Student
Indonesia: Searching For The Ratu Adil
HUMN410: Contemporary History
Final Paper: 18 October 2011
In the 1966 Italian film ‘The Battle of Algeries, the insurgent leader Ben M 'Hidi is having a conversation with one of his foot soldiers named Ali. During this scene Ben M’Hidi makes an observation that was true of many nationalist movements for self-determination during the 20th century by stating “It 's hard to start a revolution. Even harder to continue it, and hardest of all to win it. But, it 's only afterwards, when we have won, that the true difficulties begin. In short, Ali, there 's still much to do. “ (Pontecorvo, 1966). Ben M’hidi’s words have rung true of a great many of the national revolutions as the world moved from an imperial world order to one of sovern nation states.
The Indonesian archipelago has a history of civilization going back as far as the 7th century CE, but not a united one. The diversity of the region is exemplified in its current national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity). However, prior to the 20th century this unity was largely nonexistent, and instead consisted of rival kingdoms and sultanates, vying for power with each other and technologically and socially backwards in relation to the Imperial powers which were becoming aware of the potential the region could serve to those who controlled its trade routes and resources.
In the 17th century CE, Dutch traders realized the potential of East Indies trade, and set forward in consolidating power over the region. To gain control over the trade of rare spices such as nutmeg, as well as to take advantage of the potential for other trade crops like tobacco and coffee, The Dutch East India Company (VOC; Verenigde Oost-indische Compagnie) was established by the Dutch government. While the Dutch East India Company began as a business venture, and private multinational corporation, by the 19th century corruption and financial problems lead
HUMN410: Contemporary History
Final Paper: 18 October 2011
In the 1966 Italian film ‘The Battle of Algeries, the insurgent leader Ben M 'Hidi is having a conversation with one of his foot soldiers named Ali. During this scene Ben M’Hidi makes an observation that was true of many nationalist movements for self-determination during the 20th century by stating “It 's hard to start a revolution. Even harder to continue it, and hardest of all to win it. But, it 's only afterwards, when we have won, that the true difficulties begin. In short, Ali, there 's still much to do. “ (Pontecorvo, 1966). Ben M’hidi’s words have rung true of a great many of the national revolutions as the world moved from an imperial world order to one of sovern nation states.
The Indonesian archipelago has a history of civilization going back as far as the 7th century CE, but not a united one. The diversity of the region is exemplified in its current national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity). However, prior to the 20th century this unity was largely nonexistent, and instead consisted of rival kingdoms and sultanates, vying for power with each other and technologically and socially backwards in relation to the Imperial powers which were becoming aware of the potential the region could serve to those who controlled its trade routes and resources.
In the 17th century CE, Dutch traders realized the potential of East Indies trade, and set forward in consolidating power over the region. To gain control over the trade of rare spices such as nutmeg, as well as to take advantage of the potential for other trade crops like tobacco and coffee, The Dutch East India Company (VOC; Verenigde Oost-indische Compagnie) was established by the Dutch government. While the Dutch East India Company began as a business venture, and private multinational corporation, by the 19th century corruption and financial problems lead
Bibliography: Suresh, Akshay. (2011). The Prophecies of Indonesia. Retreived from: http://www.hinduyuva.org/tattva-blog/2011/01/the-prophecies-of-indonesia-by-akshay-suresh/ Akshay Suresh writes for an internet blog that focuses on hindu beliefs and mythology Vickers, Adrian (2005) Kratoska, Paul H. (2001). South East Asia, Colonial History: Empire-building in the nineteenth century. New York, NY: Routledge Kratoska gives an excellent analysis of the motives behind European colonialism in South East Asia Suryadinata, Leo. (2002). Elections And Politics In Indonesia. Singapore: ISEAS Publishing A short eassy that deals in detail with the religious and cultural aspects of Indonesian politics Elson, Robert E. (2001). Suharto: A Political Biography. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Elson provides a simple biography of Suharto from a perspective of politics Pontecorvo, Gillo (Director). (1966). The Battle of Algiers [Motion Picture]. Italy: Igor Flims This 1966 Italian Film dealing with the Insurgancy in Algieria against the French provided a relevant quote that was used to summarize this paper. Bhakti, Ikrar Nusa. (2004) The Transition To Democracy In Indonesia: Some Outstanding Problems East Timor Action Network. (nd.) The Santa Cruz Massacre: November 12, 1991 Retrieved from: http://www.etan.org/timor/SntaCRUZ.htm