The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence

Jurnal Kajian Wilayah, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013, Hal. 3-24

3
© 2013 PSDR LIPI ISSN 2087-2119

The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence:

As Reported in Philippine Newspapers1

Augusto V. De Viana

Introduction: Visions for National Freedom

Viewing each other as brothers of the same race, Filipinos and Indonesians
shared the same aspirations for national liberation and independence. Events
in the Philippines such as the Reform Movement in the Philippines of the
1880s, the Philippine Revolution in 1896, and the Filipino-American War
were closely watched by its neighbors and helped inspire the formation of
independence movements.
One of the Filipino leaders admired by Indonesians was Manuel
L. Quezon. In 1916 Quezon rose to prominence with the passage of the
Philippine Autonomy Act or Jones Law which had a formal American
commitment of the eventual withdrawal of American sovereignty as soon
as a stable Philippine government was established. Under the law, an all-
Filipino legislature composed of a House of Representatives and a Senate was
established. Quezon became President of the Senate and was considered as the
foremost Filipino leader of his time. Fiery and dramatic Quezon transformed
politics into a spectacle, especially during a dispute over jurisdictional power
with the Americans in 1923 when he was reported to have said “I rather have
a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven
by the Americans.“ During Quezon’s time, the Indonesian independence
movement was heating up. In the late 1920s Quezon visited Indonesia and
among those he met were Indonesian nationalists and intellectuals including
Dr. Sutomo, Thamrin, and Dr. Ratulangi (Suradji, 1983: 131-132.)

1 This is a paper delivered during the plenary session of the 22nd conference of the International
Association of Historians of Asia (IAHA) in Surakarta (Solo), Indonesia, on July 3, 2012.
4 Augusto V. De Viana

Picture 1. Quezon was one of the Filipino leaders admired by Indonesians

Another Filipino leader was Wenceslao Q. Vinzons. In 1934, Vinzons

was elected as the youngest member of the Constitutional Convention, which
drafted the Constitution of the Philippine Commonwealth and the Philippine
Republic. Later, he became governor of his home province of Camarines
Norte. An adversary of Quezon, Vinzons dreamed of a united Southeast
Asia in 1936. An organization called the Pan-Malayan Union was established
at the University of the Philippines. The union was comprised of students
from the other Southeast Asian countries and Vinzons served as its adviser.
Indonesia was represented by Tengku Usman Hussein, a former Indonesian
consul to Singapore who became its Secretary General; the other Indonesian
members were Tengku S. Abulbakar, Baron Sudhadfistra, and Tengku S. Djaja
as members. Vinzon’s dream was to free Southeast Asia from bondage. This
dream was voiced out in his prize-winning oration entitled Malaya Irredenta.
Here, he envisioned the establishment of a Malay nation that could consolidate
“a million brown people.” This nation is not one state but the entire Southeast
Asian region where the people sharing a common racial and cultural heritage,
continue to live in peace and freedom devoid of colonial anthem (Suradji,
1983: 136-137).
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 5

In 1938, Vinzons was elected

governor of Camarines Norte. He Picture 2.
did not witness to see the realization Vinzons envisioned a “Malayan Dawn”
in his Malaya Irredenta.
of his dream as he was captured and
executed by the Japanese during
the Second World War. Vinzons
became a guerrilla leader during
the early part of the war before he
was betrayed by his own in-laws,
and later, he was executed by
the Japanese. Nevertheless, parts
of his vision of a pan Malayan
union can be seen in the present
Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN).
Indonesians also had an
influence on the Philippines. The
seeds of communism were sowed
in the islands by a man named Tan
Malaka. Tan Malaka arrived in the Philippines on July 20, 1925 from Hong
Kong. Passing himself off as a Filipino musician named Jorge Fuentes, Tan
Malaka slipped through Philippine immigration with six Indonesian refugees
who had fake papers. In his two years in the Philippines, he met peasant and
labor leaders among whom was Crisanto Evangelista who became Chairman
of the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas in 1938. Tan Malaka helped pursue plans
of the Philippine labor Congress to send delegates to the Trade Conference in
Canton, China which was sponsored by the Red International Organization of
Labor Unions, a subsidiary of the COMINTERN (Communist International)
which was tasked to spread communism worldwide. Tan Malaka also met
other Filipino leaders like Quezon, Claro M. Recto who became a senator, Jose
Abad Santos who became Chief Justice of the Philippines, Ramon Fernandez,
the Mayor of Manila and Apolinario de los Santos, President of the University
of the Philippines and his brother, Mariano. Finally Tan Malaka was arrested
for illegal entry and deported to Amoy, China (Suradji, 1983).
Regardless of his political ideology, Tan Malaka may be considered as
the first Indonesian to make deliberate contacts with the Filipinos although
his objectives did not reflect the diplomatic objectives of Indonesia. Before
him, Philippine-Indonesian relations began as informal and unplanned
interactions between the peoples of the two countries. Though he did not
play his maximum role as a communist organizer, he was considered as an
ardent nationalist who had incurred the wrath of the alien colonizer of his
country. Tan Malaka appeared to have succeeded in his role though it was
6 Augusto V. De Viana

