door The letter-card pictured here offers a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of World War II in Southeast Asia. Sent on June 26, 1940, it is addressed to an individual in Batavia (now Jakarta), and it carries the distinctive markings of censorship and military oversight that defined mail during wartime. This postcard originated from the infamous internment camp known as Onrust, which played a significant role during this period in the Dutch East Indies.
The History of Onrust Internment Camp
Onrust, an island situated near Jakarta, has a long and varied history that includes several periods of use as a detention center. Initially, Onrust was used as a naval base by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 17th century, serving as a shipyard and a strategic point in the region. During the early 20th century, the island was repurposed into an internment camp, and its use became especially prominent during World War II.
In 1940, after the outbreak of the war in Europe, the Dutch colonial government began to round up German nationals and individuals suspected of collaborating with the Axis powers. Onrust became a site of internment for these individuals, including both Germans and “foute Nederlanders” (Dutch who were considered traitors or sympathizers with the Nazis). The internment camp was known for its strict conditions, and many detainees endured harsh treatment under suspicion of espionage or collaboration.
Onrust’s isolation made it an ideal location for the Dutch authorities to keep a watchful eye on those deemed a threat to the colony’s security. Life on the island was tough, and the detainees lived in a state of uncertainty, often deprived of contact with their families on the mainland. This postcard serves as a rare connection between the detainees and their loved ones, though strictly censored by the colonial authorities.
Censorship and the Address on the Postcard
The letter-card’s addressee, listed as residing on “Laan Canne No. 1, Batavia C,” suggests that the message was intended for someone within Batavia, the bustling capital of the Dutch East Indies. The markings on the letter-card, including the red stamps and inscriptions, reveal much about the colonial postal censorship protocols during wartime. The phrase “Gecensureerd doorzenden” (“Censored, forward”) and the large circular stamp marked “Commandant Interneringskamp Onrust” clearly indicate that the message was subjected to scrutiny by the authorities before being allowed to continue its journey.
Censorship during this period was a crucial tool for controlling information flow, especially from internment camps, where officials were concerned about the possible leakage of sensitive information or the spread of propaganda. The prominent red stamp labeled “CENSUUR GEPASSEERD 1” (“Passed by Censorship”) signifies that the content was reviewed and approved by a censor, ensuring that nothing considered harmful or subversive could be communicated.
The Significance of Onrust and Its Legacy
Onrust’s role as an internment camp is an important reminder of the complexities of colonial rule and the tensions that arose during World War II in the Dutch East Indies. The camp symbolized the Dutch colonial authorities’ efforts to maintain control and protect the colony from internal threats at a time when the global situation was rapidly changing. The detainment of Germans and suspected collaborators on Onrust reflected the fears of Axis influence spreading into Southeast Asia, a region of immense strategic importance.
Today, the island of Onrust is a part of Indonesia, and much of its history has been overshadowed by the broader events of World War II and the subsequent struggle for Indonesian independence. However, relics such as this postcard provide valuable insights into the personal experiences of those who lived through these tumultuous times. The story of Onrust, encapsulated in the correspondence sent from its camp, speaks to the broader narrative of war, colonial power, and human resilience.
Conclusion
The letter-card from Onrust internment camp is more than just a piece of mail; it is a historical artifact that tells the story of a place where lives were disrupted and histories were made. The censors’ stamps, the address to Batavia, and the island’s history as an internment camp all come together to paint a vivid picture of the wartime experience in the Dutch East Indies. It serves as a reminder of the ways in which war affects not just nations, but also individual lives, often leaving only fragmented traces like this letter-card to tell their stories.
This item was part of the “Postzegelveiling 1e helft 2020” auction (item 2114), held by “Nederlandsche Postzegel- en Muntenveiling BV“.
