分类： politics

In an extraordinary public session of De Nationale Assemblée, Pertjajah Luhur faction leader Bronto Somohardjo delivered a remarkably personal address to King Willem-Alexander that redefined Suriname’s relationship with its former colonial ruler. The speech emphasized generational change, mutual equality, and Suriname’s sovereign right to determine its own future.

Somohardjo opened with personal greetings to the king and Surinamese citizens in the Netherlands, revealing his own background as a former Dutch citizen after his family was forced to flee to the Netherlands decades ago. He acknowledged difficult historical periods marked by political turmoil and acknowledged that his father ‘didn’t make it easy for you either,’ referencing occupations, protests, and incidents broadcast live on Dutch television.

Despite this contentious past, Somohardjo noted his family received fair treatment from the Netherlands and was naturalized by the king’s mother, Queen Beatrix, whom he described as ‘a warm and human woman remembered fondly by many here.’ He clarified that his voluntary exchange of a Dutch passport for a Surinamese one was ‘not out of ingratitude, but conviction’—wanting to be ‘buried in the same soil as my combaté.’

Addressing Queen Máxima directly, Somohardjo humorously noted her South American background, suggesting ‘a South American woman deserves extra attention.’

The core of his speech delivered a powerful message: ‘Suriname is not a paragraph in Dutch history. Suriname writes its own book.’ He described this ongoing narrative as being written by ‘Surinamese students in your cities, Dutch interns in my cities, and especially by families separated by thousands of kilometers yet remaining connected.’

Adopting what he called ‘Dutch bluntness’ learned during his upbringing in the Netherlands, Somohardjo stated plainly: ‘You are not here because our sun shines so pleasantly. You are not here for our beautiful nature or that delicious Parbo beer you can now find in Albert Heijn. You are here because you are Dutch. And Dutch people see opportunities—especially in trade.’

He issued a significant warning: ‘The generation your mother dealt with is not the generation facing you today. We are different. We dare more. We know our worth. And we will let no one—friend, partner, or country—take the cheese from our bread.’

The central message called for a completely redefined relationship based on equality: ‘We, King, do not walk behind you. But walk beside you. And that must be the new chapter between Suriname and the Netherlands.’ He advocated for mutual rediscovery without subservience or confrontation: ‘Not with bowed heads. Not with clenched fists. But out of respect for each other.’

Somohardjo concluded by welcoming the royal couple while firmly asserting Suriname’s self-determination: ‘Welcome to Suriname. The country that knows and acknowledges its history. But will write its own future.’

In an extraordinary parliamentary session attended by Dutch King Willem-Alexander, ABOP faction leader Ronnie Brunswijk delivered a powerful address emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging colonial history to build a mature partnership between Suriname and the Netherlands. Speaking directly to the government table where President Jennifer Simons sat alongside the Dutch monarch, Brunswijk—descendant of enslaved Africans and member of the Maroon community—highlighted the courage, struggle, and sacrifices made by his ancestors for freedom long before it was codified in law.

The political leader asserted that recognizing the colonial past represents not an attempt to sow division but an essential step toward establishing a balanced relationship. ‘History contains painful aspects, but also moments of cooperation and shared values. This demands an honest and balanced approach to dealing with one another,’ Brunswijk stated during the special parliamentary gathering.

While emphasizing Suriname’s forward-looking perspective, Brunswijk positioned the state visit as a potential starting point for a new phase of cooperation that must deliver concrete benefits for both nations. He expressed particular appreciation for the presence of the Dutch king and queen, interpreting their visit as demonstrating genuine willingness to strengthen bilateral relations.

‘Suriname welcomes you with pride, honesty, and dignity—as a people who know their history, acknowledge their pain, and look toward the future with confidence,’ declared Brunswijk, framing the occasion as symbolic of evolving diplomatic relations between the former colony and its former colonial power.

The historic visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Suriname represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations, according to VHP parliamentary leader Asis Gajadien. In an extraordinary public parliamentary session, Gajadien emphasized that the royal visit demonstrates both nations’ commitment to building a relationship founded on mutual respect and equality.

Gajadien recalled that plans for an official visit around Suriname’s 50th independence anniversary had been contemplated since 2021. The realization of this visit now stands as a powerful symbol of restored trust between the former colonizer and its former colony. The VHP faction leader highlighted his party’s consistent advocacy for mature and constructive cooperation with the Netherlands.

The parliamentary leader outlined numerous areas for potential collaboration, including education, knowledge development, healthcare, energy sustainability, climate action, environmental management, and combating transnational crime. Gajadien particularly stressed the importance of acknowledging historical injustices, expressing appreciation for the Netherlands’ growing recognition of its colonial past.

Gajadien asserted that appropriate forms of restorative justice remain crucial for strengthening trust within Surinamese society. The royal visit, occurring years after independence, marks a transformative moment in the complex relationship between the two nations, potentially paving the way for a partnership based on genuine equality and shared objectives rather than historical hierarchies.