ORGANISASI PERHIMPUNAN INDONESIA (INDISCHE VEREENIGING)

Summary

The Perhimpunan Indonesia, founded in 1918 by Indonesian students in the Netherlands, began as a social student association but evolved into a nationalist political organization. Initially named Indische Vereeniging, the group was influenced by the Ethical Policy of the Dutch government, which increased education opportunities for Indonesians. The organization gained political momentum after the inclusion of nationalists and communists in the 1920s, ultimately changing its name to Perhimpunan Indonesia in 1925. Despite facing repression and internal challenges, the group contributed to the Indonesian independence movement before dissolving in 1931 due to loss of key leadership.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Perhimpunan Indonesia (PI) was founded in 1918 in the Netherlands by Indonesian students as an association known as Indische Vereeniging.
• 😀 The organization was initially a social group for Indonesian students studying in the Netherlands, aiming to promote their collective interests and connect with Indonesia.
• 😀 The formation of Perhimpunan Indonesia was influenced by the Ethical Policy (Politiek Ethische) of the Dutch colonial government, which increased educational opportunities for Indonesians.
• 😀 By 1913, the organization began to adopt nationalist ideals after key figures, including the Tiga Serangkai (Three Strikes), joined, bringing more political direction.
• 😀 In 1920, the organization’s political stance grew stronger, particularly with the addition of figures like Sutomo, Ali Sastroamidjojo, and Tan Malaka, marking a shift toward nationalistic and anti-colonial activities.
• 😀 In 1922, the organization changed its name to Indische Vereeniging to reflect its evolving political mission, and later, in 1925, became Perhimpunan Indonesia.
• 😀 Under the leadership of Hatta in 1926, PI strengthened its connections with communist movements, especially during the international congresses it participated in, like in Brussels and Switzerland.
• 😀 Perhimpunan Indonesia worked to spread anti-imperialism messages internationally, sending representatives like Arnold Mononutu to Paris to engage with other nationalist movements in Asia and Africa.
• 😀 In 1925, PI began expanding its influence back in Indonesia through its graduates, despite facing opposition from more moderate local organizations.
• 😀 By 1927, Perhimpunan Indonesia faced government repression, with its members being targeted by the Dutch authorities, leading to several arrests, but they were later released.
• 😀 The organization gradually lost momentum and disbanded in 1931 after its key leaders were removed and it lost its main organizational support.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the *Indische Vereeniging* when it was first formed?

The primary purpose of the *Indische Vereeniging* when it was first formed was to serve as a social club for Indonesian students in the Netherlands, aiming to advance their collective interests and establish connections with the broader Dutch East Indies community.

What historical context led to the formation of *Indische Vereeniging*?

The formation of *Indische Vereeniging* was influenced by the 'Ethical Policy' implemented by the Dutch colonial government, which promoted education for Indonesians. This policy led to an increase in the number of educated Indonesians, many of whom pursued higher education in the Netherlands.

How did *Indische Vereeniging* evolve from a social organization to a political one?

The organization began to shift toward political activism in 1913 when nationalist figures like Sutomo and Ali Sastroamidjojo joined. This transformation deepened in the 1920s as the organization started advocating for Indonesian nationalism and independence, eventually becoming a fully political entity by 1925.

What role did Indonesian student leaders play in the development of *Indische Vereeniging*?

Indonesian student leaders, such as Sutomo, Ali Sastroamidjojo, and others, played a crucial role in the transformation of *Indische Vereeniging* into a nationalist and political organization. Their involvement helped the group adopt a more radical stance against Dutch colonial rule.

When did *Indische Vereeniging* change its name to *Indonesische Vereeniging*, and why?

In 1922, *Indische Vereeniging* changed its name to *Indonesische Vereeniging* to reflect its evolving nationalistic and political goals. This change marked a shift in the organization’s direction towards greater advocacy for Indonesian independence.

What was the significance of the name change to *Perhimpunan Indonesia* in 1925?

The name change to *Perhimpunan Indonesia* in 1925 marked the full transformation of the organization into a nationalist movement. It solidified the group’s commitment to Indonesia’s independence and its struggle against colonialism, with a stronger emphasis on political activities and activism.

How did *Perhimpunan Indonesia* engage in international political activities?

*Perhimpunan Indonesia* engaged in international political activities by building relationships with anti-imperialist movements in Asia and Africa. Notably, they sent Arnold Mononutu to Paris to connect with student movements from colonized countries, participated in international conferences, and advocated for the rights of colonized peoples.

What role did Mohammad Hatta play in *Perhimpunan Indonesia*?

Mohammad Hatta played a leadership role in *Perhimpunan Indonesia*, guiding the organization towards a more politically active stance. Under his leadership, the organization sought to expand its international influence and promote the cause of Indonesian independence.

What challenges did *Perhimpunan Indonesia* face from the Dutch colonial government?

*Perhimpunan Indonesia* faced significant repression from the Dutch colonial government, which sought to limit their political activities. The Dutch authorities threatened to revoke scholarships for members involved in nationalist activities, and in 1927, several key leaders were arrested.

What led to the disbanding of *Perhimpunan Indonesia* in the early 1930s?

The disbanding of *Perhimpunan Indonesia* in the early 1930s was primarily due to the arrest and imprisonment of key leaders, including Mohammad Hatta, and the declining organizational strength. With the loss of its core leadership and mounting pressure from the Dutch authorities, the organization was forced to dissolve.