This is the hidden history of Indonesia

Summary

This video uncovers hidden historical facts about Indonesia, focusing on communist figures Alimin and Tan Malaka, whose roles were suppressed during the New Order regime. It explores alternative theories on the spread of Islam in Indonesia, including the lesser-known Chinese theory, and reveals the covert dealings between Indonesia and Israel in the 1980s. The video also sheds light on the VOC's dark history of slavery and its profits from the slave trade. These revelations highlight how significant aspects of Indonesia's history were concealed or distorted for political reasons.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alimin and Tan Malaka were two communist figures who were appointed national heroes by President Soekarno, despite their communist ideologies.
• 😀 Both Alimin and Tan Malaka were active in the national movement from their teens, with Alimin being a member of Budi Utomo and Sarekat Islam before founding the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).
• 😀 Tan Malaka was appointed as the chairman of the Indonesian Communist Party in 1921 and was considered a fugitive from the Dutch colonial government, living abroad to fight.
• 😀 The Ministry of Social Affairs under President Soeharto once proposed revoking the national hero titles of Alimin and Tan Malaka, but Soeharto ruled that their titles could not be revoked.
• 😀 Tan Malaka's role in history was largely erased during the New Order era, with his name being excluded from history lessons in schools.
• 😀 The Chinese theory on the spread of Islam to Indonesia suggests that Islam entered the archipelago through Chinese Muslim migrants, rather than through the more commonly accepted theories like the Gujarat or Persian theories.
• 😀 The Chinese theory claims that Islam developed in China as early as the 7th century and spread to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, due to migration, particularly to the southern parts of Sumatra.
• 😀 Professor Slamet Muljana’s research on the origins of Walisongo, suggesting some came from China, sparked controversy during the New Order government, which viewed it as contradictory to the accepted historical narrative.
• 😀 Suharto was implicated in a rice smuggling operation in the 1950s, but Major General Gatot Subroto defended him, preventing his dismissal from the military and ultimately paving the way for Suharto's future leadership.
• 😀 In the 1980s, Indonesia secretly cooperated with Israel in procuring fighter planes and training pilots, despite not having formal diplomatic relations with the country, and continued covert engagements through the 1990s.
• 😀 The Dutch East India Company (VOC) profited not only from the spice trade but also from the slave trade, trafficked tens of thousands of slaves, and imposed a monopoly on slavery in the Indonesian Archipelago, which remains largely hidden from public historical knowledge.

Q & A

Who were Alimin and Tan Malaka, and why are they significant in Indonesian history?

Alimin and Tan Malaka were communist figures who played a key role in the national movement of Indonesia during the early 20th century. They were both involved in the formation of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and were recognized as national heroes by President Soekarno. Despite their importance, their roles were erased from history during the New Order regime under Suharto due to their communist affiliations.

Why were Alimin and Tan Malaka removed from the official history taught in schools?

Alimin and Tan Malaka were removed from official history because their communist affiliations were considered politically sensitive during the New Order regime under Suharto. Their recognition as national heroes under Soekarno conflicted with the government's anti-communist stance, leading to the erasure of their roles in school curriculums.

What is the Chinese theory regarding the spread of Islam in Indonesia?

The Chinese theory suggests that Islam entered Indonesia through Chinese Muslim traders and missionaries during the Tang Dynasty, rather than through Arab or Persian influence as commonly believed. This theory gained attention through the work of historian Slamet Muljana, though it was opposed by the New Order government for being politically sensitive.

Why did the New Order government oppose the Chinese theory of Islam's spread in Indonesia?

The New Order government opposed the Chinese theory because it conflicted with the official narrative that Islam entered Indonesia through Arab or Persian sources. Additionally, during the 1960s, anti-China sentiments were prevalent in Indonesia, making any theory linking Islam to China politically controversial.

What was the significance of Suharto’s involvement in rice smuggling in 1950?

Suharto’s involvement in rice smuggling in 1950 was a key moment in his early career, highlighting his corrupt practices. Despite facing potential punishment, his military career was saved by the intervention of supportive officers like Gatot Subroto. This event could have derailed Suharto’s rise to power, but instead, it led to his later transfer to a new position, eventually paving the way for him to become President of Indonesia.

How did Suharto manage to avoid punishment for his involvement in rice smuggling?

Suharto avoided punishment for his involvement in rice smuggling through the intervention of military officers like Gatot Subroto, who defended him and convinced others that Suharto could be reformed. As a result, he was not fired but reassigned to a different position, which ultimately helped further his political career.

What was the secret cooperation between Indonesia and Israel in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, despite no official diplomatic relations, Indonesia and Israel secretly cooperated in military matters. Indonesia purchased over 30 Skyhawk fighter jets from Israel through Operation Alpha, and Indonesian pilots were trained in Israel. This covert relationship was kept hidden due to Indonesia’s official stance against Israel.

Why did the Indonesian government keep its cooperation with Israel secret?

The Indonesian government kept its cooperation with Israel secret because of the official policy of not recognizing Israel diplomatically. The secrecy was necessary to avoid political fallout, as public knowledge of this cooperation would have contradicted Indonesia's stance on Israel and its foreign policy.

What role did the VOC play in the history of slavery in Indonesia?

The VOC (Dutch East India Company) played a significant role in the history of slavery in Indonesia. It was heavily involved in the slave trade, trafficking between 6,000 and a million people. The VOC also profited from slave taxes and monopolized the slave trade in the archipelago, but this aspect of its operations is often omitted from mainstream historical accounts.

Why is the history of the VOC's involvement in the slave trade not widely discussed?

The history of the VOC's involvement in the slave trade is often omitted from mainstream historical discussions because it is considered a dark and uncomfortable aspect of colonial history. The VOC’s role in slavery was hidden from public consciousness, especially in the Netherlands, where its legacy is still not fully acknowledged.