De Andere Nederlanders – The Other Dutch is a compelling bilingual exhibition and publication that tells the often-overlooked story of the Indo-European (Indische) community: the descendants of Dutch colonisers and local Indonesians in the former Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. These “Other Dutch” developed a unique hybrid identity, blending European and Asian cultures in a distinct lifestyle, language, and tradition known as tempo doeloe.
Originally exhibited at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne from 9 May to 23 July 2000, The Other Dutch brought national attention to this deeply personal and complex migration story. The exhibition, presented in both English and Dutch, was held in the Schiavello Access Gallery and remains a landmark in documenting the Indo contribution to Australia’s multicultural fabric.
Following the Second World War, the Indo community was profoundly disrupted. Political upheaval, war trauma, and racial discrimination—both in Indonesia and the Netherlands—led many to migrate again. For some, Australia became a new home, despite the challenges posed by the White Australia policy. Their journey is one of resilience, loss, cultural survival, and the ongoing search for belonging.
Through personal testimonies, historical context, and cultural vignettes, The Other Dutch offers a moving account of lives shaped by colonialism, war, migration, and memory. It contributes a vital perspective to the Dutch-Australian narrative and provides an opportunity to reflect on our shared, complex history in the Asia-Pacific.
