Decolonisation of Indonesia

Question 1

Anti-colonialism

Answer 1

Anticolonialism refers to the struggle against imperial rule in colonized countries, mostly during the first half of the twentieth century.

Question 2

Decolonisation

Answer 2

The action or process of a state withdrawing from a formal colony, leaving it independent. In Southeast Asia, this often occured after WWII with the rise of nationalism and a new perspective of home.

Question 3

Nationalism

Answer 3

A sense of national consciousness of being a seperate community as other nations, identifying with a community of people with shared experience, and are convinced by their shared destiny.

Question 4

Nation-states

Answer 4

A territory under one government in which citizens are not only an organised political community, but also united by things such as descent, language, culture, history, experiences, and destiny.

Question 5

Resistance

Answer 5

The refusal to accept or comply with something. Can result in use of force or violence to oppose someone, or an organisation that goes against authority.

Question 6

Sovereignty

Answer 6

The authority of a state to govern itself and to assume and enact authority within its boundaries.

Question 7

Independence

Answer 7

Freedom from being governed or ruled by an external force, such as a colonial power.

Question 8

State of Emergency

Answer 8

A situation of national danger or disaster, which often esults in the government suspending normal procedures, using a temporary system of rules to deal with the situation and regain control.

Question 9

Maeda Tadashi

Answer 9

Rear-Admiral Maeda Tadashi, pro-Indonesian independence naval officer based in Jakarta, was respectful to Indonesian culture, agreed to the Declaration of Indonesian independence when consulted by Sukarno. He was known to be supportive of nationalistic movements in Indonesia, even offering venues for Sukarno to hold lectures and rallies for students.

Question 10

Sukarno

Answer 10

Dutch educated nationalist (in Java), first leader of the Indonesian National Party (PNI), was arrested by the Dutch for anti-colonial sentiments, but released by the Japanese in July 1942. Led the nationalistic movement during and post-WWII and became the first President of Indonesia.

Question 11

Hatta

Answer 11

Dutch educated nationalist (studied in Netherlands) who was also arrested for anti-colonial sentiments, but the Japanese released him and appointed him as advisor for the Japanese government in Indonesia. He became Vice-President of Indonesia post-WWII and later in 1958, became the Prime Minister.

Question 12

Sjahrir

Answer 12

Dutch educated nationalist (University of Amsterdam), arrested for anti-colonial sentiments during Dutch colonial rule but released by Japanese to work with Hatta and Sukarno, and contribute to resisting the return of the Dutch. After WWII, he became the Prime Minister of Indonesia in 1945.

Question 13

Pemuda

Answer 13

Literally means ‘youths’ but in this context refer to youths that wanted to achieve independence for Indonesia. In the crucial period with the Japanese surrender in 1945, the pemuda “kidnapped” Sukarno, to pressured him to declare Indonesian independence. The pemuda lacked political clout and authority base and needed to tap on Sukarno to declare this.

Question 14

Heiho

Answer 14

Literally translates to “soldiers” and “supplements / assistant” and is a paramilitary / auxillary force made up of Japanese-recruited youths to aid in the defence and development of Indonesia. Heiho initially intended to assist the occupation of the Japanese empire like building fortresses and defensive drains, but its members were also trained in combat training, military tactics and skills, especially in the later phases of war when defeat seemed imminent. The heiho served as a platform for youths to rally for independence and provided them with combat skills to stand a chance with the Dutch returning.

Question 15

Pembela Tanah Air (PETA)

Answer 15

Otherwise known as Defenders of the Homeland and was an Indonesian volunteer army; Japanese-recruited youths to defend Indonesia from the return of the Dutch; trained in combat training, platform for youths to rally for independence.

Question 16

Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA)

Answer 16

Translates to Centre of People’s Power, founded on 9 March 1943. Organisation that sought to allow local leaders to rally people together in support for the Japanese empire and its policies. Sukarno led this organisation and used it to recruit romushas (labourers) for the Japanese. The PUTERA gave Sukarno a platform to communicate and connect with the masses, cultivating greater national consciousness and creating an impression that locals were given political representation and an opportunity to “run the show”.

