National History Series: Japan’s Expansion to Indonesia

         Meiji’s restoration has not only changed the face of Japan, but also contribute to the development of world civilization. They invaded China in 1937, then went on the attack to the next target that is Thailand, Burma, Malaya, the Philippines and Netherlands Indies (Indonesia). In Indonesia, Japan gained rapid progress. Began to dominate Tarakan next Balikpapan, Pontianak, Banjarmasin, Palembang, Batavia (Jakarta), Bogor continue to Kalijati. Here in Kalijati, the Dutch army forces commander, Lt. H Ter Poorten unconditionally surrendered to Japan imperial government. Make no mistake that at that time, after more than 300 years colonized by the Dutch, Indonesia began to prepare for its independence.

       At first, Japan presence was well received by the people and nationalists. Because, the resurrection of the eastern nations. Eastern saw Japan victory as Asia victory over Europe, as the influence of Japanese propaganda. Nationalists in the Dutch colonial period was always pressed, but at the time of the Japanese occupation in fact invited to work together.

They are five biggest struggle organization during Japanese occupation period:

1.   3A Movement                                          

In his efforts to form a great East Asian countries, Japan formed a movement which has a motto: Nippon Light of Asia, Nippon Patron of Asia, Nippon Leader of Asia. Established in April 1942, this 3 A movement was led by Hihosyi syimizu (Japanese propagandists) and Mr. Samsudin (Indonesia).

2.       Putera (folk power center/Pusat Tenaga Rakyat)

The 3A movement disbanded because it is not effective. By March 1943 the Japanese government formed Putera (folk power center/Pusat Tenaga Rakyat) led by four series, ie Ir Soekarno, Drs Moh. Hatta, Ki Hajar Dewantara and K.H. Mas Mansur. The goal is to concentrate all the potential of Indonesian society to help Japan in the war of Asia Pacific.

3.       Cuo Sangi In

A institution which is in charge of proposing to the government and answering questions on political matters. This agency was formed on 1 August 1943 which consists of 43 people with Ir soekarno as its chairman.

4.       Jawa Hokokai (Javanese Devotional Assotiation)

Because Putera is more profitable for Indonesia than for Japan, on January 1, 1944 Putera replaced with Jawa Hokokai organization. The goal is to raise people's power and raised their devotional. In Japanese tradition, this devotional has three basic, is that  self-sacrifice, strengthen the brotherhood, and implement something with devotion.

       Majelis Islam Ala Indonesia (Islamic Council A'la Indonesia)

It is the only organization of national movements would still be allowed to stand during the Japanese occupation. As the official organization of Muslims these groups obtain leniency because it is considered the most anti-Western movement. This is the forerunner of Majelis Syuro Muslimin Indonesia (Masyumi), which is passed by gunseikan on 22 november 1943 with K.H. Hasyim Ashari as its chairman.

           Although just briefly, Japanese occupation had a huge impact in many aspects of life. The nationalists who joined in the institution made by Japan exploiting the situation for the development of national consciousness.  Although our resources are exploited on a large scale to support the war of Asia Pacific, Bahasa Indonesia more massive be used as the medium language of education. Newspapers and radio also began using  Bahasa Indonesia. Thanks to Japan for his willingness to give a chance the nationalists so that they can prepare for the independence of Indonesia.