Indonesia Celebrates Independence, Calls for Respect for Sukarno

Indonesia marks its 80th anniversary of independence from Dutch colonial rule, a milestone that has reignited discussions about the legacy of its founding father, Sukarno. His daughter, Kartika Soekarno, argues that Sukarno’s contributions remain undervalued in both Indonesia and the Netherlands, suggesting that it is time for a reassessment of his role in the nation’s history.

The independence struggle, which lasted for over 350 years, is often overshadowed by the historical narrative that classes Sukarno as a collaborator and a communist. Kartika noted that during Japan’s invasion, the Dutch abandoned Indonesia, leaving the nation defenseless. “The Dutch accused him of being a collaborator and Communist. The word collaborator has sordid resonance,” she stated.

American attitudes during the Cold War also impacted Indonesia’s fight for independence. The United States, under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, adopted a staunch anti-communist stance, complicating Indonesia’s efforts to assert its sovereignty. Kartika emphasized that colonialism was not merely a holdover of the past but part of a broader geopolitical struggle, stating, “Indonesia was made to compensate Holland for ‘losses,’ including war costs — in effect, for killing our own people.”

In a significant acknowledgment, the Netherlands recognized 1945 as the year of Indonesia’s independence. Recently, King Willem-Alexander issued an apology for the excessive violence committed during the war of independence. Despite this, Kartika expressed frustration that Sukarno has never set foot in the Netherlands and has not been invited to receive the recognition she believes he deserves.

Sukarno’s life and legacy are further complicated by a lingering mistrust. While Indonesia is now the world’s fourth-largest nation and the largest Muslim community, Kartika highlighted the disparity in recognition, noting that Amsterdam has 70 streets named after Indonesian islands but only eight honoring Indonesian figures. “It’s as if the land still belongs to the Netherlands. Not what my father fought for,” she remarked.

The colonial relationship remains an unfinished chapter. Kartika believes that acknowledging Sukarno as Indonesia’s most significant freedom fighter is essential for a proper understanding of the country’s history. “The colonial system remains an unfinished revolution if Holland won’t recognize the father of our nation,” she stated.

Reflecting on her personal connection to Sukarno, Kartika’s godmother, who worked as a reporter in Asia, shared how Sukarno sought support from American officials to tell his story. The enduring impact of Sukarno’s leadership and the independence struggle resonates today, as Indonesia continues to navigate its identity on the global stage.

In a cultural celebration of this history, a gamelan troupe performed in New York City, showcasing Indonesia’s rich traditions. As the nation reflects on its past, the call for recognition of Sukarno’s contributions remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of colonial legacies and the ongoing journey toward full acknowledgment of historical figures in global narratives.