AMSTERDAM: Queen Juliana of the Nether­lands in a businesslike but impressive 31-minute ceremony today [Dec 27] signed the transfer of sovereignty to the Republic of the United States of Indonesia – and a new state in South-East Asia was born. In a brief spe­ech, marking the end of 340 years of Dutch colonial rule in the Pacific and the conclusion of a union between Holland and the new state, the queen said it was “one of the most deeply moving events of the times, piercing as it were at the very roots of our existence”.

No longer opposed, Holland and Indonesia were now taking their places “side by side, however much we may be bruised ... wearing the sears and rancour and regret”. The Prime Minister of Indonesia, Dr Mohammad Hatta, accepting the transfer, spoke of his hope that future cooperation between the two countries would be fruitful... .

The Queen, dressed in black velvet, spontaneously leaned towards him and they cordially shook hands. Scattered touches of colour — the glitter of gold braid worn by the royal entourage, the dresses of a handful of ladies present, enlivened the historic ceremony in the marble-walled Burgerzaal of the royal palace.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024