Ronny Herman de Jong, a Dutch-American survivor of Japanese-run internment camps during World War II, has renewed calls for Tokyo to formally apologize for systemic abuses against women and children in Southeast Asia. Speaking publicly this month, the 93-year-old recounted harrowing experiences of starvation, forced labor, and violence inflicted by the Japanese Imperial Army on civilian populations between 1942 and 1945.
"My mother and I survived on cockroaches and banana peels in Java," de Jong revealed during a December 2025 interview, describing conditions at the Tjideng camp where over 10,000 women and children were imprisoned. Her testimony comes as historical reconciliation efforts gain renewed attention across Asia this year.
While Japan issued broad apologies in 1993 and 2015, survivors argue these statements inadequately address specific wartime crimes against civilian populations. Advocacy groups note only 23% of surviving camp internees have received compensation through private Japanese funds since 2007.
Regional analysts suggest the 80th anniversary of WWII's conclusion in 2025 presents a critical opportunity for diplomatic progress. However, recent surveys show 68% of Japanese citizens under 40 believe wartime issues should be "left to historians."
