Indonesia Merdeka! (1976)

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1 Season

December 1, 1976

Documentary

Synopsis

Documentary from 1976 about the Indonesian struggle for independence. Unique archive footage and interviews with former vice-president Mahammed Hatta (the only existing interview with him on film), journalist/writer Johan Fabricius, the physician dr. Abu Hafina, the nationalist youth leader Roelan Abgulgani, dr. P. J. Koets, at the time political adviser of the Lt. Governor-General, the Indonesian generals Nasution and Simaupang, and the planter couple Marsman.

Episodes

Part 1

Dec 1, 1976

121 min

The interviewees discuss the nature of Dutch imperialism in the Dutch East Indies, its character as a police state and the lack of political and economic rights for Indonesians. It also sheds light on the Japanese occupation and the 'give and take' relationship between the Indonesians and the Japanese.

Part 2

Dec 1, 1976

73 min

The story picks up in 1945. After independence is proclaimed by Sukarno and Hatta, the Dutch start to reassert their authority and refuse to recognise the Republik Indonesia. Governor-general Van Mook starts building up a federal structure, seen as a divide and rule tactic. Two military agressions of the Dutch are countered by guerilla warfare on the part of the TNI. Interviews with Mohammad Hatta, Abdulharis Nasution, Ruslan Abdulgani and other.