not prominently mentioned. By the time he was caught by the Americans and
deported, communism was already well rooted in the minds of Filipino labor
leaders and that international communism was flexing its newly acquired
muscles throughout the Far East (Suradji, 1983: 114). According to Apolinario
de los Santos who provided living quarters for Malaka said “Tan Malaka’s
crime was that of being a patriot – a nationalist of the first order but never a
Bolshevik” (Suradji, 1983: 134-135).
During the final month of the Second World War the Indonesians
reached a point of no return in their aspiration for independence. Following
Japan’s decision to surrender, Indonesian patriots declared their nation’s
independence on August 17, 1945. This declaration was not recognized by
the Netherlands which sought to return to its former colony and reclaim it by
force.
The return of the Dutch marked the armed struggle for Indonesian
independence. In the Philippines meanwhile, preparations were being made
for its own independence from the United States. Elections were held on April
23, 1946 and the elected President Manuel Roxas became the Philippines’
last Commonwealth President and the first elected president when the
Philippine Republic was inaugurated on July 4, 1946. As the Philippines
became independent that year, Indonesians sought support and inspiration
from the Philippines. The Philippine government did not openly support the
independence movement because the Netherlands was an ally of the United
States and it did not want to embarrass the American government. However,
a de facto Indonesian embassy was set up in Manila while the Indonesian war
of independence raged.
Many Filipinos sympathized with the Indonesian cause and provided
material and moral support. They supplied arms, ammunition and supplies
which were smuggled through the country’s southern border.  Information
about this role is sketchy and it needs to be fully researched. Oral accounts
by old timers from Cavite and Corregidor also mention that the weapons
especially obtained during the Second World War, were brought to the
Indonesian freedom fighters. Explosive powder aside from those used in
dynamite fishing was obtained from unexploded shells taken from Corregidor
and sent to Indonesia. Again this information has become part of local legend
and needs to be fully confirmed. According to one account, some of the
Filipinos allegedly profited from arms smuggling by getting compensated
with goods which were then sold in the Philippines. Again this information
needs to be fully verified. 
It is also possible that Filipino volunteers also went to Indonesia to
fight the Dutch. During a conference commemorating the centenary of the
First Asian Republic held in Jakarta in September 1997, the Chairman of the
National Centennial Commission, former Vice President Salvador H. Laurel
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 7

said in a speech that he volunteered to fight on the side of the Indonesian

nationalists against the Dutch.  He was prevented however from doing so
because of objections from his family. 2

Picture 3. Salvador H. Laurel

Note: As a young man Laurel volunteered to fight on the side of

Indonesian nationalists during Indonesia’s war of independence in 1945-
1949.

The Headlines of December 28, 1949

Papers
Philippine newspapers followed up developments concerning Indonesia,
culminating with the recognition of that country’s independence by the
Netherlands on December 27, 1949. The Indonesian event hogged the
headlines of Philippine broadsheets such as the Manila Times and the
Manila Daily Bulletin. Local events took a backseat as news of Indonesian
independence filled the front pages. The local news at that time included an
electoral protest by a member of the Philippine Senate (Manila Times, 1949:1).

2 Salvador H. Laurel (1928-2004) served as Chairman of the National Centennial Commission

during the commemoration of the centenary of the Philippine Revolution and Philippine
Independence (1996 and 1998). In August 1997 he led a delegation which held a conference
on the First Asian Republic at the Kartika Chandra Hotel during which he mentioned that
the was one of the Filipinos who volunteered to fight on the side of the Indonesian freedom
fighters in 1945-1949.
8 Augusto V. De Viana

The shelling of a Moro fort in Jolo by naval guns as the Philippine navy, army
and constabulary were trying to flush out the group of the bandit leader Hadji
Kamlon (Manila Times, 1949: 1-2) and a takeover of a town in Mindoro by
communist dissidents (Manila Times, 1949: 1).
Indonesia then was described as a country of 77 million people and the
government that was established was the United States of Indonesia. The
December 28 issue of the Manila Times shows a map of Indonesia depicting it as
a nation of 77 million people living on 743, 885 square miles of land. It showed
the islands such as Sumatra, Java, the Moluccas, Celebes and even the western
part of New Guinea which was then under dispute with the Netherlands.
Between the caption and the map were illustrations of Indonesia’s products
such as oil, tin, rice, rubber, gold, copra and spices.
On December 28, 1949 issue came out with a very large banner stating
“United States of Indonesia Is Born” (Manila Times, 1949: 1). The story read:

“Holland’s rule over the East Indies ended late yesterday afternoon, Manila time as
Queen Juliana, in Amsterdam, signed the final papers, and as on the lawn before the
Konigsplein Palace in Batavia, flags changed places and the Netherlands crown’s
representative motored to the airport to take off for Holland... Today President
Soekarno arrives in Jakarta to take up residence in the former palace of the Dutch
viceroys.”

Picture 4. The Manila Times, December 28, 1949.

