REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23324, 6 October 1945, Page 5

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

“Already Existing” View Of Inhabitants By Teiegrapn—N.Z Ci.-- - - iign (7.30 p.m.) BATAVIA, Oct. 5. The people of Indonesia see the republic as already existing, complete with government in the capital and in the provinces, says a letter signed by Dr. Soekarno and Mr Hatta (President and VicePresident) which Sir Philip Christiscn (British Commander) handed to Dr. Hubertus van Mook (Lieutenant-Governor of the Netherlands East Indies). The letter adds that the people consider Indonesia lor tne time ueing as occupied oy Allied forces for the maintenance ot public order, m which the Indonesian officials are ready to assist. It says that, when the Japanese were about to land, their slogan was “Indonesia for Indonesians,” and their army was received with enthusiasm. Sympathy changed to hatred when liberty was not granted. Hoisting the red and white flag was forbidden and the Indonesian anthem was not permitted to be sung. The people then knew that independence was not to be acquired under Japanese rule, but by having their own Government. On August 7 of this year the Indonesians formed a preparatory independence committee, which later was transformed into a national committee, and independence was proclaimed, after which the President and VicePresident were chosen and a constitution drawn up. A plenary session of 150 members of the Central National Committee, consisting of representatives of all strata of the population and all regions, legalised the election and the constitution.

The Japanese forbade any real measure of government, but the Indonesians considered the Republic a reality and officials as the officials of the Republic, with the hope that It would be recognised by the countries which were creating a world peace on the principle of self-determination. Although Batavia is fairly quiet, tension is mounting elsewhere in Java. The Indonesian nationalists have acquired almost complete control of the big naval base of Sourabaya.

Fighting broke out to-day between the Japanese and Indonesians when a mob of 3000 Indonesians surrounded the Japanese Gestapo headquarters. No details are available, but it is known that there were casualties on both sides.

Nationalists control the Sourabaya airfield and are not allowing planes to land there. Nationalists at Bondoneng apparently obtained many arms from the Japanese, Including armoured cars, and appear to be in full control of the city. They have instituted a curfew. Local police are taking orders from the local political leader, and are trying to keep peace. The Japanese are demoralised and appear to be handing over arms under threats rather than from any deliberate policy .of backing the Nationalist movement. Nationalists controlling local newspapers are pumping out virulent antiDutch propaganda. Conditions in Sourabaya and Bandoneffg are not exceptional. A similar state prevails throughout Java, and nationalists with every day that passes are strengthening their hold and are becoming better organised. Civilians Not Molested There have so far been no reports of camps of interned civilians scattered throughout Java being molested. Members of the Allied war prisoners’ relief organisation are being respected. Things were quiet in Batavia during the'day, but gangs of young nationalists at night, armed with knives and bamboo pikes and some with . rifles, have begun establishing road-blocks. There have been demonstrations outside Dutchmen's houses, but no incidents in the last few' days involving physical violence against the Dutch.

British officers are treated with icspect. Two more Indian regiments have arrived in Batavia and have joined the Seaforth Highlanders. The occupation of the city is proceeding smoothly. Looting continues, although on a diminished scale. The Seafortn Highlanders’ patrols last night fired on looters and disarmed some marauding nocturnal bands. Hilversum radio reports that the Government has ordered the transfer of 6500 Dutch troops from Britain to the East Indies. They are sailing next Monday. Interviewed by the Batavia correspondent of “The Times.” Dr. Soekarno declared that he and his followers were strongly opposed to any landings by Dutch forces. He could not say what would happen if the Dutch did land.