Indonesia – Japan – Holland: Triangle of Historical Memory

The article deals with the memory issues that arose as a result of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia) in 1942–1945. Officially, the occupation of the Southeast Asian countries was held under the slogans of pan-Asianism and the liberation of the local population from the influence of Western colonizers. However, it soon became clear that its victims were not only representatives of European metropoles (POWs and internees), but also the local population: in Indonesia, both Indonesians themselves and members of the Indish group – people born into mixed marriages, found themselves in this situation. As a result, in the post-war period, a pressing issue for Japan was not only establishing relations with the young countries of Southeast Asia that had gained independence, but also with the European countries that owned these territories before the occupation. Therefore, this article analyzes the settlement of memory issues in connection with Japan and two other actors – the former metropolitan country, Holland, and the newly independent state, Indonesia. The process of restoring and normalizing relations between these countries included the admission of guilt and the payment of compensation (or funds for the restoration of the post-war economy) and the performance of symbolic acts (reconciliatory visits by monarchs and heads of government, the erection of monuments). In addition, the article highlights the efforts of the public and diplomats aimed at solving humanitarian problems, in particular, attempts to help the affected people find if not support, but at least recognition from society on subjects that had been taboo for many years after the war.