Question 17

Masjumi

Answer 17

Organisation that was permitted to represent Muslim interests in Indonesia, used by Japanese to counter-balance rising influence of nationalist such as Sukarno (since religion controlled people too).

Question 18

Jawa Hokokai

Answer 18

Java Service Association, Japanese sponsored organisation to gain control, by using Sukarno’s and Hatta’s popularity among locals. Was under direct control of Japanese military, increase japanese consciousness

Question 19

Hizbullah

Answer 19

Translates to “Army of God”, similar to Masjumi in terms of representing Muslim interests, which helped to counterbalance rising popularity of nationalist like Sukarno.

Question 20

Rise of Nationalism

Answer 20

The Heiho, Jawa Hokokai or PUTERA helped create platforms for youths to rally together with a common goal in mind, an ingredient that is necessary to cultivate greater sense of togetherness, which leads to a rise of nationalistic sentiments.

Question 21

Marginalisation of locals pre WW2

Answer 21

Many locals were marginalised and exploited (e.g. selling cash crops cheaply/cultivation system) by the colonisers. Grievances in locals led to increasing opposition and was also used as a rallying point for growth of nationalism.

Question 22

Rise of Western-educated elites

Answer 22

Western schools raised western-educated locals/elites that were introduced to western ideas like nationalism and democracy. Led to questioning of colonial rule. Many elites became nationalist leaders that led locals against colonisers. (Sukarno in Indonesia, Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia)

Question 23

Loss of economic power of Western Powers (WWII)

Answer 23

WW2 crippled the European economies, losing productive capabilities due to the war. Colonies would be a big source of income to rebuild the economy, and could maintain their status as a great power. However many were weak and could not afford administration of colonies.

Question 24

Myth of Western Superiority (WWII)

Answer 24

Japanese victory showed locals that western powers were not superior and undefeatable. Showed that Asian country could defeat a European colonial power, encouraging locals.

Question 25

Continued oppression from Japanese (WWII)

Answer 25

Japanese Occupation was not any better than previous colonisers, with locals going through severe rationing, hyperinflation and resource shortages. Oppression caused the view that all colonisers would exploit them, strengthening local desire for independence.

Question 26

Power vacuum

Answer 26

A condition that exists when one (or one party) has lost control of something, usually abruptly, and no one has replaced them. Can refer to individuals of leadership / authority (e.g. presidents, prime ministers) or even a authoritative force (e.g. colonial governments leaving)

Question 27

Communism and Decolonisation

Answer 27

The Cold War happened at the same time period as decolonisation, thus SEA became a theatre for Cold War conflict. Communism became an instrument for nationalists to receive support (economically, militarily) from Communist leaders (USSR, China) to fight Western powers (however USA often intervened, prolonging decolonisation e.g. Vietnam). Countries that could suppress communism were given support / endorsed by the USA in their “fight for independence” against colonial powers (e.g. Indonesia)

Question 28

Budi Utomo and Sarekat Islam

Answer 28

Organisations that precede WWII and were founded for cultural and religious purposes. They sought to plant early “seeds of nationalism” but were often futile and not able to gain traction.

Question 29

Impact of JO on Indonesia

Answer 29

When the Japanese arrived, they couched their entry as liberation from colonial rule, promised to grant independence to locals, and gained support from the locals.

Question 30

Pancasila

Answer 30

“Five principles of state” established through the Commission of Inquiry into Preparatory Measures for Independence (BPUPK). These principles were adopted in the constitution in 1945.

Bull - Democracy
Rice/cotton - Social justice
Banyan Tree - Unity 
Chain - Just and Civilised humanity
Star - Belief in god

Question 31

Koiso Declaration

Answer 31

Named after Japanese PM Kuniaki Koiso; announced in 1944; promised Indonesian independence.