Latest news with #DutchEastIndies
Al Jazeera
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al Jazeera
Indonesia: The Voice of Freedom
How Indonesian composer Ismail Marzuki influenced the fight for independence from Dutch colonisation in the 1940s. It's 80 years since Indonesia declared unilateral independence from the Netherlands in August 1945. This is the untold story of Indonesian composer Ismail Marzuki, whose music became the soundtrack of the Indonesian struggle against both Dutch colonisation and Japanese wartime occupation. Marzuki was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist whose lyrics and sentimental melodies struck a chord with the national consciousness. But his nationalism also got him into trouble with the Japanese when they invaded during World War II – and he was interrogated, tortured, imprisoned and died young at the age of 44. The film captures the harsh realities of colonial rule but also the transcendent power of art. Marzuki's story shows how an artist's voice can help forge a country's identity and become a symbol of freedom and national pride.
The National
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day at five UAE restaurants showcasing the nation's culinary heritage
Food is the quickest way to discover a culture, and in Indonesia, every dish reflects the archipelago's diversity, blending local ingredients with flavours shaped by a long history of trade, migration and cross-cultural exchange. Today marks 80 years since Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch colonial rule. The region had been known as the Dutch East Indies, or the Netherlands East Indies, and had been under European control for more than three centuries until it officially declared independence on August 17, 1945. To celebrate the day, you may want to experience the many flavours of Indonesia – from nasi goreng, the hearty fried rice dish, to savoury satay and gado-gado, a famous peanut sauce salad. These five restaurants bring a taste of the island nation's rich culinary heritage to the UAE, offering a delicious way to honour the anniversary of Indonesia's independence. Andaliman, Dubai Andaliman draws its name from a rare pepper from the highlands of North Sumatra. Many of its dishes also make use of andaliman pepper's unique citrusy flavour. Located at the One&Only One Za'abeel, the upscale restaurant brings a unique, fine-dining twist to many Indonesian favourites, including Nasi Goreng and beef Rendang. The restaurant's seafood offerings, such as Jimbaran grilled fish, are a highlight. Sourced locally, they often make the best of the catch of the day, butterflying and marinating the fish before grilling it over coconut husks. The open kitchen layout means that you can appreciate the techniques up-close. The restaurant also has a special programme prepared for Independence Day, including a special menu, family-friendly games and giveaways. Betawi Cafe, Dubai A cozy restaurant in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Betawi Cafe takes pride in offering authentic Indonesian street food. It has several staple dishes in its menu, from nasi goreng and gado gado to sop buntut, an oxtail soup. There are also plenty of vegetarian options such as nasi padang, a platter dish consisting of rice with various accompanying dishes; and tahu gejerot, fried tofu in a sweet and spicy sauce. The duck offerings are also noteworthy. These include pecel bebek, fried duck served with urap, which is vegetable grated with coconut. If you're particularly hungry, the paket rendang is recommended – a hearty beef rendang served with fried chicken, vegetable curry with jackfruit, fried tempe and tofu, as well as a stir fried morning glory. The Little Bali, Dubai The Little Bali is also among the Indonesian offerings in Jumeirah Lake Towers, but it is distinct for also offering Korean, Thai and Chinese dishes. It offers many Indonesian classics, a popular choice is the ayam betutu chicken, as well as Korean bulgogi rice bowls, tom yam hot Thai soup and stir-fried Chinese favourites. Rempah Indonesian Restaurant, Abu Dhabi Rempah Indonesian Restaurant has two branches in Abu Dhabi, on Airport Road and in Khalifa City. Interestingly, the two branches don't share the same menus. Even though you'll certainly find a wide overlap, there are several dishes that are unique to each branch. At Airport Road, try the soto ayam lamongan, a yellow chicken soup rich in spices; and the ayam bakar taliwang, a spicy, charcoal-grilled chicken served with fried tempeh and rice wrapped in kangkung, also known as water spinach. In Khalifa City, try the bebek goreng surabaya, a crispy herb-marinated duck; or the seabream fish dish, ikan pecak betawi. The nasi goreng special is also a must-try, served with chicken satay, an egg and crunchy shrimp crackers. There are also dishes that draw inspiration from the Middle East, such as nasi kebuli