The same paper described the details of the recognition of the country’s
independence by Queen Juliana in the Netherlands. Headlined “Queen of
Netherlands Signs Away Indies Empire, Remains Titular Chief” (Manila
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 9

Times, 1949: 1) Queen Juliana signed two documents, the first was “the act
of sovereignty” and the second, inaugurating the Netherlands-Indonesian
Union. The first document created the United States of Indonesia and ended
350 years of Dutch rule in the archipelago. It was a formal act of transfer of
sovereignty and recognition to the United States of Indonesia. The second was
the creation of the Netherlands-Indonesian Union with the Queen as its titular
chief. The union was formed to promote voluntary cooperation between the
two countries to promote their common interests. The documents were signed
at the Citizen’s hall of the Royal Palace. Witnessing the signing which took
place at the Citizen’s Hall of the Royal Palace, there were Prince Bernhard and
the entire Dutch Cabinet. The Indonesians were represented by a delegation
led by Prime Minister Mohammad Hatta. In the act of transfer, Queen Juliana
guaranteed that the “transfer of sovereignty shall have the force of law” and
announced that “the Netherlands Union has been effected”.

Picture 5. Indonesia being introduced to Filipino readers on the

December 28 issue of the Manila Times.

Prime Minister Hatta accepted the sovereignty on behalf of the republic

and agreed on the “effecting of the Netherlands-Indonesian Union”. The Dutch
and Indonesian ministers and other Indonesian delegates countersigned the
order. After the signing of the pact, the queen spoke briefly to delegations and
a handful of officials who attended the ceremony. A few minutes later, the
bells of the old palace carillon pealed out the Dutch and Indonesian anthems
in greeting the newest country in the world. With a clear and modulated
voice, the queen, dressed in a black dress and hat, greeted the birth of the new
Indonesian state in a grave speech after she signed the transfer act at 9:20 a.m.
10 Augusto V. De Viana

(5:20 p.m., Manila Time). She said, “No longer do we stand partially opposed
to one another... This is one of the most deeply moving events of the times,
piercing as it were the roots of our existence” (Manila Times, 1949).
Meanwhile in New York, Dr. H. Riemens, the acting head of the Dutch
delegation to the United Nations handed a letter to the United Nations
Secretary General Trygve Lie on December 27, announcing the birth of the
United States of Indonesia. He also said that his government is “pledging to
take all possible steps to promote the early admission of this newest state as
a member of the United Nations organization” (Manila Times, 1949). Other
countries began recognizing the new nation. In Washington, D.C., officials
said that the White House will announce on December 28 its recognition of the
United States of the newly-created United States of Indonesia (Washington,
December 27). On the same day, the government of Pakistan extended its
recognition to the new country and arranged for the exchange of ambassadors.
The Pakistani government then sent a message of felicitations to Indonesian
President, Soekarno.
Meanwhile in Indonesia, Benjamin Osias of the Manila Times reported
the independence ceremonies (Manila Times, 1949). Osias reported that the
signing of the protocol at Konigsplein Palace was signed at 5:34 p.m. (Manila
Time). As deputy premier of the USI, Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX signed first
the protocol. He was followed by Dr. A.H. J. Lovnik, who signed as the behalf
of the Crown of the Netherlands. Lovnik was also the high representative
of the Netherlands. The crowd numbering around 20,000 packed about the
lawn which was up to that time the residence of the Dutch viceroys listened
to the radio broadcast by Queen Juliana from her palace at Amsterdam. There
was silence among the crowd as they stood in respectful attention. Then they
broke into thunderous cheer as the Dutch tricolor was hauled down and the
red and scarlet flag of Indonesia was raised by the troopers of the Indonesian
National Army (TNI). The flag ceremony took place against a backdrop of
gray cloud and under a slight drizzle ended at 5:54 p.m. (Manila time). Sultan
Hamengkubuwono and his retinue bade farewell, accompanied Dr. Lovnik
at the airport and with the departure of the Dutch officials. The 350-year old
rule of Holland over the East Indies ended and Indonesia assumed full and
sovereign authority over the 3,000 islands of the new nation. According to
Osias, the ceremonies which accompanied the transfer were deeply impressive
and most touching to watch. The mixed feelings were well concealed and the
strained solemnity which was the one which prevailed. “There were feelings
of triumph and humility, or pride in surrender”, Osias observed. “These were
merged into a new spirit of mutual need and cooperation between the Dutch
and the Indonesians, feelings faintly evident to foreign observers”.
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 11

Earlier in preparation of the withdrawal of Dutch authority, Dr.

