Indonesia independence recognised

Flying high: The Indonesian flag flutters in front a partial solar eclipse in Surabaya. — AFP

The Netherlands has finally recognised Aug 17, 1945 as Indonesia’s official independence day, though still insisting that the legal transfer of sovereignty took place some four years later on Dec 27, 1949, and that the recognition will not change any preexisting legal conditions.

In a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday in The Hague, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that Amsterdam has “completely and unconditionally” acknowledged 1945 as the year marking Jakarta’s independence, the first admission of its kind after 78 years, adding that he would soon consult with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to mull on a shared understanding on the past event.