Indonesia calling — Joris Ivens, 1946

Summary

This historical video script recounts the pivotal role of Australian and Indonesian solidarity in the fight for Indonesian independence post-World War II. It highlights the Esperance Bay's voyage, symbolizing unity and support from Australian workers and trade unions. The narrative unfolds through the lens of trade unionism, showcasing direct actions like strikes and boycotts against Dutch colonial exploitation. The script vividly depicts the collective struggle of workers across nations, emphasizing the significance of international labor solidarity in shaping Indonesia's freedom and the broader anti-colonial movements of the era.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The script discusses the historical connection between Australia and Indonesia, highlighting their shared history of trade and discovery.
• 🚢 Post-World War II, the Esperance Bay was one of the first ships to reconnect Australia and Indonesia, symbolizing renewed oceanic contact.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The Australian government and its people showed support for Indonesian independence, with trade unions presenting a flag to the Indonesian Seaman's Union.
• 🤝 There was a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support between the Australian and Indonesian people, as evidenced by cultural exchanges and shared resistance against colonial rule.
• 🇮🇩 Indonesia's fight for independence was a central theme, with the script detailing the Indonesian people's desire for self-governance and freedom from Dutch colonial rule.
• 🛳️ The script describes a significant act of defiance by Indonesian seamen in Australia, who refused to crew ships that would carry arms and soldiers to suppress their homeland's independence movement.
• 👷 The Australian waterside workers' support for the Indonesian cause led to a widespread strike that effectively halted Dutch ships from sailing to Indonesia.
• 📜 The script emphasizes the importance of the Atlantic Charter's principles, which were used to argue for Indonesia's right to self-determination and freedom.
• 🌐 International solidarity was evident as support for Indonesia's independence came from various countries, including the United States, China, India, New Zealand, and Canada.
• 🎉 The script concludes with a celebration of the successful efforts to prevent Dutch ships from interfering with Indonesia's independence, highlighting the power of collective action.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Esperance Bay in the post-war period between Australia and Indonesia?

The Esperance Bay was one of the first ships to make the journey between Australia and Indonesia after World War II, symbolizing the re-establishment of trade and contact between the two countries.

Why were the Indonesians leaving Australia post-war?

The Indonesians were leaving Australia to return to their homeland, Indonesia, after the war, as depicted in the newsreel from 1945 where 1,400 Indonesians left Australia by the Esperance Bay for Java.

What was the Australian government's guarantee regarding the Esperance Bay's journey?

The Australian government guaranteed that the Esperance Bay would not be landed at any port in Dutch head, ensuring the safe passage of Indonesians back to their country.

What did Evy Elliott represent when she presented a flag to the Indonesian Republic?

Evy Elliott represented the combined Australian trade unions when she presented a flag to the Indonesian Republic, symbolizing support for their fight for independence.

What was the stance of Indonesian seamen regarding Dutch ships after the war?

Indonesian seamen refused to man Dutch ships that were intended to be used for reconquering Indonesia's resources and carrying arms against their own people, showing their solidarity with the independence movement.

How did the Australian waterside workers support the Indonesian independence movement?

Australian waterside workers supported the Indonesian independence movement by refusing to load Dutch ships with cargo that could be used against Indonesia, effectively implementing a black ban on Dutch ships.

What was the role of the Indian seamen in the struggle for Indonesian independence as described in the script?

Indian seamen played a crucial role by refusing to sail on a Dutch ship carrying arms and soldiers to Indonesia, choosing instead to support the Indonesian struggle for freedom.

What was the significance of the 'black ban' on Dutch ships as mentioned in the script?

The 'black ban' was a form of direct action taken by Australian labor unions to prevent Dutch ships from carrying arms and supplies that could be used against the Indonesian Republic, thus supporting Indonesia's fight for independence.

How did the international community, particularly other nations' labor unions, respond to the Australian labor's actions in support of Indonesia?

The international community, including labor unions from China, India, Malaya, New Zealand, and Canada, supported the actions of Australian labor by contributing to the Indonesian fund and expressing solidarity with the Indonesian independence movement.

What was the ultimate outcome of the actions taken by the Australian labor and international support for Indonesia's independence?

The collective actions and international support helped prevent Dutch ships from sailing with arms and soldiers to Indonesia, which contributed to the survival of the young Indonesian Republic and its struggle for independence.

