Alexander Willem Frederik Idenburg

Alexander Willem Frederik Idenburg (23 July 1861 – 28 February 1935) was a Dutch military officer and politician of the Anti-Revolutionary Party who served as Governor-General of Suriname from 1905 until 1908, and the Dutch East Indies from 1909 until 1916. He also served as Minister of Colonies on three occasions between 1902 and 1919. Idenburg served on the Council of State from 1925 until his death in 1935.

Biography Idenburg was born on 23 July 1861 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. At the age of 16, he was sent to Koninklijke Militaire Academie. In 1881, he was commissioned second lieutenant at the military engineers of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL). In 1889–1890, he was sent to the Aceh War, but did not participate in the fighting. Between 1896 and 1901, he was the president of the cabinet of General Major J.A. Vetter. As an orthodox protestant, he had refused attend parties and receptions which were held on Sunday. Four Muslim shopkeepers who closed their shops on Friday, but reopened on Sunday, were sentenced to a ƒ5,- fine. In February 1908, he applied for sick leave. On 28 February, he resigned as governor. Van Daalen had lost twelve men during the Aceh Wars, but – as is now known – to have caused at least 2,922 native deaths including at least 1,149 women and children. but could not prevent an investigation into the massacre. Van Daalen decided to turn in his resignation. He was later controversially absolved of all crimes, and re-enlisted.

On 21 August 1909, Idenburg was appointed Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies where arrived on 18 December 1909. for founding the Indische Party. In 1914, Douwes Dekker's writings were banned. Idenburg tried to pass a Sunday Law in the Dutch East Indies, but only managed a watered down version. On 17 February 1925, he was appointed to the Council of State, an advisory council to the government.

Honours Commander in the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Grand Cross in the Order of Henry the Lion. Grand Cross in the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Gallery