Reflections on 1945<\/p>\n
A troop of soldiers enacting a scene in which members of the
\nIndonesian Navy in 1945 were marching with their rifles on their
\nleft shoulders was recently shown on TV. The actors-soldiers were
\ntraining for Armada Day on Dec. 5.<\/p>\n
In 1945, soldiers did not shoulder their rifles on the left,
\nbut on the right, as instructed by the Japanese armed forces, who
\noccupied this country from 1942 to 1945. The Indonesian armed
\nforces changed the position from the right to the left shoulder
\nafter 1950, in imitation of the Allied troops.<\/p>\n
It is a small matter, but historical accuracy need not be
\nneglected. There are still many 1945 fighters who may remember
\nthis detail.<\/p>\n
During the Japanese occupation, junior high school students
\nand other youths were trained in marching, warfare and handling
\nof arms by PETA (defenders of the fatherland). They were given
\ngreen uniforms similar to PETA's. That was at the basis of our
\ncourage to resist the Allied and Dutch troops later on.<\/p>\n
The 1945 fighters have their cherished recollections of the
\nJapanese navy and army. These former fighters are now at least 65
\nyears old. Many of them lead simple lives. They have no demands.
\nThey are happy if they can die peacefully. They are happy if they
\ncan see their offspring live in a free country, provided truth
\nand justice are really enforced in this beloved country; provided
\nthe wealth of Indonesia is not only enjoyed by a handful of
\npeople, but by the whole population; provided the Republic of
\nIndonesia as a law state does not change into a power state
\ndominated by a few people and provided we are not colonized by
\nour own people.<\/p>\n
Let us return to the ideals of our proclamation in 1945.<\/p>\n
SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/reflections-on-1945-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }