Ini Yang Terjadi Kalau Indonesia Dijajah Inggris

Summary

This video script delves into the historical 'what if' scenario of Indonesia being colonized by the British Empire instead of the Dutch. It explores the British colonization of Java from 1811 to 1816, highlighting the actions of Sir Stamford Raffles. The script contrasts British and Dutch colonialism, discussing the cultural impacts, economic exploitation, and the legacy of Raffles' rule. It raises questions about the potential outcomes if Indonesia had been under British rule for a longer period, comparing it to former British colonies and the current state of Indonesia.

Takeaways

• 😀 The painting of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is often misunderstood to represent his English origins with Singapore, but it actually shows his connection with Java, indicating the complex colonial history involving England, the Dutch, and Java.
• 🏛️ Raffles, known for his role in Singapore, was also a figure in the brief period when the British colonized parts of the Dutch East Indies, specifically Java, from 1811 to 1816.
• 🌍 The British Empire, at its height in the 1800s, was the largest empire in history, covering a quarter of the world's land area and influencing a significant portion of the global population.
• 🛳️ Raffles had been involved in the British colonial efforts since 1805, and his strategic planning led to the invasion of Java, aiming to capitalize on the region's wealth.
• 📚 Raffles is noted for authoring 'The History of Java,' a substantial work that contributed to the documentation of Java's cultural heritage during his administration.
• 🏰 The British forces under Raffles' leadership conducted direct assaults on Javanese royal courts, which was a stark contrast to the Dutch approach, leading to significant cultural and historical artifacts being taken to England.
• 💸 The British rule in Java was financially motivated, imposing high land taxes that burdened the local population and contributed to their suffering.
• 🏝️ The British returned Java to the Dutch in 1816, after which Raffles brought back a considerable amount of Javanese treasures and artifacts, highlighting the exploitative nature of colonialism.
• 🌐 The hypothetical scenario of Indonesia being colonized by the British for a longer period raises questions about the potential cultural, linguistic, and political impacts on the country.
• 🏛️ The script challenges the notion of a 'better' colonial power, suggesting that the outcomes for colonized nations depend on various factors, including the actions of the colonizers and the resilience of the colonized people.

Q & A

What is the significance of the painting of Thomas Stamford Raffles in the context of the script?

The painting of Thomas Stamford Raffles is significant as it is commonly believed to depict Raffles' history with Singapore. However, the details in the painting, such as Hindu and Buddha reliefs in the background, actually indicate Raffles' relationship with Java, highlighting the historical connection between Raffles, an Englishman, and the Javanese region.

Why is the period between 1811 and 1816 mentioned in the script?

The period between 1811 and 1816 is significant because it marks the time when the British, under the leadership of Raffles, temporarily occupied Java, particularly after the fall of Napoleon when the Dutch were weakened, and the British took the opportunity to invade.

What is the 'History of Java' mentioned in the script and why is it considered a masterpiece?

The 'History of Java' is a book written by Raffles during his time in Java. It is considered a masterpiece because of its comprehensive documentation of Java's history, culture, and society at that time, which was unprecedented in its depth and detail.

What was the 'Geger Safei' incident mentioned in the script, and what were its consequences?

The 'Geger Safei' incident was a military attack on the Yogyakarta Sultanate by British forces under Raffles' orders on June 16, 1811. The attack resulted in significant bloodshed, with thousands of Javanese soldiers and civilians dying to defend Yogyakarta's sovereignty. It also led to the looting of the kraton's treasures and manuscripts, which were taken to England.

How did the British rule in Java differ from the Dutch rule, as described in the script?

The script describes the British rule in Java as being marked by direct military aggression, such as the invasion of the Yogyakarta kraton, which was not a common practice under Dutch rule. The British also imposed high land taxes, leading to the suffering of the local population, and took many cultural artifacts and manuscripts from Java.

What was the British Empire's stance on colonialism during the 1800s, as portrayed in the script?

The script portrays the British Empire during the 1800s as having an expansive colonial reach, often seen as a modern version of the Roman Empire but with an even larger territory. It suggests that the British Empire was known for its aggressive colonial policies and the exploitation of its colonies for wealth and resources.

What is the significance of the British occupation of Java in the broader context of the British Empire's history?

The British occupation of Java, though brief, was significant as it was part of the British Empire's broader strategy to expand its influence and control over valuable territories. It was a period when the British were actively seeking to assert their power in regions previously dominated by other European powers, such as the Dutch.

How did Raffles' actions in Java reflect the British colonial approach, according to the script?

Raffles' actions in Java, as described in the script, reflected the British colonial approach by prioritizing the acquisition of wealth and cultural artifacts, implementing aggressive policies that burdened the local population, and exerting control through military force.

What was the ultimate outcome of the British rule in Java, and how did it affect the region's future?

The British rule in Java ended with the return of the territory to the Dutch in 1816. The script suggests that the British left behind a legacy of exploitation and suffering, with the local population burdened by high taxes and the loss of cultural treasures. The British also took a significant amount of wealth and artifacts back to England.

What are the contrasting views on whether British colonial rule would have been better for Indonesia than Dutch rule, as discussed in the script?

The script presents contrasting views on colonial rule, with some suggesting that British rule might have led to a different linguistic and cultural influence, potentially making Indonesia more English-speaking and possibly part of a different political alignment. However, it also highlights the negative impacts of British rule, such as the imposition of high land taxes and the looting of cultural artifacts, suggesting that the outcomes of prolonged British rule are debatable and not necessarily positive.