It is the case for all wars that they are often reduced to that one brilliant commander or tragic battle. That involves a choice of who and what is deemed ‘iconic’ and who and what is not. Numerous iconic events and people can be identified in the Indonesian war of independence too. That is because many different belligerent parties became embroiled in the conflict, each with its own view of ‘its’ events and key figures.

In this theme, an attempt has been made based on the collections of KITLV and

Leiden University Library to consider ‘the iconic’ from a variety of angles. While no side has been chosen, the available material in the archives is still a limiting factor. Even so, the aim in this theme is to offer a well-considered selection. It shows some of the historical figures and events that symbolized the groups and developments during and ‑ in particular ‑ after the war in Indonesia. The way in which some people and moments developed into icons in the Netherlands and Indonesia tells us a great deal.