Outlines

00:00

🚢 Journey of Solidarity: Esperance Bay's Voyage

The script opens with a historical narrative of post-World War II Australia and Indonesia's reestablishment of trade and communication, symbolized by the Esperance Bay ship's voyage. The ship carried 1,400 Indonesians from Australia to Java, highlighting the countries' friendly relations. The Australian government ensured they would not disembark at Dutch-held ports, reflecting political sensitivities of the time. Emotional scenes of farewells at the wharf are described, along with a significant gesture of solidarity when Evy Elliott, representing Australian trade unions, presents a flag to the Indonesian seaman's union, symbolizing support for Indonesia's independence struggle. The paragraph encapsulates the spirit of unity and the commitment to mutual support between the two nations in a pivotal historical moment.

05:01

🗽 Indonesian Independence and Australian Support

This paragraph delves into the political aspirations of the Indonesian people for independence and the support they received from Australia. It describes how Indonesians in Australia took an oath of loyalty to the new republic, reflecting the broader movement for independence. The script also recounts the cultural celebration of independence through traditional dance, underscoring the印尼人的 cultural pride and resilience. The narrative then shifts to the economic exploitation of Indonesia by Dutch colonial rulers and the Indonesians' resistance, culminating in a strike by Indonesian seamen in Australia who refused to crew ships carrying arms against their homeland. The solidarity of Australian workers with the Indonesian cause is a central theme, emphasizing the moral stance against colonialism and for self-determination.

10:03

👷‍♂️ Labour Solidarity on the Waterfront

The focus of this paragraph is on the labor movement's role in supporting Indonesian independence. It details the actions taken by Australian waterside workers who refused to load Dutch ships with arms intended for use against Indonesia. This labor boycott effectively halted Dutch reconquest efforts and is portrayed as a significant act of international solidarity. The narrative includes direct actions such as workers turning off engines and leaving ships idle, highlighting the power of collective labor action. International support from various countries' labor unions is mentioned, showing a global network of support for Indonesia's struggle. The paragraph concludes with a sense of unity among workers across national boundaries in defense of freedom and self-determination.

15:05

🌐 International Support and the Black Ban on Dutch Ships

This section of the script discusses the broader international response to the Indonesian independence movement and the Dutch attempts to suppress it. It mentions leaders from India, the Soviet Union, and the Philippines who voiced their opposition to the use of force against Indonesia. The paragraph also describes how the black ban on Dutch ships was enforced, effectively stopping their operations in Australian ports. The story of an Indian crew that refused to sail a Dutch ship is highlighted, showcasing the global nature of the support for Indonesian independence. The narrative culminates in a celebration of this victory, emphasizing the impact of collective action and the significance of international solidarity.

20:05

🌉 Unity Across Nations for Indonesian Freedom

The final paragraph brings together the themes of international unity and the struggle for freedom. It discusses the principles of the Atlantic Charter and how they apply to Indonesia's fight for independence. The script mentions the support from various nationalities, including Chinese and Indian seamen, who contributed to the cause both financially and through direct action. The paragraph concludes with a forward-looking statement about the ongoing battles and the ships that remained in port, symbolizing the sacrifices made for a young republic's survival. The narrative ends on a hopeful note, with the unity of multiple nations in support of Indonesia's independence and the broader fight against imperialism.

Keywords

💡Esperance Bay

The 'Esperance Bay' refers to a ship that was one of the first to make the journey between Australia and Indonesia after World War II. It symbolizes the re-establishment of trade and contact between the two countries. In the script, the ship is mentioned as carrying 1,400 Indonesians from Australia to Java, highlighting the historical significance of this voyage in the post-war period.

💡Indonesian Independence

Indonesian Independence is a central theme of the video, reflecting the struggle of the Indonesian people to gain freedom from Dutch colonial rule. The script mentions the oath of loyalty to the new republic, signifying the commitment of Indonesians to their cause. This theme is exemplified by the Indonesians in Australia who repeat an oath of loyalty to the new republic, showing their dedication to the independence movement.

💡Trade Unions

Trade unions play a significant role in the narrative, representing the solidarity among workers across nations. The script describes how the combined Australian trade unions present a flag to the Indonesian seaman's union, symbolizing support for Indonesian workers' fight for independence. This act underscores the international labor movement's commitment to the principles of freedom and self-determination.

💡Dutch Colonial Rule

Dutch Colonial Rule is depicted as the oppressive force that the Indonesian people are fighting against. The script details the exploitation of Indonesia's resources by the Dutch, which the Indonesians are striving to reclaim through their independence movement. The reference to the Dutch taking profits from mines, oil fields, and rubber plantations illustrates the economic motivations behind the struggle for independence.

