Veteran 92 Tahun, Saksi Hidup Sejarah Kemerdekaan Indonesia | Podcast Nusantara

Summary

In this heartfelt interview, Colonel (ret.) Sriyono reflects on his experiences during Indonesia's struggle for independence, from the harsh conditions under Dutch and Japanese occupation to his active involvement in the Indonesian National Revolution. He shares personal memories of his youth as a freedom fighter, the impact of the Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge), and the challenges veterans face today. Sriyono emphasizes the sacrifices made for independence, urging younger generations to appreciate the nation's hard-won freedom and continue the spirit of patriotism.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview highlights the importance of Indonesia's independence, which was achieved through the tireless efforts and sacrifices of its national heroes and fighters.
• 😀 Colonel (ret.) Sriyono recalls his experiences during the Japanese occupation and the hard lessons learned from it, including discipline and suffering under Japanese rule.
• 😀 He shares his early education under the Dutch colonization, where access to education was severely limited, especially for common folk, and only the children of officials could attend school beyond elementary level.
• 😀 The transition from Dutch to Japanese rule was marked by the harshness of the Japanese, including scarcity of food, high prices, and a general atmosphere of hardship, which eventually played a role in strengthening the Indonesian struggle for independence.
• 😀 Sriyono describes his participation in Indonesia’s independence movement, joining the military as a young man during the war against Japanese and later Dutch forces.
• 😀 At the age of 15, he eagerly joined the Indonesian fight for independence, despite not fully understanding the scope of the conflict, driven by patriotism and a desire to protect his country.
• 😀 The Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge) in 1928, which called for the unity of Indonesian youth, was a pivotal moment in galvanizing support for the independence movement.
• 😀 Sriyono emphasizes the importance of discipline and national unity, recalling how Indonesian youth, despite their lack of formal training, rallied together under the banner of independence.
• 😀 The internal strife during the Indonesian revolution (1945-50), including the PKI (Communist Party of Indonesia) rebellion in 1948, led to a period of severe conflict, with cities like Solo and Yogyakarta falling to Dutch forces.
• 😀 As a member of the TKR (Tentara Keamanan Rakyat), Sriyono describes his participation in guerrilla warfare, enduring extreme conditions like food scarcity, while trying to defend Indonesia from foreign reoccupation.
• 😀 Sriyono reflects on the present state of veterans, noting that many, especially those from the independence struggle, face hardship and lack of recognition, and emphasizes the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for Indonesia’s independence.

Q & A

What role did Colonel Sriyono play during Indonesia's fight for independence?

Colonel Sriyono was an active participant in Indonesia's independence struggle, initially joining the military at a young age during the Japanese occupation. He became part of the People's Security Army (TKR) and later fought in various key battles, including during the period of the Indonesian National Revolution after World War II.

How did Sriyono describe the difference between the Dutch and Japanese occupations of Indonesia?

Sriyono highlighted that under Dutch rule, Indonesia experienced economic prosperity, but the Dutch imposed strict educational restrictions that kept the population uneducated. In contrast, the Japanese occupation was marked by harsh discipline and suffering, with food and resources scarce, but it also instilled a sense of discipline and unity among the Indonesians.

What was the significance of the Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge) in Indonesia's independence movement?

The Sumpah Pemuda, or Youth Pledge, played a crucial role in unifying the diverse youth movements across Indonesia. It called for solidarity among the Indonesian people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, and became a foundation for the eventual declaration of Indonesia's independence in 1945.

Can you explain how the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki affected Indonesia's path to independence?

The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 weakened Japan's control over Southeast Asia, providing an opportunity for Indonesia to declare independence. The youth, like Colonel Sriyono, were quick to act, joining the independence movement and taking up arms to fight for the country's freedom.

What was Sriyono's experience like as a young fighter during the independence movement?

At the age of 15, Sriyono joined the struggle for independence, participating in guerilla tactics and self-training in the use of weapons. He and his fellow youth soldiers faced extreme conditions, including scarcity of food and resources, but their determination and sense of duty kept them going.

How did the Indonesian military organize itself during the revolution, according to Sriyono?

Initially, Indonesian youth groups organized independently, but as the situation evolved, they came under the structure of the People’s Security Army (TKR), which later became the Indonesian National Army (TNI). Sriyono mentions that military units were created and managed by local leaders, with a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

What was the role of PKI (Indonesian Communist Party) in the Indonesian independence struggle, as explained by Sriyono?

Sriyono mentioned that in 1948, the PKI attempted to undermine the independence movement by staging a rebellion, which weakened Indonesia's position at the time. Despite internal conflicts, the struggle continued, and the Indonesian forces, led by figures like General Sudirman, persisted in resisting both external and internal threats.

What challenges did veterans like Sriyono face after Indonesia's independence?

After independence, veterans like Sriyono faced various challenges, including inadequate recognition and support. While some veterans found positions in the government or military, many others, particularly those from poorer backgrounds, struggled with financial and social hardships.

What are some of the key messages Sriyono hopes to pass on to younger generations?

Sriyono emphasizes the importance of remembering that Indonesia's independence was achieved through great sacrifices, including the loss of lives. He urges the younger generation to appreciate the hard-fought nature of independence and to cultivate a sense of patriotism and solidarity, rather than focusing solely on individual gain.

What is the significance of the 'baret' (beret) worn by veterans like Sriyono?

The 'baret' (beret) worn by Sriyono and other veterans symbolizes their participation in the independence struggle. Specifically, the baret with the gerilya star denotes those who were involved in the guerilla warfare against the Dutch and Japanese during the 1940s and early 1950s, a badge of honor for their contributions to Indonesia's independence.