A Study On Dutch Ethnic Policies In Suriname

The Netherlands colonized Suriname from 1815 to 1975.During this period,Dutch colonists assimilated the Creole,Hindustani,Javanese,Amerindian,Chinese,etc.The assimilation policy implemented by the Netherlands in Suriname had oppressed the development of aborigines and ethnic minorities,but objectively speaking,it also had increased the cultural exchanges between the ethnic groups in Suriname.Subsequently,under the influence of multiculturalism,Dutch colonial authorities,based on the reality of ethnic diversity and plural religion,and turned to respect the religious and cultural diversity of minorities by adjusting the imbalance of minority communities in the political structure of Suriname.In addition,Dutch colonial authorities also strengthened self-governing local communities in rural areas and adopted other measures.Gradually,Dutch colonial authorities took on the multicultural policy and thus the social contradictions and the pressure of colonial rule in Suriname could be alleviated.The fact showed that there were still some potential problems in Suriname,such as the imbalance of population structure and socioeconomic structure.But it was true that Dutch ethnic policies had made an actual significant impact on Suriname.Ethnic Policy is a good medicine to improve ethnic relations,however,integration is not a matter of overnight.Ethnic Policy should adapt to the development of various ethnic groups and should keep pace with the times.