A monument to Chris Soumokil, a key figure in the struggle for the independence of the South Moluccas, was unveiled in Vught, Netherlands, yesterday. Today marks sixty years since his execution on April 12, 1966, ordered by then-Indonesian President Suharto.
A History of Conflict
Chris Soumokil served as president of the self-declared Republic of the South Moluccas (RMS) from 1950 until his death. He opposed the integration of the South Moluccas into the Republic of Indonesia, leading to thirteen years of conflict. Soumokil was continuously on the run until his capture in 1963.
Woonoord Lunetten and the Moluccan Community
The monument is located in Woonoord Lunetten, a district in Vught that housed approximately 3,000 Moluccan KNIL soldiers and their families beginning in 1951. It was the largest Moluccan residential area in the Netherlands until 1962.
The memorial incorporates traditional Moluccan symbols, including a traditional shield. Artist Bart Belonje designed the monument.
Unresolved Questions and a Family’s Plea
Soumokil was sentenced to death in 1964 and executed on Pulau Ubi Besar, an island off the coast of Jakarta, on April 12, 1966. The Indonesian government has never disclosed the location of his burial site. His widow, 92-year-old Josina Soumokil-Taniwel, who was present at the unveiling, has not returned to Indonesia since his death and expressed her desire to know where he is buried before she dies.
A Complex History
Soumokil was born in 1905 on Java to a Moluccan father and Indo-European mother. He studied law at Leiden University, graduating in 1934. During World War II, he was imprisoned by the Japanese. After the war, he served as prosecutor-general and later as Minister of Justice of the State of East Indonesia.
This year marks 75 years since Moluccans first came to the Netherlands. Following Indonesia’s declaration of independence from the Netherlands, Moluccans—many of whom had fought alongside the Dutch as KNIL soldiers—were viewed with suspicion. In 1951, the Netherlands relocated thousands of Moluccan families to the country, including to Woonoord Lunetten, initially with the expectation of a temporary stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chris Soumokil?
Chris Soumokil was the president of the Republic of the South Moluccas (RMS) from 1950 until his execution in 1966. He opposed the integration of the South Moluccas into Indonesia.
Where is the monument located?
The monument is located in the Woonoord Lunetten district of Vught, Netherlands, a former residential area for Moluccan KNIL soldiers and their families.
Is the location of Soumokil’s grave known?
No, the Indonesian government has never revealed the location of Chris Soumokil’s burial site.
What does this event signify for the Moluccan community today?
