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.