Removing The Tyranny Of King Leopold From Australia's Conservation Hills

King Leopold Ranges (Sumber: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - The impact of Black Lives Matter (BLM) in the world continues. Australia changed the name of the King Leopold Ranges to refer to a row of hills in the Kimberley conservation area, Australia. This is the latest news after the Belgian King Philippe apologized for the past occupation of Congo and took down the statue of King Leopold II.

The related authority changed the name in light of the strong global public push for the elimination of symbols of colonialism, discrimination and racism in world history. The King Leopold Ranges, which stretches six hundred kilometers, has changed its name to the Wunaamin Wiliwundi Ranges.

"For years we have had difficulty determining a name for this extraordinary line of mountains in Western Australia to replace the name of a leader who is widely known as a tyrant criminal," Interior Minister Ben Wyatt was quoted as saying by CNA.

The line of hills has been named the King Leopold Ranges since 1879. Ben emphasized that the change of the name of a leader who perpetuates racism and colonialism should not be remembered.

Ben added that many visitors who came to the King Leopold Ranges were confused to see Australia remembering this figure with a history of colonialism with respect. "In fact, when the Belgian people almost left the history of King Leopold II."

Ben believes that King Leopold II was responsible for the brutal policies that wiped out half the population in his colony, Congo between 1865-1909. Moreover, at that time King Leopold II perpetuated forced labor. Which in practice many Congolese people died and fell ill.

For Ben, the momentum to change the name of the hilly line in Australia is considered quite appropriate. Because, a few days ago, the King of Belgium has expressed deep guilt and remorse for the dark period that occurred in Congo.

Before King Philippe apologized, BLM protesters had damaged several statues of Leopold in Belgium. Meanwhile in Australia itself, protesters are still demanding local authorities to remove the statue which has past sins. Especially, for colonial figures who killed many indigenous tribes, Aborigines.