Wieteke van Dort, affectionately known as Tante Lien, was a
prominent Dutch-Indonesian singer and actress whose legacy endures as a
testament to the deep cultural ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands. Born
in Surabaya on May 16, 1943, her life and career were a mosaic of nostalgia,
cultural exchange, and artistic excellence.
Tante Lien’s most famous song, “Geef Mij Maar Nasi Goreng,”
captured her longing for her Indonesian homeland. She performed this song on
the television show The Late Late Lien Show, which aired in the
Netherlands in 1980. Wearing a blue kebaya and jarik skirt, she
introduced various Indonesian delicacies, such as lontong, sate, terasi,
and bandeng, to her Dutch audience. Her lyrics, written in 1977, resonated
deeply with many Dutch-Indonesians who shared her sense of loss and longing.
The Late Late Lien Show, aired from 1979 to 1988,
became the sole television program in the Netherlands that showcased Indonesian
culture. Tante Lien’s charming and humorous persona, coupled with her heartfelt
performances, bridged the gap between her two homelands. The show also
introduced Dutch audiences to Indonesian artists like Rima Melati and Frans
Tumbuan, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the Netherlands.
Wieteke’s early life in Indonesia profoundly influenced her
work. Her family lived in Embongan, an elite area in Surabaya. However, their
lives changed dramatically when President Sukarno expelled the Dutch in 1957,
nationalizing foreign companies. At 14, Wieteke and her family went on vacation
to the Netherlands, never to return to Indonesia due to the political upheaval.
This separation from her homeland fueled a lifelong nostalgia that permeated
her artistic endeavors.
Beyond her television career, Wieteke van Dort’s talents
spanned various artistic fields. She was a voice actor, notably for De
Efteling, and participated in children’s programs such as Oebele and
J.J. de Bom. She also performed in cabaret shows and took part in
international art exhibitions, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Wieteke’s contributions to cultural understanding were
recognized with numerous awards. She received the Knight of the Order of
Orange-Nassau from Queen Beatrix in 1999 and the Silver Harp from the Conamus
Foundation. Her alter ego, Tante Lien, won her a Silver Medal of Merit from the
Dutch Minister of Defense in 2007, highlighting her impact on Dutch society.
In her later years, Wieteke continued to perform and even
starred in the film Verliefd op Bali in 2024. However, her health began
to decline, and in May 2024, she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Wieteke
van Dort passed away on July 15, 2024, in The Hague, just days after her
husband, Theo Moody, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage.
Wieteke van Dort’s legacy is a poignant reminder of the
enduring connections between Indonesia and the Netherlands. Through her music,
television shows, and personal story, she built a cultural bridge that
continues to inspire and resonate with audiences on both sides of the world.
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