💡Direct Action

Direct action is a key concept in the video, referring to the workers' decision to walk off the job as a form of protest. The Indonesian seamen's refusal to man the ships carrying arms against their own people is an example of direct action. This act of defiance is a significant part of the workers' struggle for justice and is a pivotal moment in the video's narrative.

💡Black Ban

A 'Black Ban' is a form of industrial action where workers refuse to handle or load certain goods or ships. In the script, the Australian waterside workers declare Dutch ships bound for Indonesia 'black' to prevent the transport of arms and supplies that could be used against the Indonesian people. This action is a critical part of the support for Indonesian independence and a demonstration of international labor solidarity.

💡Atlantic Charter

The Atlantic Charter is mentioned in the context of the principles of freedom and self-determination that were declared during World War II. The script refers to these principles as a reason for supporting Indonesia's struggle for independence. The reference to the Atlantic Charter highlights the ideological underpinnings of the support for Indonesian independence by various nations and labor movements.

💡Waterfront Workers

Waterfront workers are central to the video's narrative as they are the ones who physically stop the ships from sailing. Their actions, such as turning off ignition keys and refusing to load Dutch ships, are crucial in the support for Indonesia's independence. The script describes how these workers from various countries unite in their efforts to prevent the Dutch from reconquering Indonesia, showcasing the power of international labor solidarity.

💡International Solidarity

International solidarity is a recurring theme in the video, emphasizing the support from various nations for Indonesia's independence. The script mentions support from Chinese, Indian, Malayan, New Zealand, and Canadian workers, indicating a global movement in support of Indonesian freedom. This theme is exemplified by the various unions and workers' groups that join the struggle, demonstrating the collective power of international labor in the fight against colonialism.

💡Self-Determination

Self-determination is a key concept in the video, referring to the right of a people to freely choose their political status. The Indonesians' struggle for independence is framed as a fight for self-determination, as they seek to determine their own political and economic future. The script highlights this through the Indonesians' oath of loyalty to the new republic and their refusal to be subjugated by Dutch colonial rule, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and national sovereignty.

Highlights

1945: Esperance Bay was one of the first ships to reconnect Australia and Indonesia post-WWII.

The Australian government guaranteed Indonesians would not be landed in Dutch-held territory.

Evy Elliott, representing Australian trade unions, presented a flag to the Indonesian seaman's union as a symbol of support.

Indonesians in Australia swore an oath of loyalty to the new republic, reflecting their commitment to independence.

Indonesians and Australians celebrated Indonesian culture and independence with traditional dances.

Indonesian seamen refused to man Dutch ships carrying arms against their homeland, initiating a strike.

Australian waterside workers supported the Indonesian seamen, leading to a broader labor movement against Dutch ships.

The Dutch claimed their ships were mercy ships with food and medical supplies, but were accused of carrying arms.

Australian Prime Minister's statement supported the Indonesian cause, highlighting international solidarity.

Australian labor unions declared Dutch ships blacklisted in support of Indonesian independence.

International support came from various countries, including the USA, China, India, and New Zealand, for the Indonesian struggle.

Indian seamen on a Dutch ship were persuaded by Indonesian and Australian activists to turn back, refusing to transport arms.

The collective action of workers across different unions effectively halted Dutch ships, impacting Dutch recolonization efforts.

Leaders and representatives from multiple nations voiced their support for Indonesia's fight for independence.

The documentary concludes with a celebration of the unity and solidarity that helped the young Republic of Indonesia survive.

Transcripts

[Music]

two countries in the Pacific linked by

routes of trade and discovery are

Australia and Indonesia the war cut off

their ocean contacts but after the war

one of the first ships to make the

journey was the esperance Bay you may

remember the newsreel back in 1945 1,400

Indonesians leave Australia by the

esperance Bay for Java for the

government undertaking that they will

not be landed at any port in Dutch head

[Music]

an official of the Australian government

gives with them to see if the guarantee

is carried out friends and sweethearts

crowd the wharf to say goodbye

[Music]

before the ship sails Evy Elliott

representing the combined Australian

trade unions speaks to the minute

secretary of the seaman's Union on

behalf of the trade union movement of

Australia I present to you this flag we

get with you to your union Republic as a

symbol of the support of the Australian

workers in your fight for it

[Applause]

in the name of the Indonesian Republic I

thank you for this flag we will never

forget the great hope the plane and

labor has given us in a vital first

stage of our Republic when we need to

help boost and may Australia and

Indonesia be united for others and unity

will take us in the nature

on that October day the esperance blaze

sailed from Australia for Indonesia

[Music]

