Indonesian Vice President Responds to Dutch Apology for Past Slavery

TEMPO.CO, Bali - Indonesian Vice President, Ma'ruf Amin, responded to the Dutch Government's apology regarding the past slavery in several countries they colonized, including Indonesia.

"If they (the Netherlands) do (apologies), they could submit it officially to the (Indonesian) government, then, the government will respond afterward," said Ma'ruf Amin in the Nusa Dua area, Bali, Friday, December 23, 2022.

According to Ma'ruf Amin, the Indonesian government will certainly discuss this matter if there is an official apology. "If it's not clear, it has not been official yet, they should convey it to the Indonesian government," he added.

Previously, Dutch Prime Minister (PM) Mark Rutte, representing the Dutch Government, apologized for the country's involvement in slavery in the past.

"We can recognize slavery in the clearest terms as a crime against humanity," said Rutte in a press conference in Den Haag, Monday, December 19, 2022.

Rutte expressed regret that for centuries the Dutch state had empowered, encouraged, and profited from slavery. "People have been commodified, exploited, and trafficked on behalf of the Dutch," said Rutte.

Mark Rutte called slavery a great suffering that still impacts people's lives.

Antara | Translator: Intern / Imaji Lasahido