kamping ampel, a tender spiced lamb cooked with ghee and fragrant rice and served with pineapple sambal. House of Indonesia, Dubai Also located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, House of Indonesia offers a wide range of menu options that draw from the five major islands of Indonesia, providing a comprehensive taste of the country's diverse flavours. After starters such as singkong goreng, a crispy cassava served with chili paste; and a fired chicken skin dish known as bakwan kampoeng, the menu moves on to dishes that clearly state its region of origin. From Sumatra Island, you can try terong balado, aubergine cooked in a tangy sambal sauce; the beef foot curry gulai kikil; or the bebek bakar pempah, roasted duck with herbs. Dishes from Java include a coconut milk soup named sayur lodeh; a meatier alternative, the soto betawi; a nasi goreng; and beef ribs served with a black spicy sauce. From Kalimantan, try compressed rice cakes (ketupat) served with a rich fish stock, and from Bali island and South-east Nusa, sample the ayam betutu, a steamed and seasoned chicken. Grilled fish marinated with turmeric, garlic, and chili is a highlight from Sulawesi, whereas grilled tuna with chili and shallots is a delight from Maluku and Papua islands.
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Indonesia: Selling a Colonial War
'Framing' the image of Dutch colonial history: For decades, the Netherlands maintained its own narrative about its colonial past, notably over the 1945-1949 war in Indonesia, euphemistically called 'police actions'. In reality, it was a major military operation in response to Indonesia's unilateral declaration of independence in August 1945. This two-part series reveals how far the Dutch government went in 'selling' the war as a domestic affair aimed at restoring peace in what it called the Dutch East Indies. The series exposes how propaganda, selective media coverage and historical omission shaped the Dutch collective memory. A wide range of interviewees explain the complex relationships in the former colony and provide a global context. International pressure eventually forced the Dutch government to give up its colonial war, but its carefully orchestrated disinformation campaign still hangs over the public debate in the Netherlands today. This is about how history is written, rewritten and often manipulated to serve powerful vested interests.
Wall Street Journal
5 days ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
Liberated by the Smiling Giants
I lived in China in the mid-1980s, when it was a much different country. There were no high-rises, few cars and lots of bikes, and people still wore Mao jackets. The small apartment I lived in had about two minutes of hot water at a time, so once in a while I went to a Western hotel where I would sit in the sauna, take a long shower, and have dinner in the coffee shop. One night in 1986 there was another man sitting on the sauna bench—a businessman from the Netherlands, passing through Beijing. He had been born in Asia, in the Dutch East Indies, today's Indonesia. Judging his age, I asked what happened to him during World War II.
Al Jazeera
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Al Jazeera
Kluivert nets first Indonesia win as Bahrain beaten in World Cup qualifier
Indonesia secured a crucial 1-0 win in their Group C qualifier against Bahrain in Jakarta to increase their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. It was head coach Patrick Kluivert's first win in charge after the former Netherlands international lost his opening game 5-1 to Australia last Thursday. Ole Romeny scored the only goal of the game in the 24th minute as he latched onto Marselino Ferdinan's pass before beating the keeper. The win moves fourth-placed Indonesia three points clear of their opponents and China, who are bottom of the six-team group with both the fifth- and sixth-placed teams holding six points. Japan, who have already secured their qualification for next year's tournament, were held to a 0-0 draw by third-placed Saudi Arabia. Australia comfortably won 2-0 in China to consolidate second spot, where they are three points clear of Saudi Arabia but still seven behind Japan. The top two teams qualify automatically, while third and fourth head to playoffs and fifth and sixth are eliminated from the qualification process. Second-half Indonesian substitute Tijjani Reijnders blazed a chance high and wide, which would have eased the pressure the home side felt after a much-improved second-half display from Bahrain. It was Romeny's cool first-time finish, after a cross from the right, that handed Indonesia the points as they bid to reach only their second World Cup finals. Their only previous appearance in global football's showpiece event came in 1938 when they were known as the Dutch East Indies, seven years prior to their independence from the Netherlands.