but the real story behind this journey

is the story of ships that didn't child

[Music]

let's start at the beginning

here in Australia we know the

Indonesians will for years they've lived

in our country as friends and fellow

townsmen

the women learnt the names of our

vegetable

and mothers found that children were

much the same in any language

there were the Indonesian soldiers and

seamen our boys knew them as good

fighters against a common enemy Japan

[Music]

at our victory loan rallies in Martin

place we applauded their musicians

lending their support in thousands of

pounds as well as music

[Music]

we like their old Indonesian folk song

even if we didn't understand the words

but they did yet here in Australia it

wasn't just the river and rice fields

the villages of their homeland they

thought about but something they didn't

have before the war something they

fought for with the Allies independence

the voice of Indonesia calling these are

the salient points in the republic

democratic constitution freedom of

organization freedom of assembly freedom

of expression and punks are Indonesia

here in the streets of Sydney

Indonesians repeated an oath which was

being taken by their countrymen all over

the world an oath of loyalty to the new

republic Villa Republic Indonesia

internment Tariq America and t-top

amsa-indonesia Sampey salam ala Manya

Tita mundo be our pundit alarm column

bong about we shall not waver under

Dutch oppression we are ready to

sacrifice our lives for freedom with a

pure heart we pledge our word ssam

Minako ananka burner on

that night they celebrated independence

with the dance of the night and the

princess for even in exile they've not

forgotten their ancient culture this

dance they told us was over fifteen

hundred years old before Portuguese and

Dutchman came to Java

[Music]

the wives and young citizens of the New

Republic were there too

[Music]

everyone joined in these dances

yes that night we celebrated but in the

morning 72 million people took an oath

to defend freedom with their lives that

wasn't just words

look those 72 million Indonesians live

in some of the richest islands of the

world but for three and a half centuries

Dutch colonial rulers have taken all the

profits in mines the Kunene monopoly oil

fields and rubber plantations it added

up to about 32 million pounds or a

hundred million dollars a year that's

quite a bit now the war's over they want

to go back to making profits and for

that they'll need ships the ships are

here in Australian harbors in Brisbane

Melbourne and Sydney

ships to reconquer their treasure

islands to get back their oil and rubber

their Kunene and tin mines

ships to break the back of the young

Republic ships to carry soldiers ships

to carry gun no to the Indonesian seamen

we won't man your ships we won't carry

arms to be used against our own people

here's our answer direct action

they left the ships they walked off the

walls

they quit the officers soldiers refused

service it takes courage to strike

against your rulers in a strange country

but they did that and the Japs didn't

tell them what to do three hundred and

fifty years of Dutchman taught them they

got together with Australian dwarf is

right here on the docks while the big

ships waited they spoke in a language

workers in every country understand of

bad conditions low wages and what those

three hundred and fifty years of Dutch

colonial rule had meant to Indonesia

the news spread and waterside workers

came from other Ward's to listen finally

it turned into an impromptu meeting

that's when Australians had their say

Indonesian seamen weren't allowed to

form a union till they came to Australia

we helped them get organized and now we

can't let them down

we can't scab on fellow workers what

about the Atlantic Charter

we're committed through the World Trade

Union Congress to support freedom for

all nations

why not Indonesia their spokesman asked

for just that our support for Indonesia

struggle for freedom and

self-determination well it's up to us

declare Dutch ships for Indonesia black

when the wolfy's sat down it meant

action something happened on the

waterfront which made all the difference

in the life of a young Republican the

Dutch companies who had once had a great

fleet to carry wealth from Indonesia now

had to beg for every ship to take them

back

suddenly we heard that these were mercy

ships loaded with food and medical

supplies Dutch authorities said they

knew nothing of tommy guns and

ammunition alleged to be found by

waterside workers but they could hardly

deny the statements of mr. chief lee

Australia's prime minister

[Music]

you fought for your freedom let the

Indonesian dev air arms and now soldiers

1600 armed Dutch soldiers bound for Java

lining the decks of the sterling cusp

Australian diggers went out to meet them

and one Dutchman who spoke for the

workers of Holland supporting Indonesian

freedom Australian supporter free

Indonesia

the Dutch didn't want to hear the truth

[Music]