Hirschfeld, new Dutch High Commissioner for the Crown, arrived this
morning (December 27) by plane to assume his office when President Soekarno
arrived from Jogjakarta Wednesday morning. The new High Commissioner
for the Crown took up residence at the former British NAAFI store. Soekarno
as the new president of USI, will occupy the palace to inaugurate the transition
of government functions.
The transfer ceremony took place inside the palace banquet hall. It was
in an atmosphere of white Corinthian, with glass chandeliers hanging over a
long white conference table, circled by 38 chairs. At the south end, there were
two chairs, one for the Sultan deputy premier and the other for Dr. Lovnik.
Foreign diplomats and the press rounded out the rest of the table. A life-size
portrait of the Queen adorned the west wall and a bust of the Queen at the
east wall. The ceremony were attended over 200 representatives of 22 nations,
plus press men and photographers witnessing the signing of the protocol and
the flag ceremony. At 4:30 p.m. the guests were ushered along streets, cleared
by joint Dutch and Indonesian troopers to the palace steps. Security measures
were complete with Siliwangi (guerrilla) troopers, bearing machine guns took
positions surrounding the palace on all sides. Then the foreign representatives
began to arrive. The first delegate to arrive was Pakistan’s foreign minister
Chaudry Nazir Ahmed Khan. All were seated when the Dutch and Federal
officials entered the hall through the south portal, followed by the Indonesian
transition cabinet and delegates, who occupied opposite sides of the table.
The Sultan and Lovnik entered together, and took their seats at the head
of the table. The Sultan wore a major-general’s khaki dress uniform, with
white shirt and black tie, without decorations. Dr. Lovnik wore a white dress
uniform with one row of ribbons. Their sides took posts behind them. At 4:48
p.m. Lovnik started his speech in a low, soft, but firm voice, and far carrying
tone charged with melancholy. He solemnly bid farewell “to this beautiful
country, in the full realization that renewal is the law of life, and that the song
of labor will resound in the construction of a new free sovereign nation” (Ibid.).
Pausing to wipe his lips he turned with a fleeting smile to the sultan. He slowed
down near the conclusion with best wishes to the new nation in the fulfillment
of a prophecy, “in the scroll of the Tjanggal, anent the administration of Java
under King Sandjaja in the year 732; that the people without fear, may lay
down to sleep in the road; and may that the people rich in good name could
enjoy the good, the useful and the agreeable” (Ibid.). Again turning to the
Sultan, he said, “God bless your country and your people.” The sultan, in his
fine features set, rose in response. Intense character rose on his youthful face.
He was humble in victory as he spoke. Though mentioning the bitter history
of the Indonesian struggle, he paid tribute to the Dutch acceptance of “the
12 Augusto V. De Viana

new world,” stressing thanks to the Netherlands who “with a larger vision
were able to understand the soul of Indonesian nationalism.”
He cited the following pillars of Indonesian “Pantjasilla” as the political
creed of the USI: belief in God, national consciousness, democracy, social
justice and humanity. This creed is incorporated in the preamble of the USI
basic statute. Both the royal and the presidential decrees were then read in
turn, after which the signing of the protocol took place. The banquet hall was
then emptied as those who witnessed the ceremonies poured out to the (sic)
of 20,000 cheered as Dutch and Indonesian officials emerged together and
descended the marble staircase (Ibid.). A wild ovation greeted Lovnik and
Sultan Hamengkubuwono who came last after a private talk. A detachment
of the Dutch navy with a band stood at the west of the palace while a crack
“Silliwangi” company with a band stood opposite. Both units came to present
arms as the Dutch tricolor waved at the top of the staff.
Then the Netherlands band struck up the Netherlands anthem, as the
tricolor fluttered down to rest in the reverent hands of her majesty’s seamen.
The cheers increased as the white and red flag was hauled up by TNI guerrillas
exactly at 5:54 p.m. The Silliwangi troopers wept openly as they hauled on the
lines and the crowds outside sang and sobbed the words “Indonesia Raya.”
The emotion of the Indonesians was reflected among the correspondents who
watched, and those who were unable to resist were moistening in the eye.
The thought was that the prayers of 70 million people were answered, a new
nation was born, and a new spirit of kinship was kindled (with) formerly
bitter enemies. “ This was truly a Christmas”. Osias wrote (Ibid.).
Meanwhile on December 27, military authority and responsibility for
the maintenance of peace and order in Jakarta and its environs transferred
from the Dutch army to the Indonesian army at 10 this morning in a simple
ceremony. Base commander Lieut. Col. Taswin, with military governor of
Jakarta, Lieut. Col. Daan Jahja, of the TNI (Tentara Nasional Indonesia or
Indonesian National Army), entered the Dutch base commander’s offices to
sign the protocol of transfer. For the Dutch, Col. B.P. de Vries signed the
transfer instrument in the presence of the UN commission for Indonesia,
and officers of the American and French missions. The transfer included the
turnover of Dutch military equipment and installations. Full terms of the
protocol have not yet been released. A quaint situation exists as the Dutch
and the Indonesian base commands faced each other on Willems Laan. Guard
duty is maintained by joint Dutch and TNI soldiers, patrols by mixed forces,
while the overall command is in the hands of the TNI “Silliwangi” guerrilla
officers (Ibid, p. 2).
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 13

