Traces Of Ukraine In The History Of Indonesian Independence

Sutan Sjahrir, made diplomacy the key to Indonesia's independence, one of which was with support from Ukraine. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The war option has never been considered as the spearhead of defending Indonesia's independence. Indonesia's limited military capabilities became the estuary. The nation's leaders are tactics. Diplomacy is advanced as a strategy. Sutan Sjahrir is behind it. The move was effective. Diplomacy opens up a lot of international support. The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, one of them. Ukraine's support in 1946 meant a lot to Indonesia. Thanks to him, Indonesia lasts as an independent country.

The initial phase of Indonesia's independence was a period full of difficulties. The foundations of the new government were not strong enough to stop the Dutch from taking over Indonesia a second time. Moreover, Indonesia itself is not yet strong institutionally or military strength. Therefore, the option to take up arms to end Dutch domination was never considered the spearhead.

Instead, the government is only faced with a choice: avoid hostility or be destroyed in war. All this because the Dutch under the banner of the Netherland Indies Civil Administration (NICA) had taken the ally, England. For the sake of smoothing the colonial agenda, he thought.

It may be that the war narrative continues to be fueled. But war is not the only solution. Indonesian leaders immediately turned their heads. Sutan Sjahrir, especially. Diplomacy was chosen as the main key for Indonesia to be able to maintain independence. This means that diplomacy can be the key to the survival of a new country: Indonesia.

Indonesian delegation at the UN session: Sutan Sjahrir, Soedjatmoko, Agus Salim, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The move then sparked debate. Many parties do not agree that diplomatic efforts are the spearhead. Because war is the only way to expel the invaders. However, Sutan Sjahrir considers it lonely to comment that criticizes his steps. Bung Sjahrir continued to carry out his diplomatic agenda to seek world support. This effort means a lot for Indonesia.

“Looking back to the first years of our war for independence, I am now (even though at that time as a young man I was often impatient with negotiating politics) not so sure about the attitude of my friends who adhered to 'hard ideas.' I now tend to justify the politics outlined by Bung Sjahrir at that time.”

“Just imagine with what weapons we could at that time be able to face the British and Dutch war powers, which controlled the air and sea, the new union army that emerged triumphantly from a world war? Now that we don't have to face the danger of death anymore, of course it's easy to say that 'hard-line' politics will be more effective than negotiation politics,” said Rosihan Anwar in the book Memories of Sjahrir (2013).

Ukraine Supports Indonesia

The Indonesian government does not remain silent. Diplomatic efforts to connect Indonesia to the outside world are carried out massively. The goal is none other than so that Indonesia's struggle for independence gets support from the citizens of the world. Bung Sjahrir did not waste this opportunity. He firmly stated that Indonesia needed UN intervention to perpetuate Indonesia's independence on December 4, 1945.

Historian Rushdy Hoesein revealed that Bung Sjahrir considered UN intervention as the best way for the Dutch to leave immediately. Everything is in order to perpetuate the narrative of an independent state. In particular, so that the road of violence applied by the Dutch to Indonesia was immediately ended.

The steps of the man who was familiarly called Little Brother continued. A letter complete with documents was addressed by Sjahrir to the UN Conference which was taking place at Church House Westminster, London, England on January 10, 1946.

Among other things, Bung Sjahrir asked that the Indonesian issue be discussed at the conference immediately. Sjahrir fully understands that the UN's capabilities can make Indonesia gain world support. Dipper was also greeted. The debate about the pros and cons of the Indonesian-Dutch conflict from UN member countries.

Dmitri Manuilsky, Ukrainian diplomat at the United Nations who provided support for Indonesian Independence. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Not to be outdone, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eelco van Kleffens responded to Sjahrir's letter and challenged Indonesia. He said that the proposal would be fulfilled if Indonesia had at least one country supported by the United Nations.

The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic then appeared to provide support. This support means a lot to Indonesia. After that, support for Indonesia poured in. As a form of gratitude, the Indonesian people held parades that carried narratives of gratitude for Ukraine in various cities. Two of the most prominent messages echoed during the march were “Hidoep Manuilsky” and “Thank you Ukraine.”

"In fact, on another occasion, on January 17, 1946, Van Kleffens, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, commented on Sjahrir's letter and spoke to reporters that Indonesia's proposal could be discussed if Indonesia was supported by a member of the United Nations. Without being engineered, it turns out that there has been strong support from the Ukrainian envoy at the UN Session, namely from Dr. Dmitri Manuilsky."

“He even wrote to the Security Council, which is also convening in London, saying: The situation in Indonesia is endangering world peace. This is an early diplomatic victory in the international world that the Republic of Indonesia has made for the efforts of several members of the delegation, including Dr. Manuilsky was finally proposed to be on the agenda and could be discussed in the UN Security Council Session,” concluded Rushdy Hoesein in his book Breakthrough of Sukarno in the Linggarjati Negotiations (2010).