Indonesia calling to a static of gunfire

heard the voice of their homeland asking

them to keep up the fight to hold up all

Dutch ships carrying arms to be used

against the New Republic now the fight

was really on Wharf is chalked up their

answer and walked off ship after ship in

Brisbane Melbourne Adelaide Sydney in

all the ports of Australia

[Music]

they said to the Dutch loading ships as

our livelihoods will load ships for

Indonesia any time if we get a guarantee

that the cargo isn't arms or supplies

that could be used against the

Indonesian people we never got that

guarantee the black vans spread as other

unions joined the struggle one date with

the transport workers who turned off

their ignition keys and left Dutch

Freight stranded

next ships plane tostop works Dutch

ships were too black for them to put

another coat of color on engineers and

repair workers turned their torches it

shipping clocks turned a deaf ear to

Dutch orders Australian seamen had been

in it right from the start

soon they were joined by eleven British

from the crew of the Moreton Bay who

jumped ship rather than carry soldiers

to Java cables of support arrived from

Harry bridges president of the American

Longshoremen's Union and from Chinese

Indian Malayan New Zealand and Canadian

seamen and dock workers workers in every

country supported the action of

Australian labour

[Music]

don't be fooled by the card game don't

let them try to put anything over we're

awake so with a shipwright plumbers

Columbus the Merchant Service guild

firemen and deckhands Union to storm and

Packers Mulder's Dockers Boilermakers

not to mention iron workers and

electrician

all along the waterfront the ships were

idle

[Music]

the people had acted and now came the

voices of leaders supporting the

principles of the Atlantic Charter

Pandit Nehru and Jinnah of India Manuel

ski and Wyszynski of the Soviet Union

and President ramallah of the

Philippines protested against the use of

armed force to suppress the Indonesian

people

[Music]

at a record meeting in the domain this

return soldier reported that Indonesian

had already proved they could govern

their own country in the name of my

Republic I thank you said Jen will

endure but for your help in holding up

those ships our Republic might have been

destroyed

the black ban on ships for Indonesia is

complete in the office of the Indonesian

seaman's Union max the Kanto and took

liván kept check on the ships that

didn't say this big black vanderlin

black followed black - sorry black

tasman black Johnson and Ponte - black

pants wore black van heard black

Swardson ones got away an Indian crew on

board

[Music]

all right so it is man thinking we could

stop a ship but you don't know what that

one shipment it broke prevent the Dutch

had sneaked it through by putting an

Indian crew on now boys didn't have much

of a cruiser to go out into battle they

didn't have any guns or ammunition but

they had words and they were talking to

Indian seamen Indian brothers Indonesian

fight for freedom at your fight back

working off the engine right let's go

tomorrow Michael in all this job we'll

talk say we're high

I'm too low engine room come to the

heart

boom camel Agha jaymund of Jacob to

Indonesia louder they can't hear you

brothers turn the ship back Indonesia is

five it's your fight go on call again

it's not too late brother

[Music]

they've gone but outside the heads to

the throb of the engine the Indians were

thinking brothers

indonesia's fight is your fight stop

engines

stop engines

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

they've come back the Indians have come

back they've done it they've stopped the

ship come on this really calls for

celebration

[Music]

they held their meeting of celebration

on the nearest street corner on behalf

of the Indonesian independence committee

I think our Indian brothers for their

heroic actions in support of or struggle

Indian team invoke of that sit with

recurring arms to smash when you

Republic in involved we will never

forget what you have done for us we've

informed that we were to be a delight

trips on you but we found ourselves put

on a Dutch ship carrying young and the

nation Tunisia but we refused to sell

them the Dutch threatened us with a gun

but still be refused and now we will not

side with a ship this turtle is our

struggle there are victories on a

victory there was no need to introduce

the general secretary of the waterside

workers Federation Jim Healey during

this war the principles of the Atlantic

Charter were declared by Britain and

America and approved off by Russia these

principles must be applied in the

Pacific and to the Indonesian people

these people fought with us during the

war against fascism in the Pacific and

we people of the Pacific the Chinese the

Americans the Russians the Australians

the New Zealanders the Indians together

with the Indonesians will do everything

within our power to destroy the efforts

of Dutch imperialism

Chinese seamen have taken the hat around

again which brought their contribution

to the Indonesian fund up to 1100 pounds

[Applause]

3 unless no father took the sunset the

China will support all the oppressed

nations to gain their independence that

is why we Chinese are supporting the

Indonesian there's no movement man Tokyo

government demand

[Applause]

long live the independence movement

it grew out of the cheering Indonesia

and had allies moving forward the people

of five nations who had stuck together

they marched toward other battles and

below them under the bridge lay the

ships that didn't sail ships that didn't

sail so that a young Republic might live

[Music]