THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION

After their attack on Pearl Harbor in
Hawaii, the Japanese forces moved southwards to conquer several
Southeast Asian countries. After Singapore had fallen, they invaded
the Dutch East Indies and the colonial army surrendered in March
1942.

Soekarno and Hatta were released from
their detention. The Japanese began their propaganda campaign for
what they called "Great East Asia Co-prosperity". But
Indonesians soon realized that it was a camouflage for Japanese
imperialism in place of Dutch colonialism.

To further the cause of Indonesia's
independence, Soekarno and Hatta appeared to cooperate with the
Japanese authorities. In reality, however, Indonesian nationalist
leaders went underground and masterminded insurrections in Blitar
(East Java), Tasikmalaya and Indramayu (West Java), and in Sumatra
and Kalimantan.

Under the pressure of the 4th Pacific
war, where their supply lines were interrupted, and the increasing
of Indonesian insurrections, the Japanese ultimately gave in to
allow the red-and-white flag to fly as the Indonesian national flag.
Recognition of "Indonesia Raya" as the national anthem and
Bahasa Indonesia as the national language followed. Hence, the
youth's pledge of 1928 was fulfilled.

After persistent demands, the
Japanese finally agreed to place the civil administration of the
country into Indonesian hands. This was a golden opportunity for
nationalist leaders to prepare for the proclamation of Indonesia's
independence.

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