The Remnants of Empire. Dutch capital in independent Indonesia, 1945-1958

Presented by: J.P. van de Kerkhof
IIAS research fellow, sponsored by NIOD

There is general agreement among historians that decolonization was more than a mere change of flags, but a multifaceted process that went through several stages. Political decolonization typically preceded the economic withdrawal of the former mother country.

The aspiration of newly independent countries to eradicate the remnants of the colonial economy often conflicted with their desire to maximize prosperity. This was particularly evident in Indonesia in the 1950s where lack of capital and expertise required the postponement of the construction of a national economy and grudging acceptance of continued Dutch dominance in the modern economic sectors. Indonesian independence was achieved between 1945 and 1949, but the decisive step towards economic decolonization was only taken in 1957/58, when the Indonesian government ousted the remaining Dutch and nationalized Dutch corporate assets. This paper focuses on the (abortive) redistribution of economic power in Indonesia in the 1950s, raising key questions regarding the intricate relationship between the Indonesian authorities, Dutch business and Indonesian private entrepreneurs.

23 March 2005
15.15 - 16.30 hrs
Leiden University
Building 1103
Nonnensteeg 1-3
Room 329

For more information, please contact IIAS:
Ms. Lena Scheen
071-527 4159
iiasfellowships@let.leidenuniv.nl