New book "The Connection with the Dutch East Indies" brings forgotten Dutchman to life.

The latest book by Anton Waanders, "The Connection with the Dutch East Indies," tells the forgotten story of his grandfather's cousin. On September 18, 1944, tragedy struck when the Junyo Maru sank off the coast of Sumatra, claiming 5,621 lives, including that of Bram Waanders. Bram was a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Dutch East Indies Army, captured by the Japanese. In September 2021, 77 years after his death, Bram was posthumously recognized as a fallen member of the communication service and included on the monument of fallen soldiers.

The book describes the life of an ambitious, diligent, and socially aware Dutchman from Deventer who joined the army before World War I. After the war, he traveled with his family to the Dutch East Indies to seek their fortune. He found an opportunity to work for the Dutch East Indies Post, Telegraph, and Telephone Service. Despite significant investments in telephony and infrastructure by the Dutch government, inequalities persisted among different ethnic groups in the colony and within those groups themselves. Bram worked tirelessly to address these issues through his involvement in the union, press, and politics.

The crisis of the 1930s worsened the situation in the colony, but also gave Bram reason to redouble his efforts. He saw emerging ultranationalism and fascism in Europe and Asia as a threat to existence and freedom. Despite his media, civil, and military involvement, the consequences for Bram and his family were devastating. This is the story of an ordinary family facing extraordinary circumstances, including war, crisis, and drastic technological and societal changes from the early 20th century to World War II.

The book is now available in English and Dutch and can be ordered online through e.g., Amazon or lulu.com. The royalties from the book will be donated to the International Red Cross to support relief efforts in disaster and war zones.