The House of Representatives has once again poured a cold shower on the relatives of servicemen and civil servants who served in the former Netherlands East Indies during World War II. A majority of the House voted against motions calling for individual financial compensation, known as backpay. This news has caused great anger among Wybren van Haga, a member of the BVNL House of Representatives. FVD is also outraged by this decision.
Van Haga, who champions the interests of the Indian and Moluccan communities, is indignant and disappointed with the parties that voted against the settlement. He calls it a rock-hard slap in the face of the relatives and wonders where the moral compass of these parties has gone.
A roll call vote took place today on two proposals by Van Haga to still reach a settlement for the survivors. To great frustration, these proposals were also rejected, by 68 to 61 votes. This again led to loud cries of incomprehension and disappointment from the public gallery. Van Haga completely understands these emotions and stresses that it is unacceptable not to compensate the often very elderly widows and other surviving relatives for the loss of wages and pensions of their loved ones.
Forum for Democracy (FVD) also shares the outrage and anger. The party is dismayed that the coalition voted against compensation for victims of the Japanese occupation in the Dutch East Indies. They call it telling that, at a time when apologies are being made and reparations granted, our own people are being abandoned. FVD has even decided to start a crowdfunding for The Indisch Platform and calls on others to donate as well.
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This new rejection of compensation for KNIL widows is a bitter pill for the Indonesian and Moluccan community and all those involved who have been fighting for years for recognition and justice. It is incomprehensible that the Chamber has once again failed to heed this just call. Now more than ever, it is essential that justice be done to the history and pain of those involved so that they receive the recognition and compensation to which they are entitled.
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