Sukarno’s Triumphal Entry to Jakarta

Osias also reported on the entry of President Sukarno into Jakarta (Benjarmin
Osias, Jakarta in Frenzy of Joy as Soekarno enters Hall of Dutch Envoys , Manila
Times, Vol. V, December 29, 1949, P. 1, 4/5). Sukarno had earlier taken the oath
of office on December 13, 1949, in Jogjakarta. (Soekarno Takes Presidential
Oath, Manila Times, December 19, 1949, p.1.) On December 27, he and his
party flew to the capital, Jakarta. (In the newspaper it was written as Batavia,
the capital’s old name). At 12:30 p.m., Sukarno, then 39 years old, arrived at
the Koenigsplein Palace which had been the home of Dutch Viceroys at 12:30
p.m., amidst an ovation described as never before seen in this capital. More
than half of the population of Jakarta estimated at 1.5 million participated
in the event. Sukarno and his party were met at the Kamajoran airport by
Sultan Hamengkubuwono, of Jogjakarta, who escorted the President along
the streets lined with cheering throngs which often impeded the passage of
the presidential car.
The crowds overran the palace fence and flooded the palace grounds,
forcing the diplomatic delegates who were awaiting the president to seek
refuge in the palace. Sukarno who was dressed in white with the traditional
black velvet cap, stood in his red Packard convertible, carrying the plate
marked “1 Indonesia 49,” white on a red background. The number 1 plate is
reserved for the President while 49 referred to the year 1949. Beside Sukarno
was Sultan Hamengkubuwono. He appeared pleased at the response of
the people and was completely at ease. As he alighted from the car, he was
greeted before the palace steps by the Home Minister, Anak Agung. Upon
climbing on the carpeted steps leading to the palace, the thousands packed
on the lawns, mounted on trees and rooftops, shouted “Merdeka” (freedom).
Over 200,000 spectators practically mobbed the President upon his arrival in
the palace. It took him several minutes to push through the marble staircase
where a red carpet was spread. Foreign observers were deeply impressed as
thousands of voices joined in when the band played “Indonesia Raya.” The
blazing Monday sun of Jakarta proved too much for many, with scores being
carried off on stretchers. Four battalions of Silliwangi guerrillas, Soekarno’s
crack force, were unable to control the crowd. But the masses were stilled
when Sukarno raised his hand for silence.
14 Augusto V. De Viana

Picture 6.
President Soekarno arriving in Jakarta from Jogjakarta on December 27, 1949.

In his speech, his first address to the nation, Sukarno called for “unity
and hard work, to attain the true goals of which independence is the only
starting point,” “I am the servant of the people, not their master, he said. The
crowd stayed on and cheered every phrase of his speech. “As the constitution
demands, I will serve God and the people. Sovereignty for Indonesia is the
beginning not the end of our history, “he said. “Peace within” Sukarno
described as an added requisite to maintain peace against forces outside the
country. Sukarno then said that the next goal for free Indonesians is New
Guinea. “We now are peaceful terms with the Dutch and other foreigners.
Show hospitality toward them,” Sukarno added. Sukarno and other
Indonesian leaders fought a four-year guerrilla war against the Dutch who
tried to regain the archipelago after World War II. Finally, Sukarno said that
everyone must work, as we never worked before. With solid unity, we must
give prosperity to Indonesia and foreigners to restore our economic stability
and heal the wound caused by war. God gives us peace” (Ibid.).

Picture 7. More photographs from the Manila Times of December 28, 1949
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 15

Sukarno’s speech echoed the appeal for Dutch-Indonesian cooperation

which was voiced in Amsterdam by Queen Juliana when she signed the
papers making the United States of Indonesia an independent nation. The
U.S.I. remains linked to the Netherlands by recognizing the Dutch Crown as
a symbol of Dutch-Indonesian Union, much like the British Commonwealth
of Nations. This arrangement was drafted in The Hague Agreement earlier
that year.
The first foreign representative to present his credentials to the USI
was the Netherlands High Commissioner Dr. Hirchfield. The preparatory
committee for independence announced that the transfer of sovereignty did
not mean a complete turnover of the government apparatus. It ordered all
present officials under the jurisdiction of the union to continue in office until
further orders to “prevent a vacuum.” Strict observance of flag rules was also
ordered (Batavia, December 28, [1949, Associated Press.)

Events in the Philippines

In the Philippines, meanwhile, the Philippine government formally accorded
de jure recognition to the Republic of Indonesia, immediately after the close
of the inaugural ceremonies in Djakarta. (PI Recognizes Indonesia De Jure
Recognition Universally Hailed., Manila Times 1, pp. 1-2). The grant of
recognition was decided by President Elpidio Quirino who was in Baguio
City at 9:00 a.m. yesterday (December 27) upon recommendation by the
foreign office. The diplomatic note extending recognition to the USI was
forthcoming with the dispatch at 3 in the afternoon by the foreign office to the
Philippine Consul Vicente Pastrana in Djakarta for transmittal to the Sukarno
government.
It was believed that the Philippines is among the first countries, if not
the very first country, to extend full diplomatic recognition to the new-born
Republic, the sixth Asiatic nation to win its freedom since the turn of the
decade. Even before the grant of de jure recognition the Philippines gave a de
facto recognition to Indonesia with the setting up of an unofficial consulate in
Manila (Ibid.).
Economic and political circles in Manila hailed the extension of full
recognition to Indonesia as one of the foreign policy actions of the government
meeting with the unanimous approval of the people. Aside from reflecting
the general sentiments of the Filipinos, observers said that de jure recognition
places the Philippines in the best possible light among Asiatic nations and
marks the beginning of closer and more intimate relations between this
Republic and the USI. The newspaper reported that “a new bond has been
established between the two young Republics, observers said, which cannot
but work to their mutual benefit. Foremost of such benefits is the enhanced
16 Augusto V. De Viana

