Lessons of the Imperialist Propaganda (Indonesian History)

The Legacy Between Oranje Boven and The Holy Red and White

Up to 1942, Indonesia had been stably ruled by a three-and-a-half century-old Dutch regime which continued to dampen down Indonesia’s desire for an independent, sovereign state. The Japanese invasion, three-and-a-half years brief as it was, contributed significantly to the development modern Indonesian state. This period is a stage where Indonesia becomes the spotlight on mass communication, as parties of various political interests strive to realise their aspirations for Indonesia. To one’s amazement, the Japanese invasion of Indonesia is a relatively recent event in the history of the modern world, yet leaving scars as well as miracles that continue to impact the present day.

The attraction in this prominent chapter lies in the conflict of Japanese and Indonesian interests, and the scope of the lives affected by it. 1942-1945 was a period where the Japanese aspiration to become the so-called “light, leader, and protector” of Asia, and the Indonesian vision for sovereignty were simultaneously intensifying. Thus was birth of the “Triple A” Japanese propaganda, whose goal is to obliterate Western influences among Indonesians and to activate Indonesians in the interests of Japanese triumph (Ricklefs, 249). Concurrently, Indonesian nationalism began to explode as prominent, educated Indonesians endeavour to mobilise inhabitants of the archipelago to rise up against foreign rule and prepare to declare Indonesia’s indepe...