The Dutch government officially recognizes, 'fully and unconditionally,' the independence of Indonesia on August 17, 1945. The ongoing dispute regarding the recognition of the Proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia by the Netherlands continues to be a contentious issue. Historically, the Netherlands acknowledged the independence of the Republic of Indonesia on December 27, 1949, following the transfer of sovereignty based on the outcomes of the Round Table Conference.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated, 'The Netherlands acknowledges, fully and unconditionally, that Indonesia achieved independence on August 17, 1945.' Rutte made this statement during a parliamentary discussion on the study of decolonization from 1945 to 1950. Following this acknowledgement, Mark Rutte assured that he would promptly reach out to President Joko Widodo for a 'joint recognition' ceremony.
Rutte acknowledged that the Dutch government has consistently recognized Indonesia's independence on every August 17, 1945, with gestures such as the king sending congratulatory telegrams to Indonesia annually. The Indonesian people perceive August 17, 1945, as a momentous occasion, marking the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia, just two days after the end of Japanese occupation.
However, until at least 2005, the Dutch recognition of the independence on August 17, 1945, was limited to 'political and moral' acknowledgment, but never a full recognition.
The firm Dutch resistance to recognizing the Proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia has given rise to several assumptions, including concerns that the Netherlands would be liable for substantial compensation due to the events of 'aggression' between 1945 and 1949.
By acknowledging the independence of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945, the Netherlands automatically admits to having attacked a sovereign nation. However, by asserting the claim of Indonesian independence in 1949, the Netherlands could argue that its actions were of a police nature, aimed at safeguarding the Dutch East Indies from civil unrest.
