Imagine landing in a new country at the tender age of 14, leaving behind the warmth of your homeland, the familiar faces, and, most importantly, the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals. This was the reality for Louisa Johanna Theodora “Wieteke” van Dort, a Dutch artist born in Surabaya, Indonesia. She first set foot in the Netherlands in late 1957, a move that marked the beginning of a life filled with longing for her native Indonesia.
A New Beginning in a Foreign Land
For Wieteke, adapting to the cold climate and the new culture was challenging. She missed the tropical warmth and, above all, the rich and diverse Indonesian cuisine. The blandness of Dutch food at the time only made her miss home more. Even the food served on the ship from Indonesia to the Netherlands seemed more flavorful than what she encountered upon arrival.
A Song of Longing
Three decades later, Wieteke channeled her nostalgia into a song titled “Geef Mij Maar Nasi Goreng” (Just Give Me Nasi Goreng (fried rice)). The song, with its traditional keroncong melodies, is a heartfelt ode to her teenage years in Indonesia, reminiscing about the delicious foods like lontong, sate babi, serundeng, bandeng, tahu petis, kue lapis, onde-onde, and bakpao.
This song struck a chord with many Dutch-Indonesians who had experienced similar upheavals. The anti-Dutch sentiment in Indonesia during the 1950s, triggered by stalled negotiations over the status of West Papua, led to mass departures of Dutch nationals. This period of tension, culminating in the “Black Sinterklaas” events on December 5, 1957, saw Dutch properties seized and Dutch nationals hurriedly leaving the country, often with little knowledge of what awaited them in the Netherlands.
From Surabaya to Stardom
Wieteke’s journey was not just one of personal displacement but also of professional growth. Upon settling in the Netherlands, she married Theo Moody and their son, Alexander, was born. Her career flourished with “The Late Late Lien Show,” a popular TV program that celebrated Indonesian culture. Wieteke’s alter ego, Tante Lien, became a beloved figure, known for her comedic yet insightful portrayal of an Indonesian auntie. The show was not just entertainment; it was a cultural bridge that helped preserve and share Indonesian heritage among Dutch audiences.
Echoes of Indonesia
Through “The Late Late Lien Show,” Wieteke not only entertained but also educated. The show featured Indonesian music, food, and traditions, rekindling the romantic memories of Indonesia for many in the Dutch audience. Songs like “Ayun-Ayun,” “O Sarinah,” and “Terang Bulan” became nostalgic anthems for those longing for a connection to their Indonesian roots.
The show’s success lay in its authenticity and Wieteke’s genuine love for her birthplace. It featured guests from both Indonesia and the Netherlands, such as the Blue Diamonds and Anneke Gronloh, further enriching its cultural tapestry. One particularly memorable episode recounted the touching story behind the song “Hallo Bandoeng,” capturing the poignant reunion of a mother and her son through the first telephone connection between the Netherlands and Indonesia.
A Legacy Remembered
Wieteke van Dort’s contributions to arts and culture were immense, spanning theater, radio, television, and music. She received numerous accolades, including the Silver Medal from the Dutch Ministry of Defense for her role as Tante Lien, which became a platform for reuniting Dutch war veterans. Her death on July 15, 2024, marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire and connect people across continents.
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