trade between the two countries, negotiations for which are contemplated for
the very near future. Foreign affairs sources indicated that a bilateral trade
treaty on the barter basis will be one of the first major deals entered into by
the two governments. As the world’s greatest producer of oil, rubber and tin,
Indonesia is in a position to aid the Philippines its economic rehabilitation. On
the other hand, the Philippines may act as middleman between the USI and
the United States in the line of textiles, industrial equipment, and medicines
which Indonesia sorely needs.
With her almost incalculable wealth of raw materials, Indonesia’s
potential strength may well prove to be one of Asia’s main sources of power
in her attempt to maintain a balance between East and West. Simultaneous
with the extension of de jure recognition, President Quirino and Foreign
Undersecretary, Felino Neri led the nation yesterday in hailing the new-born
Republic.
In Manila some 200 guests from different diplomatic circles on the
morning of December 27, 1949 witnessed the local counterpart of the
inaugural ceremonies of the United States of Indonesia at the lawn of the
consulate general at 140 Buencamino Street, San Miguel (USI Inaugural is
Celebrated Here, Manila Times, December 28, 1949, p. 1, 12). In a statement
read before the ceremonies by Undersecretary Felino Neri, President Quirino
hailed the birth of the “world’s youngest democracy,” and said that the day
marked “not only of a new nation but a new force for world peace, amity, and
understanding.” In his message at the ceremonies, Minister A.J. D. Steenstra-
Toussaint representing the Netherlands hailed the transfer of sovereignty
from the Dutch to the Indonesian authorities as in line with the three duties
of western colonialism. Consul general Charles Tambu, who was the host of
the ceremonies, expressed hope that friendly countries will stand by help his
country in its first steps of independent existence, and pledged that the USI
will try to be a worthy member in the family of nations. During the program
the message of President Quirino was read by y Undersecretary Felino Neri
of foreign affairs: (Ibid., p. 12)

“The Philippines joins the other countries of the world in cordially welcoming
the Republic of the United States of Indonesia to the community of free and
sovereign nations and sincerely wishes the world’s youngest democracy success in
all its undertakings. My countrymen and I extend our fraternal greetings to the
Indonesian people, with whom we have so much in common and rejoice with them
over the fulfillment of their aspirations. To us this day marks not only the birth of a
new nation but also a new force for world peace, amity and understanding.”
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 17

For his part Minister A.J.D. Steenstra-Toussaint read the message

in behalf of his government. His message echoed the duties of the former
colonizers to their former territories. He said (Ibid.):

“Since the end of the last war, three duties became clear to western nations:
First, transfer of sovereignty two former colonial territories; Second, leaving
however the government of those lands in the hands of responsible, constructive
elements; Third, leaving an apparatus to direct the economic life of those lands in
harmony with the western world.
The Netherlands Government feels that these three conditions, these duties,
have been met in Indonesia. The government consists of very able men. While the
cultural and religious life of the Indonesians has been untouched an easy approach
to the western world is guaranteed. Their wise leaders and clever negotiators have
entered into a voluntary agreement with the government of the Netherlands which
promises the Indonesians a foothold in the Western world as well as enables the
Netherland people to continue their economic activity in Asia, without undue
privileges over other foreigners and entirely subordinated to the laws of the sovereign
Indonesian people.”

The host, Dr. Charles Tambu then read his message in behalf of Indonesia.
He said (Ibid.):

“The historic hour has struck. One long chapter in our annals has come to
its appointed close, and today we usher in a new era marked by the founding of the
United States of Indonesia.
As we tread the high road of our destiny, we dedicate ourselves once again to
those ideals which sustained our people in the arduous years now behind us. We face
the future with courage, confidence and a sober optimism tempered by an awareness
of our manifold shortcomings.
Now, as in the years past, we look to our friends the world over to give us
counsel, guidance and help in the great task that lies before us. Your confidence in
us and in our cause steeled in our fight for freedom and made possible the birth of
this new nation. A continuing duty lies upon you to guide that nation along the
thorny path of freedom.
It will be our constant endeavor to acquit ourselves as worthy members of the
world order of nations of which we form a part, to contribute our little to freedom
for all men, and to live in peace, amity and tolerance with all nations, large and
small. “
18 Augusto V. De Viana

Picture 8. From the Manila Times, December 28, 1949.

In solidarity with Indonesian independence, they toast to new nation at

the Luneta Grandstand, according to President Quirino and Vice President
Lopez on Friday. An aerial parade of Philippine Air Force planes will be held
during the ceremonies and the Philippine Air Force announced that civilian
airplanes will not be allowed to fly over the Luneta during the event.

Work, Work, and Work!

Indonesian Independence day became the contents of the editorial of the Manila
Times. It drew inspiration from the words of Dr. Soekarno and borrowed his
simple but powerful words “Work, Work, and Work! (Editorial, Manila Times,
December 29, 1949, p. 4.). It wrote:

In his first address to the people of Indonesia as their first President, Dr. Soekarno
urged, first hospitality to the Dutch and other foreigners who remain in their
midst.
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 19

In this the President of the United States of Indonesia reveals his awareness of the
need for international cooperation, and the breadth of vision has sustained him
through years of revolutionary activity, of enemy occupation, and of the harsh facts
of combat.

Soekarno has lived, and was ready to die, for one ideal: freedom of his people.
Now that freedom has been achieved, he shows that he appreciates that it can be only
maintained as long as his people hold their place within the framework of a world
union of free peoples.

Secondly, President Soekarno urges his people to work. In this, he is singularly in

line with a former President of the Philippines in his choice of words.
“Work, work and work!” this is what Soekarno urged on his people.
In the same identical words, President Sergio Osmeña in 1945, urged his newly
liberated people.

In Indonesia, as in the Philippines, there is the need for work. And in Indonesia as
in the Philippines, it is the duty of the government to create an atmosphere in which
the people will be happy to work.

Aftermath
Events following the inauguration of Indonesia as a sovereign nation were
characterized by a flurry of diplomatic recognition for the new nation. On
December 28, Canada recognized the United States of Indonesia. In Ottawa,
Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent sent telegrams on December 27 to the prime
ministers of Indonesia and the Netherlands announcing that Canada had
recognized the new Indonesian republic. St. Laurent congratulated Prime
Minister Mohammed Hatta on the establishment of the republic and said
that its formation was a “tribute to your statesmanship and that of your
colleagues.” (PI Recognizes New Indonesia, Manila Times, December 28, 1949,
p. 6) He sent Canada’s cordial greetings to the people of the new nation.
The Americans were expected to transmit their approval in 24 hours.
President Truman then was away from the capital but it was expected to send
political support and economic aid to the new nation to help bolster Southeast
Asia in its fight against the advance of communism, according to the Manila
Times. According to the paper the President met with Mr. Merle Cochran
the US envoy who was en route by air to the Indonesian capital. Cochran was
reportedly Truman’s choice as the first American Ambassador to Indonesia.
In explaining the apparent delay of the Americans, “The government,” in
reference to the Indonesians, “must comply with certain formalities which
the State department left unexplained.
20 Augusto V. De Viana

French recognition of the new republic was also expected shortly.

“We are pleased to see the emergence of this new state,” the spokesman of
the French Foreign Ministry said. The influential afternoon newspaper Le
Monde, which often reflects foreign office opinion, said the newborn republic
represented the true “test of American policy in Asia” (Ibid.). Aside from the
Philippines, another Asian nation was among the first to recognize Indonesia
was Pakistan. There was one sore note in the international circles as sources
close to the Russian delegation indicated on December 28 that the USSR
will block the admission of the USI into the United Nations by vetoing the
expected application (Pierre Huss, Soviet Set to Block USI Bid in UN, Manila
Times, December 29, 1949, p. 1, 12). These sources said the Russian veto will be
an act of retaliation against the crushing of communist aspirations by police
measures ordered by Indonesian republican leaders. The Soviet delegate
Jacob Malik expressed resentment in the Security Council on that issue and
accused the United States of masterminding the policies of the newly-created
government. It was recalled that two years earlier, the Russian delegation
at the UN used every opportunity to exploit the situation in the Dutch East
Indies and openly supported communist agitators. In 1948, Dutch forces put
an end to the communist-led bands and the Indonesian republican leaders
disowned the agents imported from abroad by hanging the native leaders of
the subversive organizations. The Russians protested in anger at the UN and
denounced the UN Commission for Indonesia as well as the Hague round
table. Compared to the Russians, the Netherlands delegate Dr. H. Riemens
said on December 28 that his government supports Indonesia’s membership
in the world body.

Picture 9. Newspaper article showing Soviet opposition to the entry of

Indonesia into the United Nations.
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 21

Conclusion
For the Filipinos, seeing Indonesia become independent was like seeing
themselves. Filipinos themselves as inspiring their neighbors and at the same
time they saw what their country could be. There are various parallelisms
not only on the day Indonesia formally entered the community of nations but
also through that nation’s struggle for freedom and independence. Here the
Filipinos can see the various paths they may have taken, an armed struggle
or a peaceful political negotiation, or both. Indonesians too saw themselves
among the Filipinos. Like many Asians, they observed events from the 19th
century to the recognition of Philippine sovereignty by the United States.
At the same time, both countries entered a neocolonial period with the
Philippines entering various agreements with its former colonizer which tied
up its prerogatives. The Hague Agreement tried to impose a neocolonial
condition by constructing a Netherlands-Indonesian union similar to that
of the British Commonwealth of Nations. At the same time, the Netherlands
played an old tactic of divide and rule by setting up what appeared to be
puppet governments in the various regions of Indonesia in support for itself
and denying Indonesia the western part of New Guinea by alleging that the
region was not culturally affiliated with the central and western halves of the
archipelago. It was an attempt to retain the Netherlands as an Asian power.
Like the Philippines Indonesia faced new challenges after independence and
most of these involved its former colonizer.
Aside from historical reasons, there is a geographical reason for the
Philippine interest in its southern neighbor. This border is just a political
one. Since time immemorial peoples crossed the boundaries to live on the
other side or earn a living. There is also a cultural and blood affinity. During
the Spanish campaign to conquer Southern Mindanao Sultan Kudarat called
on his kinsmen in Ternate to help him in fighting the Europeans (Luis C.
Dery, The Kris in Philippine History: A Study of the Impact of the Moro-Anti
Colonial Resistance, 1571-1896, p. 56). On the other hand, when Luzon was
under threat from an invasion from China in 1660, Christianized Ternatans
known as Mardikas, were brought over to Manila as the Spanish garrison
in that Indonesian island as well as Zamboanga were abandoned (Esteban
de Ocampo, The Ternateños, Their History, Languages, Customs and Traditions,
pp. 4-7, also: Evangelista Nigoza, Bahra, The History Legends, Customs and
Traditions of Ternate, Cavite, pp. 2-3). In its fight for independence, Filipinos
extended support to the Indonesian cause which included diplomatic support
and other forms of support. In his visit to the Philippines, President Sukarno
in his address to the Philippine Congress on February 3, 1951 said: (Suradji,
pp. 141-142)
22 Augusto V. De Viana

“We the people of Indonesia, shall never forget the assistance and sympathy extended
to us by the people and government of the Philippines during our dark days of
national humiliation and military weakness. You were one of the first to enter into
official relations with us. You sent one of your ablest diplomats to the Inter-Asian
conference at New Delhi in 1947 to give full weight of personality and worldwide
prestige to the cause of Indonesia.”

