Indos

Indos is a term that has been used in different contexts, but it most often refers to a historical community of mixed Indonesian and European ancestry, particularly those of Dutch-Indonesian heritage who lived in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). The word is derived from Indo- as a shorthand used in colonial-era languages and sources.

Historically, Indos formed a distinct cultural group that blended European and Indonesian elements. They were often bilingual, speaking Dutch and local languages, and they participated in various sectors of colonial society, including commerce, administration, education, and culture. The Indos developed their own social networks, churches, clubs, and traditions, contributing to the cosmopolitan character of urban centers in the archipelago.

Following Indonesian independence after World War II, many Indos chose to repatriate to the Netherlands or relocate elsewhere. Those who remained often faced significant social and identity-related challenges as they navigated changes in status within both Dutch and Indonesian contexts. The term itself has become more sensitive and is used primarily in historical discussions or family histories today.

In contemporary usage, Indos is less common as a self-identifier and can be seen as outdated or potentially euphemistic. More widely accepted descriptors include Indo-Dutch or Indo people for individuals of mixed Indonesian and European heritage, while Indonesians is used for people of the Indonesian nation, regardless of ancestry. The term Indos may appear in historical accounts, biographies, and discussions of colonial-era society.