Van Agt Urged King Willem-Alexander to Apologize to Moluccan Community

Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt, prior to his death in early 2024, implored King Willem-Alexander to issue a formal apology to the Moluccan community in the Netherlands for the historical treatment they received from the Dutch government. Van Agt expressed this request in a letter to the King, confirmed by the Government Information Service (RVD) following inquiries from NOS [1].

Historical Context: Moluccans in the Netherlands

The situation stems from the period following Indonesia’s declaration of independence in 1945. Moluccan soldiers who had served in the Royal Dutch East Indies Army (KNIL) faced potential persecution from Indonesian independence fighters. In 1951, the Netherlands transported approximately 12,500 Moluccan soldiers and their families to the Netherlands, initially intended as a temporary measure [3]. However, these soldiers were discharged from service and largely prevented from returning to their homeland [3].

For over two decades, the Moluccan community remained in the Netherlands, seeking a path back to an independent state in the Moluccas. Frustration over their unresolved situation led to protests and, in the late 1970s, escalated to violent actions by a group of Moluccan youth [1].

Van Agt’s Role and Subsequent Reflection

As Minister of Justice in 1977, Dries van Agt oversaw the government’s response to these actions, including the resolution of a hostage situation at a school in Bovensmilde and a train hijacking at De Punt. These events resulted in the deaths of six hijackers and two hostages [1].

In 2021, following a meeting with members of the Moluccan community, Van Agt publicly stated that “great injustice has been committed against the Moluccans” and that an apology was warranted [3]. Antis Maryanan, one of those who met with Van Agt, shared that the former Prime Minister had expressed a growing understanding of the Moluccan experience over time [1].

Current Status and Community Reactions

As of March 21, 2026, the Dutch Royal House has not issued a formal apology to the Moluccan community. Reactions within the community are mixed. While some, like Antis Maryanan, believe an apology would be appropriate, particularly from the King due to the community’s historical loyalty to the monarchy, others feel that the delay diminishes its significance [1].

Efforts to acknowledge the history of the Moluccan community in the Netherlands are ongoing, including exhibitions at Museum Maluku and the planned construction of a national monument in Rotterdam [1].