NATIVE RIOTS IN JAVA
The article reports growing unrest in Batavia following Japan's surrender, as Indonesian nationalists demanded an independent republic under Soekarno. Indonesian demonstrators attempted to enter the Tjidang women's internment camp, which was defended jointly by Allied personnel and Japanese guards. The article describes increasing displays of the new Indonesian red-and-white flag, political demonstrations and violence, while Japanese forces remained temporarily responsible for maintaining order.
NATIVE RIOTS IN JAVA
Allies And Japanese Guard Women's Camp
From TOM FAIRHALL
BATAVIA, Thursday. — European prison camp provosts stood side by side with Jap guards last night to protect women and children in the prison camp at Tjidang from fanatical Indonesian natives who tried to break in.
There are about 10,000 prisoners in the camp.
The natives, who belong to a new organisation which demands the declaration of Java as a republic, have been causing disturbances in the streets of Batavia for several days.
They ran from the camp when Japanese guards fired over their heads, but a small party returned and threw stones into the compound.
No prisoners were hurt.
Street demonstrations by sullen faced Javanese and the appearance of hundreds of new red and white flags on public buildings in Batavia have indicated recently an upsurge in native support of the Republican movement.
There have been gatherings of Javanese carrying banners and shouting political slogans outside the Hotel Des Indes, where Allied leaders are now completing plans for the rescue of prisoners and the final withdrawal of the Japanese.
Meanwhile the Japs are in full military control and have the responsibility of quelling disturbances. They will almost certainly have to increase the strength of their police force in Batavia.
It is reported that a small group of political extremists is responsible for the trouble. They are mostly youths and young girls who have been employed by the Japanese and have become used to strong-arm treatment and terrorism.
Some reports say the natives have killed many Japanese since the surrender.
The more moderate elements are led by a Dutch-educated Indonesian engineer named Soekarno. The guerilla army, which is said to be camped in the hills, is called the Soekarillo.
The atmosphere in Batavia contrasts strikingly with that in Singapore, where the Japanese have been removed from the city and Chinese have been feasting the victory for weeks.
Here the natives do not seem to be overjoyed about anything. Most appear completely indifferent, but this may be due to the fact that the Japs are still in control.