Indonesia Merdeka!
Overview
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.
Key Crew
Director: Roelof Kiers
Top Cast
Jan Blokker
Narrator
Mohammad Hatta
Self
Abdul Haris Nasution
Self
T.B. Simatupang
Self
Roeslan Abdulgani
Self
P.J. Koets
Self
Seasons
Season 1 (1976)
Interviews about the run-up to the Indonesian war of independence, with Mohammad Hatta, Abdul Haris Nasution, T.B. Simatupang, and Ruslan Abdulgani, amongst others.
2 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Part 1
1976-12-01The 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.
Runtime: 121 minEpisode 2: Part 2
1976-12-01The 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.
Runtime: 73 min
