David Van Reybrouck's recounting of the downfall of Dutch dominance illuminates a nation finally stepping into its rightful global prominence."
"In the waning days of summer in 1936, tragedy struck as the Van Der Wijck, a passenger ship traversing the expanse between two islands within the vast Dutch East Indies archipelago, met a sudden and devastating fate. The vessel succumbed to the depths of the Java Sea, claiming numerous lives, all due to the negligence of its first mate, who failed to secure a porthole opened in port to dissipate the noxious odor of decaying fruit.
This forgotten but poignant incident now serves as the opening act and central metaphor in a long-awaited and enthralling historical narrative recounting the genesis of Indonesia. David Van Reybrouck's 'Revolusi' delves into the epic struggle for independence, spanning from 1945 to 1949, during which British and Dutch forces clashed in fierce battles, exacting a toll of 200,000 lives.
The valor and eventual triumph of Indonesia's freedom fighters, the first among European colonies to proclaim independence following World War II, ignited fervor among anti-colonial movements worldwide over the ensuing decades. In 1955, President Sukarno convened a historic summit in Bandung, hosting recently liberated nations and laying the groundwork for the non-aligned movement. This legacy persists as emerging powers seek to redefine their role within the global economic and political landscape, challenging Western dominance."
"However, this narrative has often been sidelined in many historical accounts of the postwar era and the conclusion of the colonial period. As Van Reybrouck astutely points out, Indonesia, both in its past guise as the Dutch East Indies and its present form, has frequently found itself relegated to the periphery of global attention. Despite being the world's fourth-most populous country, following China, India, and the United States, and boasting the largest Muslim community globally, Indonesia remains overlooked by the international community.
While Indonesia's significance warrants more recognition, it has begun to attract increased interest from investors, especially as the leading producer of nickel, a crucial metal for electric vehicles and batteries. Merely a decade ago, Indonesia was labeled as one of the 'fragile five' emerging economies susceptible to capital outflows by a Morgan Stanley analyst. However, it has since shed this designation.
The upcoming elections in Indonesia may not capture the same headlines as other major polls this year, but they should. Outgoing President Joko Widodo has overseen a decade of consistent economic growth and adeptly navigated a neutral path between China and the United States. The question now revolves around whether his successor, a former military leader with a controversial past, will continue this trajectory and propel Indonesia further onto the global stage, away from its longstanding position on the fringes.
Van Reybrouck, renowned for his acclaimed work 'Congo' (2014), which delved into his own country's imperial legacy, now turns his focus to the record of the Dutch, the third-largest European colonial power in the early 20th century, following the British and the French. The picture he paints is far from flattering.
Using the tragic sinking of the Van Der Wijck as a microcosm, Van Reybrouck illustrates the entrenched racial and class divisions within the colonial society. Over the course of 350 years, the Dutch East Indies was ruthlessly exploited for its resources. Yet, within a mere decade of the shipwreck, the Dutch were forced to relinquish their hold on the archipelago in disgrace.
Van Reybrouck provides a scathing account of the Dutch colonial enterprise, driven by the pursuit of monopoly over coveted spices, such as cloves and nutmeg. He exposes the hypocrisy of Dutch colonial directors, who prioritized profit over human suffering. The narrative gains momentum in the 1930s with the Dutch crackdown on the independence movement, against the backdrop of the colony's increasing economic significance, fueled by the discovery of oil reserves.
Remarkably, Van Reybrouck incorporates firsthand accounts from survivors of the 1930s and 1940s, offering diverse perspectives on a narrative unfolding across a vast geopolitical landscape. These accounts provide invaluable insight into a tumultuous period marked by Japanese occupation, which initially offered promises of liberation but soon descended into brutality, claiming millions of lives.
The defeat of the Japanese heralded the beginning of Indonesia's quest for freedom, marked by Dutch resistance and appalling atrocities committed by Dutch soldiers. The British and the United States also feature in less than honorable roles during this period, as Indonesia navigated the complexities of postwar geopolitics.
Originally published in the Netherlands four years ago, 'Revolusi' became a bestseller, and now, a finely crafted translation by David Colmer and David McKay brings this tale of resilience against colonial exploitation to a broader audience. Like the intricate waterways of the archipelago, the narrative flows seamlessly, propelled by the remarkable stories of its protagonists."
