Reflections on 1945

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