karawang Rascal” by NICA troops.

Within one day, 431 men were erased.  However, the Netherlands still insisted that the victims were only 150 men.

What was the reaction of Rawagede villagers?

Reached by VIVAnews on Monday night, historian, as well as Head of Rawagede Society, Sukarman said he was relieved.  Justice has been done. “The Dutch ambassador will be present in the commemoration to apologize,” he said. 

He added, that previously an apology had been presented by the Dutch ambassador to Indonesia in 2007. However, it was not officially brought forth by the Dutch government. 

“This time, it's an important event in history,” he said.  “This is the claim number two attached in the victim’s demand: an apology.”

Meanwhile, regarding compensation to the victims’ family members, Sukarman said that he will leave that to the lawyer.

The apology was possible as a result of the struggle of eight widows of the massacre's victims to seek justice. Unfortunately, one out of the eight widows had deceased. 

A survivor of Rawagede tragedy, Saih Bin Sakam also did not get the chance to see the fruits of his struggle.  

He passed away on May 7, 2011.

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