"Bung Tomo" by Alex Mendur (also Alex Mendoer)Uploaded by fr:Utilisateur:Inconnu - Nanyang Post, No. 14. February 1947.. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
The Indonesian Revolution 1945-1950
Why did the sudden Japanese surrender leave a power vacuum in Indonesia? |
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The end to the war came suddenly, and the Indonesian leaders were left in a strange situation as the Japanese had surrendered to the allies but were still in control of Indonesia. The Nationalists themselves were not united or even supported across the Archipelago. Whereas the Dutch were intent on reclaiming their empire and their attempt to do so, and Indonesian resistance to the Dutch completed the process of forging an Indonesian national identity.
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Source A: Indonesian Writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer on links between Japanese occupation and the Revolution"Though life in Indonesia was filled with hardship during Japanese military rule, Japan was a model for us in one way, which was that Asia too could defeat Western colonialism. This was an important thing we learned from Japan. Before then, it had never entered our minds." Source B: The Declaration of Independence"We the people of Indonesia hereby declare the independence of Indonesia. Matters concerning the transfer of power, etc., will be carried out in a conscientious manner and as speedily as possible." |
What happened between the declaration of Independence on 17th August 1945 and 17th August 1950?
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Source C: Sukarno Declaring IndependenceTasks and Questions
Why is the Battle of Surabaya celebrated today in Indonesia?The origins of the Battle are still very controversial, but the death of Brigadier Mallaby triggered a furious British response, and their assault on Surabaya was both coordinated and powerful. While the Battle of Surabaya was a tactical defeat for the Indonesian forces as they lost many troops and were forced out of the city, it was seen as a strategic victory almost immediately. The Indonesians fought so hard that the British no longer supported the Dutch attempts to rebuild their empire. Indeed, Britain later supported the cause of the Indonesian republic. The Battle of Surabaya is remembered in Indonesia annually on the 10th November as National Heroes Day, and still captures public imagination. One recent interesting historical interpretation of the battle was this animated film.
What role did other countries play in the Indonesian revolution?The Indonesian revolution may not have succeeded without support from other countries. International pressure played an important role in both supporting the Indonesian nationalists and persuading the Dutch to give up the attempt to rebuild their empire. As well as strong support from Australia and India for Indonesian nationalists at the United Nationals, the final end to Dutch ambitions came when America sided with the new Republic of Indonesia. As Dutch reconstruction after World War Two was dependent on American Marshall Aid, this meant that the Dutch had no choice but to agree.
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