‘THROUGH OUR EYES’
The Effects of Dutch Colonialism on
the Moluccan Self-Determination Case
An Indigenous Critical Discourse Analysis
Master Thesis in Political Science
Specialisation in International Relations, Security and Global Order
C.A.E. Leiwakabessy (2640513)
Presented to D.N. Mills
Master Program of Political Science
Faculty of Social Sciences
Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam
25 June 2021, Amsterdam
Word count: 16,480
,The Effects of Dutch Colonialism on the Moluccan Self-Determination Case: An Indigenous Critical Discourse Analysis
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, The Effects of Dutch Colonialism on the Moluccan Self-Determination Case: An Indigenous Critical Discourse Analysis
Abstract
Academic studies on Indigenous peoples are still mainly conducted through a Western lens.
The positioning of Indigenous peoples at the heart of the research is often neglected, resulting
in the lack of understanding of Indigenous knowledges, which is crucial when it comes to our
understanding of Indigenous self-determination cases within the current political landscape.
Fortunately, the body of literature on decolonial international relations is slowly growing but
still heavily underrepresented. Therefore, the contributions of my thesis to the academic field
are two-folded:
First, the purpose of this study is to critically examine to what extent the effects of Dutch
colonialism shape discourses in the Moluccan self-determination case, the Republik Maluku
Selatan (RMS), and in return, maintain, influence, and/or challenge power relations at the
cultural interface. To do so, I use Indigenous Critical Discourse Analysis to critically analyse
discourses of elite actors within the United Nations in relation to the RMS. In addition, I employ
the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Rights as an explanatory framework to guide my
analysis.
Second, I contribute to the underrepresented body of literature on decolonial
International Relations by using Indigenous Standpoint Theory. I ground my theoretical
foundations in an Indigenist Methodology fused with Indigenist Research Principles.
Due to time and other practical constraints, this thesis does not include a complete
historical overview of Moluccan history. Lastly, this thesis by no means aims to generalise its
findings to other Indigenous peoples and their self-determination cases.
Keywords: Maluku, RMS, Indigenous Standpoint Theory, Indigenous Critical Discourse
Analysis (ICDA), Indigenist Research, Decolonial International Relations
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, The Effects of Dutch Colonialism on the Moluccan Self-Determination Case: An Indigenous Critical Discourse Analysis
Notes of Reflection
To the reader,
I speak to you as Charissa Angganita Esther Leiwakabessy. I am an Indigenous Moluccan
woman. I am Melanesian. I am a Pacific Islander. I am from keluarga Leiwakabessy. I come
from the village Hila on the island of Ambon, Maluku. I have written this thesis through my
eyes. Through the eyes of a female member of keluarga Leiwakabessy. Through the eyes of a
third-generation Moluccan woman in The Netherlands. Through the eyes of a child of Maluku.
However, this thesis is only one perspective, one story, one experience. Therefore, I remind the
reader kindly that my voice is not the voice of the collective. I am part of the collective. I do not
speak for my brothers or sisters, nor do I wish to do so. Without a doubt, I could only realise
this thesis with the help of a few persons that I will now address.
First, I must express my immediate gratitude towards the First generation of Moluccans,
because the journey towards this degree was long and tough. Only because of their perseverance,
strength and hope am I able to enjoy this academic education, as the very first person in my
family who has ever done so. Second, Dana, I am beyond grateful that I received this fantastic
opportunity to learn and work with you as my supervisor. I truly enjoyed our meetings and your
constructive feedback. But most of all, thank you for pushing me to find and use my own voice.
It has been a liberating and emancipating experience to receive your guidance. Also, thank you,
Mom, for putting up with my brainstorming sessions and mini lectures. I know this was not
always easy for you. Furthermore, thank you, Armani, Gianny, Nadine, and Pascalle for your
support. And of course, I am grateful to my peers, in particular Rachel and Steven. Thank you
both for your feedback and advice. I enjoyed our fruitful sessions together.
Now, I turn to my brothers and sisters from Maluku. We have long been silent. We have
long been silent about our perspectives, our stories, our lived experiences. I encourage you, my
dear brothers and sisters, to stand up and use your voices to tell the world about our history, our
people, our lands and waters - through our eyes. It is time to break through these barriers of
silence. It is time to use our different, yet colourful and harmonious voices. It is time to speak.
Mena Muria.
One for all, all for one.
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