Diplomacy as important as military struggle, book says<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Diplomatic efforts played as important role as
\nthe military struggle for Indonesia's independence, says
\nprominent scholar Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung in his newest book.<\/p>\n
Amid praise and criticism, Anak Agung launched his latest
\nhistory book Persetujuan Linggajati, Prolog & Epilog (Linggajati
\nAgreement, Prologue and Epilogue) at the Indonesian Institute of
\nSciences yesterday.<\/p>\n
The book, published jointly by the Pustaka Nusatama Foundation
\nand the Sebelas Maret University Press, uncovers significant
\npolitical and diplomatic efforts made prior and after the
\nLinggajati agreement signed on March 25, l947, by delegations
\nfrom Indonesia and the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
The agreement, named after the West Java village where it was
\nsigned, aimed at bringing Indonesia and Dutch to the round-table
\ntalks to settle problems between the two countries following the
\ndeclaration of Indonesia's independence on Aug. 17, l945.<\/p>\n
Some political groups in the Netherlands at the time insisted
\non maintaining its colonial administration in Indonesia. Other
\ngroups, pressured by the international political climate,
\nadvocated the use of diplomatic paths to determine the future of
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Anak Agung stresses how Sutan Syahrir, chairman of the
\nIndonesian delegation to the Linggajati talks, and Lt. Gen. Van
\nMook of the Netherlands's toiled to reach an agreement.<\/p>\n
The book says that although the Linggajati negotiations came
\nto a deadlock, the attempt showed the world that Indonesia was
\ncapable of making important diplomatic efforts.<\/p>\n
The failure of the Linggajati agreement led to the Dutch
\nMilitary Actions in July l947.<\/p>\n
Ali Boediardjo, one of the Indonesian delegates to the talks,
\nwho was present at the launching yesterday, said the book has
\nmany shortcomings, including a lack of oral sources.<\/p>\n
Boediardjo added that the book would have been more credible
\nif Anak Agung had interviewed people who were directly involved
\nin the talks to obtain more accurate information.<\/p>\n
"Some historical figures are still living now and are capable
\nof providing necessary details," he remarked.<\/p>\n
Noted historian Sudjati Djiwandono, however, maintained that
\nthe book is worth reading, especially for the younger generation.<\/p>\n
"Every writer has his own interpretation. Many history books
\nreveal different versions of one important event, " Sudjati said.<\/p>\n
Born on July 24, l921, as a crown prince of the former Gianyar
\nroyal family, Anak Agung was active in Indonesian political fora
\nduring the early period of Indonesia's independence. He was
\nelected as prime minister of Negara Indonesia Timur (East
\nIndonesia State) in December l947.<\/p>\n
In l953, Anak Agung served as Indonesian ambassador to
\nBelgium. From the middle of l953 to l955, he was posted in
\nFrance. He also held several other important positions, including
\nas foreign minister during the Boerhanoedin cabinet in l955-l956.<\/p>\n
Anak Agung is also known as a prolific writer. Among his works
\nare Twenty Years of Indonesian Foreign Policy l945-l965, Bali in
\nthe l9th Century, Surat Menyurat Hatta-Anak Agung,
\n(Correspondence between (Mohammad) Hatta and Anak Agung), and
\nKenangan Masa Lampau: Zaman Kolonial Hindia Belanda dan Zaman
\nPendudukan Jepang di Bali, (Reminiscence of the Past: the Dutch
\nColonial Period and the Japanese Occupation of Bali) launched in
\nApril l994. (raw)<\/p>",
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