Indo Scheme
The New Batavia Resettlement Program, also known as the Indo Scheme, was a comprehensive plan for the resettlement of Indo refugees from the Soenda (formerly known as the Dutch East Indies) into New Batavia. It was initiated in the final years of the Soendanese War of Independence, approved by Dutch Prime Minister Koen Haverman in 1975.
Background
Prior to the implementation of the Indo Scheme, New Batavia had seen the establishment of refugee camps, primarily around Noordstadt and New Philadelphia, to accommodate the growing number of refugees from Soenda. These camps, though initially not specific to the Indo community, gradually became major centers for Indo refugees. By the mid-to-late 1960s, the Indo population had become a substantial part of New Batavia's demographic. It was not long until the need for more developed infrastructure in New Batavia became apparent.
Development
Throughout 1971-1974, as the Dutch experienced more losses in the fight in the East Indies, politicians and non-governmental organizations began to push for a more formal resettlement program. Eventually, a plan was drawn up to create fifteen resettlement zones within New Batavia, which were placed around key resources and strategic locations. The Dutch government approved the scheme in 1975, dedicating a budget for new refugee camps, infrastructure development, and the transportation of refugees from Java and other areas.
