Indonesian Independence

More than 600 mainly Javanese seamen in Sydney refused to sail their vessels, leading to mass arrests and prosecutions for being absent without leave or disobeying their masters. Many declared that they wanted to return to Java and chose imprisonment rather than comply, with 130 men each fined £10 or sentenced to 20 days in gaol. The dispute caused serious concern about disruption to Netherlands East Indies shipping and required extensive police intervention.
 

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.
 

NEI Information Service deny that supplies for the suppression of the Indonesian people were carried aboard Dutch ships in Australian ports.

Indonesian dockworkers and seamen who worked in Australia during the war embark on the Esperance Bay to be taken to Java.

Esperance Bay leaves Brisbane with >1400 Indonesians destined for Java at the end of the war.

Allegations by Daily Mail correspondent that Indonesians smuggled arms on board Esperance Bay.

Esperance Bay docks at Timor as Mountbatten is unable to ensure safe conduct in Java for 40 activist Indonesians on board despite assurances from Australian government.

Calwell denies that the Indonesians protest on the Esperance Bay was a mutiny - no lives were in danger.

Indonesians aboard Esperance Bay protested when 40 potential leaders were compelled to disembark in Timor rather than Java.

Faddin demands that Chifley open an inquiry into a mutiny on the Esperance Bay

K. Plumb, government minister who travelled on Esperance Bay, denies that a mutiny took place at Timor.

Two Labor members returning from NEI see that the black ban on Dutch shipping is harming Indonesian natives and Dutch civilians.

Indonesian premier will not ask Australian unions to lift ban on Dutch shipping until the Netherlands stops the economic blockade of Indonesia

A temporary ban on two Dutch ships imposed in Brisbane and Adelaide.

Third Congress of Indonesian Railway Labourers request Australian black ban on Dutch shipping to continue.

Dutch minister to Australia boycotted reception celebrating third anniversary of founding of Indonesian Republic.

Mass meeting of Seamen's Union in Melbourne vote to continue black ban of Dutch shipping.

This newspaper article profiles Sutan Sjahrir, the Indonesian nationalist leader and former Prime Minister, following President Sukarno's return to Jogjakarta in July 1949. It examines Sjahrir's role in the Indonesian independence movement, his years of Dutch and Japanese internment, his political philosophy, and his concerns about the negotiations leading to the transfer of sovereignty from the Netherlands to Indonesia.

A report from Bandung announces that former Dutch commando officer Captain Raymond Westerling had taken command of the APRA militia, despite lingering controversy over allegations that troops under his command had killed thousands in South Celebes.

Australian journalist Denis Warner profiles Raymond Westerling as a feared and enigmatic former Dutch commando whose private army posed a serious threat to the newly independent Indonesian government. The article explores his reputation, alleged military strength and the growing fears that he could trigger renewed conflict in West Java.

This report describes Raymond Westerling's demand that the newly formed United States of Indonesia recognise his 20,000-strong APRA militia as Pasundan's official army. It highlights the political tensions surrounding his challenge to the Republican government and fears that his force could spark renewed conflict in West Java.

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