nrc.nl
The Promise: Dutch Colonial Legacy in West Papua
The Promise" exposes the forgotten Dutch colonial history in West Papua, contrasting the colonial narrative with the ongoing struggle for independence by Papuan refugees and highlighting a secret US-Indonesian mining deal that led to an estimated 500,000 deaths.
- What are the immediate consequences of the Dutch colonial past on the Papuan people, and how does this impact their lives today?
- The documentary "The Promise" reveals the largely forgotten Dutch colonial history in West Papua, highlighting the exploitation and racist propaganda used to justify it. The film contrasts this with the ongoing struggle for independence by Papuan refugees in the Netherlands, emphasizing the lasting impact of colonialism.
- How did the secret mining deal between the US and Indonesia exacerbate the human rights violations and environmental damage in West Papua?
- The film uses restored archival footage to reconstruct the Dutch colonial narrative, juxtaposing it with the accounts of Papuan refugees. This reveals the systematic suppression of the Papuan people and the ongoing consequences of Dutch colonialism, including the current fight for independence.
- What systemic factors allowed the Dutch colonial narrative to be suppressed and what are the future implications for accountability and reparations for the Papuan people?
- The documentary exposes a hidden US-Indonesian mining deal that facilitated a genocide in West Papua, resulting in an estimated 500,000 deaths. It also highlights the environmental destruction caused by Freeport McMoRan's mining operations, foreshadowing further ecological and human rights catastrophes.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the Dutch colonial period as exploitative and morally reprehensible, and this framing is consistent throughout the documentary. While this is supported by historical evidence, the film's emphasis on the negative aspects of Dutch colonialism, and later Indonesian rule, might unintentionally overshadow any positive developments or nuanced historical interpretations. The headline or introduction could be more neutral in the future.
Language Bias
The documentary uses strong and emotionally charged language to describe the colonial past (e.g., "koppensnellers en kannibalen," "stille genocide"). While this reflects the gravity of the events, it might affect the film's neutrality. The use of terms like "stille genocide" requires careful consideration and robust factual backing, given its serious implications. More neutral language could improve objectivity. The language accurately depicts the accounts of the interviewees, but when describing colonial actions in the summary, neutral language would make it more balanced.
Bias by Omission
The documentary focuses on the Dutch colonial past in West Papua and the ongoing conflict, but it might benefit from further exploration of Indonesian perspectives beyond the accounts of victims and activists. The role of international actors beyond the US (e.g., Australia's involvement) could also be expanded upon. The omission of voices defending Indonesian actions could be seen as a bias, potentially creating an incomplete picture of the complexities of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The film presents a clear dichotomy between the Dutch colonial past and the Indonesian occupation, suggesting a continuous pattern of oppression. While this highlights the suffering of the West Papuan people, it might oversimplify the situation by neglecting any potential internal complexities or shifting political landscapes within Indonesia itself.
Gender Bias
The film features a relatively balanced representation of men and women, but there is a potential bias in the selection of the quoted people. There is a slight disproportionate focus on the experiences of male political activists and fighters, although this is partly due to their roles in the documented events. More balanced representation of different genders across various roles (e.g., community leaders, everyday citizens, religious figures) would strengthen the film's gender inclusivity. More women's perspectives should be included.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film highlights the ongoing poverty and lack of economic opportunity in West Papua, exacerbated by historical exploitation and the current mining practices. The systematic suppression of the Papuan people and the resulting displacement and loss of life directly contribute to impoverishment and inequality.