Indi Verloren... Selling a Colonial War

The documentary 'Indi Verloren… Selling a Colonial War' reveals how the Dutch government maintained the narrative of a justified war in Indonesia (1945-1949) for decades through framing, propaganda, and political decisions. It showcases how political leaders sold this conflict to the public under the guise of 'police actions', while neglecting the violence inflicted on the other side during the Bersiap period. Internationally renowned historians from Indonesia, Australia, America, and the Netherlands provide insights into this complex history. For the first time, 'Indi Verloren...' situates this war and its history in the international political context of the time, demonstrating how different narratives continue to resonate today. Organized in collaboration with Pennings Foundation, from August 15 to November 22, 2025, the Pennings Foundation showcases the photo project 'Mijn liefste Teun' by Tahné Kleijn, inspired by her grandmother's diaries from her internment in a Japanese camp during World War II, alongside portraits of former forced laborers from Jan Banning's renowned series 'Traces of War'.