Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten visited the former transit camp Kamp Westerbork. The visit focused on three key challenges facing the site: passing on its stories to new generations, the wider historical landscape of the camp, and the “other major history” of the area — the post-war Molukkan residential settlement known as Schattenberg.
At the railway wagon located at the centre of the former camp site, a brief commemorative moment was held together with 85 pupils from atheneum/gymnasium year 3 of the Stedelijk Lyceum in Enschede. Survivor Hans Peeper addressed the group, reflecting on the significance of the site. Imprisoned at Westerbork as a four-year-old, he survived deportation to Bergen-Belsen.
During a walk towards the former commandant’s house, director Bertien Minco outlined the layered history of the site. She highlighted the largely empty appearance of the terrain today, which can make it difficult for younger visitors to imagine its past. The Prime Minister subsequently paid a brief visit inside the former commandant’s residence.
Standing by the window of the building, Rob Jetten looked out over the camp grounds together with Minco, reflecting on the importance of preserving memory at historically significant sites. In his words: “It is so important that we continue to engage in dialogue with one another and understand the differences within our society. This can, among other places, be done in a site such as Westerbork.”
Mecanoo architect Francine Houben has developed a new vision for the redevelopment of Kamp Westerbork. The plans aim to make the full residential history of the area visible, improve the experience of the expansive terrain, renew the museum, and reintroduce meaning to the former railway line.
Director Bertien Minco presented the current progress of the redevelopment plans to the Prime Minister.
Jetten also visited the exhibition “Maria Austria was here”, which brings together two historical narratives linked to the site: the Holocaust and the consequences of decolonisation. In 2026, the remembrance centre marks 75 years since approximately 13,000 Moluccans arrived in the Netherlands, with over 3,000 housed in Schattenberg.
During the visit, the Minister-President spoke with Mietji Hully, who was born in the settlement. She shared her personal experiences, the ongoing impact of this history, and the importance of passing these stories on to future generations.
The visit concluded at the graves of Moluccan KNIL soldiers, their partners, and children who died young, located in the municipality of Midden-Drenthe. The graves have been granted “perpetual grave” status. Mayor Jan Zwiers explained how this recognition was established and its significance for relations between the municipality and the Moluccan community.
An additional conversation took place with John Matahelumual, who spoke about the importance of recognition and remembrance.
Jetten reflected on the shared but distinct histories addressed during the visit: “The Holocaust and the Moluccan-Dutch history are two different stories, but they share the common fact that the Dutch state failed both communities. It is essential that both histories are told.”
