Between 1946 and 1968, more than 300,000 people made the journey from the Dutch East Indies to the Netherlands, driven by the aftermath of World War II and the subsequent decolonization of Indonesia. A large proportion of them were Indo-Europeans—people with both Dutch and Indonesian roots, also known as Indos or Indisch. Many families found shelter in contract boarding houses, such as the Oranjehotel in Dordrecht. For many, their arrival was uncertain and life-changing. Step by step, they worked together to build a new life. And they succeeded: the Indische community in Dordrecht left a lasting mark on the city through their hospitality, cuisine, music, stories, and rich traditions.
Dordrecht Indonesian Story Archive
This summer, the Dordrechts Museum, in collaboration with the Dordrecht Regional Archives, is launching an online story archive to preserve these personal stories as part of its collection. This will allow future generations to gain insight into how their Dordrecht roots began. Would you like to share your story—or that of a family member? If so, please fill out the registration form.
Listening Benches in the Museum Garden
In the garden, residents of Dordrecht with Indonesian roots share their personal stories. Take a moment, sit down, and listen to their memories, experiences, and shared past. The benches also invite conversation—whether with family or a stranger. Conversations about understanding or recognition—and who knows, perhaps a new connection will be formed.
Program
As part of this project, lectures and other activities are organized during the summer months:
- Sunday, July 19: Colorful kite-making workshop for children in the museum garden with Rubens Agaatsz.
- Sunday, August 23: A lecture by Kevin Felter on the Dordrecht contract pensions, followed by a walk past these historic sites in the city.
- Sunday, September 13: SNAAR – A musical afternoon centered around the guitar. Personal stories about family traditions and intangible cultural heritage, featuring live performances!
- Saturday, September 26: An afternoon focused on coming together, connecting, and discussing the impact of a shared history.
All events are free to attend. Check this page for more information or subscribe to the newsletter.