The third reason is that Indonesia upon its independence is a potential

regional power. With a population of 77 million people with a wide territory
and vast natural resources what it does will certainly affect the region. The
Philippines recognized the potential role of Indonesia in the Southeast Asian
region and it was in a position to wield its clout in global politics and most of
all to vindicate the honor of the Malay people. Speaking before the Indonesian
parliament on July 17, 1952, President Quirino said (Suradji, p. 142):

“Indonesia, I am sure, will be a great factor, perhaps, the nerve center, in this
movement to revive or vindicate the honor of Southeast Asia. The countries of
this region, in a partnership dedicated to the maintenance of peace and justice, the
preservation of liberty and the production of the plenty- that is the vision that we
have before us.”

Picture 10.
Philippine stamp issued in 1951 commemorating the visit of
President Soekarno to the Philippines.
The Philippine View of Indonesian Independence 23

The world has its eyes on Indonesia as it became a battleground of

ideologies. The Soviets tried to block its membership to the United Nations.
It alleged that the United States and the Netherlands had a role in the
suppression of communist elements in the archipelago. The United States for
its part was anxious to prevent the spread of communism in the islands and
would like to have the new Republic of Indonesia as part of its containment
policy of communism in Asia. Curiously the newspaper accounts mention
that US recognition and the delivery of aid to the new nation were subject to
“certain formalities” which were not specified but could be speculated. On
its own, it developed its ideology of Pancasila which could be a model also
for the Philippines. The nation allied itself not with the West or East but and
its stood on its own ideology of neither siding with the two. The Philippines
meanwhile watched closely. Many newspaper and radio commentators said
that it was a viable ideology and the Philippines can become friends with both
the capitalist and socialist countries. Even with the end of the Sukarno period
and decades after, Indonesia remained a country which interested Filipinos.
The cultural, political, historical and economic factors that link the two nations
together remain as strong. It remains a partner, a brother and a friend just like
two shirts cut from the same cut from the same cloth. l

References
Books
De Ocampo, Esteban, A. 2007. The Ternateños: Their History, Languages, Customs
and Traditions. Manila: National Historical Institute.
Dery, Luis, C. 2000. The Kris in Philippine History: A Study of the Impact of the
Moro-Anti Colonial Resistance, 1571-1896. Manila: De la Salle University
Press.
Nigoza, Evangelino, Emmanuel Franco Calairo, and Neriza M. Villanueva
(eds.). Bahra: Their History, Legends, Customs and Traditions of Ternate,
Cavite.
Ramos, Severino, Tengku S-Djaaafar and Ismail Ilyas. 1969. Philippine-
Indonesian Relations. Manila.
Matias, Apolinar, E. Indonesia and its Government. Unpublished Ph.D.
Dissertation. University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, 1972.
Suradji, Suradji, D. Indonesian Philippine Political Relations: An Analysis and
Evaluation. Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation University of Santo Tomas
Graduate School, 1983.

Newspaper Articles
“Dissidents Capture Mindoro Town”, Manila Times, December 28, 1949, p. 1.
Huss, Pierre, “Soviets Set to Block USI Bid in UN”, Manila Times, December
24 Augusto V. De Viana

29, 1949. p. 1/12.

“Jakarta Act Signed Under Cloudy Skies”, Manila Times, December 28, 1949.
p. 1/2.
“Moro Fort Shelled by Land, Naval Guns, Manila Times, December 28, 1949,
p. 1, 2.
Osias, Benjamin, C. “Jakarta in Frenzy of Joy as Soekarno Enters Hall of Dutch
Envoys”. Manila Times, Vol. V, December 29, 1949, p. 1/4/5.
----------. “Netherlands Envoy Leaves Immediately After Flags Change.”
Manila Times, December 28, 1949. p. 1.
“PI Recognizes Indonesia De Jure Recognition Universally Hailed.” Manila
Times. December 28, 1949. p. 1, 2.
“Soekarno Takes Presidential Oath” Manila Times. December 19, 1949. Vol.
5, P. 1.
“Tan Loses Fight for Seat. Manila Times. December 28, 1949, Vol. 5, No. 28.
“United States of Indonesia is Born”, Manila Times. December 28, 1949. Vol.
V, No. 133, p. 1.
USI Comes Into Being: PI Among First to Recognize Soekarno. Philippines
Accords De Jure Recognition, Sends Warm Greetings to New
Republic. Manila Daily Bulletin. Vol. 140, No. 76. December 28, 1949.
pp. 1,15.
USI Inaugural is Celebrated Here”, Manila Times. December 28, 1949. p. 1,
12.