Identity Formation and Transformation of First Generation Dutch Indos in The Netherlands

Abstract

Between 1945 and 1965, almost 300,000 Dutch citizens migrated to the Netherlands from Indonesia. More than 60% of these so-called repatriates were born in the former Dutch East Indies and the majority of them had both Dutch and Indonesian parentage

these people were referred to as Dutch Indos. Even though they were legally Dutch citizens, Dutch law- and policymakers were often quite reluctant to honor their status, especially regarding their settlement costs. The cultural differences between native Dutch and the migrated Dutch Indos were highlighted in an effort of othering. This paradox of possessing citizenship – which implies full inclusion of a society – and at the same time experiencing exclusion, exemplifies how the membership of a legal group of Dutch nationals does not guarantee the unconditional inclusion by the Dutch society. The aim of this research is to explore the identity formation and transformation of the first generation Dutch Indos that have migrated from Indonesia to the Netherlands between 1945 and 1965. To fully understand the concept of identity for this group of diaspora communities, this study explores the cultural assimilation processes that can have an influence on the formation of ones identity. This synergy of assimilation and identity is where the uniqueness of identity can be fully understood. From analyzing the interplay of cultural and national identity, a working definition of identity is formed in order to assess the formation and transformation of first generation Dutch Indo identity. Interviews from the oral history archive (KITLV) and qualitative interviews conducted by the author among first generation Dutch Indos are were selected as a source for the research. The research findings are discussed and categorized in the concepts of time, place and policy. Subsequently, these results are linked with the theories discussed in the literature review in order to fully assess the processes involved in identity formation.