The municipality of Utrecht is starting a study on how to appropriately recognize and commemorate the slavery and colonial past in the East. This research arises from a request from the Indische diaspora, who asked for attention for this history, aiming to increase knowledge among Utrecht residents and to make the connections between the East and the West visible.
Utrechts slavery history is connected not only to the transatlantic slave trade but also to the East through the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The study will focus on how various communities, such as the Indische, Molukse, and Papuan groups, relate to this topic. Possible forms of recognition and commemoration, like a monument, educational programs, or other initiatives, will be explored.
The municipality is positive about this initiative and wants to gain insight into what form and content are most suitable for recognizing and commemorating this history. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with the initiators, involved communities, and experts. The goal is to find an inclusive and meaningful way that honors the diverse stories and perspectives.
The results of the research are expected before the summer of 2025. Based on this, it will be decided how Utrecht can best recognize and commemorate the slavery history in the East.
With this research, Utrecht takes another step in making its colonial past visible, following the unveiling of the Monument of Flight and Resistance in 2023.
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