Reflections on 1945

A troop of soldiers enacting a scene in which members of the Indonesian Navy in 1945 were marching with their rifles on their left shoulders was recently shown on TV. The actors-soldiers were training for Armada Day on Dec. 5.

In 1945, soldiers did not shoulder their rifles on the left, but on the right, as instructed by the Japanese armed forces, who occupied this country from 1942 to 1945. The Indonesian armed forces changed the position from the right to the left shoulder after 1950, in imitation of the Allied troops.

It is a small matter, but historical accuracy need not be neglected. There are still many 1945 fighters who may remember this detail.

During the Japanese occupation, junior high school students and other youths were trained in marching, warfare and handling of arms by PETA (defenders of the fatherland). They were given green uniforms similar to PETA's. That was at the basis of our courage to resist the Allied and Dutch troops later on.

The 1945 fighters have their cherished recollections of the Japanese navy and army. These former fighters are now at least 65 years old. Many of them lead simple lives. They have no demands. They are happy if they can die peacefully. They are happy if they can see their offspring live in a free country, provided truth and justice are really enforced in this beloved country; provided the wealth of Indonesia is not only enjoyed by a handful of people, but by the whole population; provided the Republic of Indonesia as a law state does not change into a power state dominated by a few people and provided we are not colonized by our own people.

Let us return to the ideals of our proclamation in 1945.

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta