KNIL Graves in Vlissingen Gain Cultural Protection

In Vlissingen, all graves of Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) soldiers will receive special plaques featuring the KNIL emblem in the coming months. These graves will be granted cultural heritage status, preventing their removal.

This morning, the first plaque was installed in the presence of relatives. Alex Telehala expressed to Omroep Zeeland that the plaque represents recognition for the entire community.

After Indonesia’s independence in 1945, Moluccan KNIL soldiers remained loyal to the Netherlands, seen as collaborators and brought to the Netherlands in 1951. They initially lived in former concentration camps, unable to work and feeling abandoned by the Dutch government.

Changes in policy began in the 1960s, with Moluccans being housed across the country and gaining more say in their future. The first plaque was placed this morning at Petrus Telehala’s grave, with both the mayor Bas van den Tillaar and Alex Telehala present.

The plaques are significant for future generations, highlighting that KNIL soldiers fought alongside the Dutch in the 1950s. Later this year, a monument will be installed at the cemetery entrance for communal remembrance.

Source: NOS

Share