Historical information

The Japanese occupied present day Indonesis from 7-12-1941 to 15-8-1945. Indonesia was a Dutch colony at the time and Dutch Indonesians were imprisoned, starved and otherwise treated with great cruelty.

Significance

This tile is of importance as a reminder of the War in the Pacific and the suffering of Dutch colonials during the Japanese occupation.

Physical description

A small, simply coloured ceramic tile commemorating the liberation of the Dutch East Indies on August 15, 1945. An illustrated paper applique has been stuck on the top surface.

Inscriptions & markings

The following words and phrases are recorded on the paper applique:
15 augustus 1945; NED. INDIE VRIJ; nooit vergeten (never forget). The dates 7-12-1941and 15-8-1945 record the time of Japanese occupation. The tile is further illustrated with a map of the (now) Indonesian islands; two cut lines of barbed wire and two triumphant lions.