'United States Of Indonesia'
pp. 10-77 · Read in the full issue
Story of the Betrayal of the Dutch by the Democracies
BECAUSE Indonesia offers the only effective barrier between Asia and the South Pacific Territories, the Government of Indonesia is a matter of deep interest to us.
Before 1842, Indonesia was governed most efficiently by a strong and friendly people, the Dutch, who settled there 300 years ago.
To-day, the Leftist influences which dominate most democracies, have compelled the Dutch to establish in Indonesia a hybrid Government, which probably will be run by native Indonesians. No one, except Socia listic visionaries, would regard a native Indonesian Government as an efficient gate-keeper for the South Pacific.
This all happened only because of the Jap invasion, and because the Dutch were not supported by the British after the Jap surrender, when they naturally expected the demo cratic forces to help them in re establishing orderly government in Indonesia. The following gives the sequence of events: — MAY, 1939 —A general coalition or fed eration of Indonesian nationalist parties (GAP!) was created. This marked the culmination of a political struggle between rival parties extending over 30 years.
March, 1940—Holland occupied by Ger many, and Dutch officials, isolated in NEI, play safe by sternly repressing every nationalist movement.
April, 1942 —Japanese occupy NEI; and Indonesian Nationalists are split on ques tions of collaboration with Japs.
Dec., 1942—Queen Wilhelmina gave a solemn undertaking that all parts of her kingdom (in which she specifically re ferred to NEI) should enjoy self-govern ment. The plan could not be imple mented owing to war.
Aug. 17, 1945 —“Independent Republic of Indonesia” proclaimed by “President”
Soekarno. who had a long history as a revolutionary, seeking the overthrow of
the Dutch. The constitution was written by the Jap-sponsored “Indonesian Inde pendence Preparatory Committee.” A period of great confusion and uncertainty ensued while Japanese and Indonesians tried to collaborate. Indonesians eagerly assisted by Communists.
Sept., 1946—Australian Reds persuade waterside unions to declare unofficial war on Dutch, with result that Dutch ships are held up everywhere in Australian ports. Australian Socialist government does nothing.
Oct.-Nov., 1945—Bodies of British and Dutch troops arrive. Explosive incidents between Dutch and Indonesians. The British, instead of assisting the Dutch to restore government, insisted that the Dutch and Indonesians “negotiate.” Soe karno, notorious collaborator with Japs, retired from Premiership (retaining Pre sidency) and Sjahrir headed an “All resistance” Cabinet as Premier, which entered into long-winded negotiations with the British and Dutch. 1946 —Under British influence, the Dutch were obliged gradually to accept the idea that the Indonesian nationalist movement should be recognised; and a series of conferences was held. Progress was slow; but, by the middle of 1946, it was evident that Dutch and Indonesians would reach some kind of compromise.
The position was complicated by the ap pearance of a strong Red element in the Dutch Parliament, which favoured Indo nesian nationalism.
July, 1946—First full conference to seek compromise between Dutch and Indone sians held at Malino.
NOV. 12, 1946—The Netherlands-Indo nesian Agreement was signed at Cheribon. The Netherlands Govern ment recognised the Republic Govern ment as the de facto government of Java, Sumatra and Madura; and both under took to co-operate in the establishment of a sovereign democratic State, to be called United States of Indonesia (USD.
USI is to contain all Indonesia; but should any part desire not to join USI, there will be a special relationship be
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tween it and the Netherlands Kingdom.
Subject to that, the States of USI are; Republic of Indonesia, Borneo and Great East The Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United States of Indonesia, Surinam and Curacao will become the Nether lands-Indonesian Union. The Union will have its own organisation to deal with matters affecting all States in common —foreign affairs, defence, finance, and so forth. The King or Queen of the Neth erlands will be the head of the Union; and both Netherlands and USI will ap point High Commissioners at the other’s capital. It is planned to establish both USI and the Union before January 1. 1949.
The remainder of the agreement makes
provision for its implementation.
Immediately after the signing, “cease fire’’ orders were given everywhere and measures of rehabilitation (restoration of railways, repair of oil installations, etc.) were undertaken.
Nov. 29—Last of British troops depart.
Officially announced that bv end of year Dutch troops will number 47,000.
November, 1946 —Announced that Soe karno. Republican “President” and In donesia’s most influential man, is ill and will not live long.
Dec. 2. 1946 —The “cease fire” order has not been generallv observed. Sham clashes have occurred between Dutch and Indonesian troops. The Dutch C.-in-C. savs the military situation is steadilv deteriorating. The Dutch claim that there is now no truce.
December 7. 1946 —Conference in Bali to create political structure for Great East.
Dec. 10, 1946—Dutch Cabinet approved the Agreement, which will go before the Dutch Parliament for acceptance. The Dutch people are reported to be “con fused and unhappy about Indonesia.”