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Syllabus Topic
National Studies
Option D: Indonesia 1945-2005
Survey
The 1965 coup, including:
The New Order, including:
Indonesian foreign policy, including:
Between 1945 and 2005, Indonesia underwent a remarkable transformation from a newly formed republic to one of Southeast Asia’s largest democracies. The period began with the struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule, followed by decades of authoritarian leadership under Sukarno and Suharto. The fall of the New Order regime in 1998 ushered in an era of democratic reform, decentralisation, and political openness, though challenges of corruption, separatism, and economic instability persisted.
Proclamation of Independence and Regulation (1945-1949)
On August 17, 1945, nationalist leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta declared Indonesia’s independence. The Dutch, seeking to re-establish colonial authority, launched military attacks, sparking a four-year armed and diplomatic struggle known as the Indonesian National Revolution. Thanks to International intervention, particularly by the United Nations, the Dutch recognized Indonesian sovereignty on December 27, 1949.
Parliamentary Democracy and Guided Democracy (1950–1965)
In 1959, Sukarno dissolved parliament and introduced “Guided Democracy”, consolidating power in the presidency and aligning more closely with communist and left-leaning movements. Indonesia pursued an assertive foreign policy, hosting the Bandung Conference in 1955 to promote unity among newly independent nations. However, economic mismanagement and political tensions deepened national instability.
The New Order under Suharto (1966-1998)
A failed coup attempt in 1965 by the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) triggered a wave of anti-communist violence that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. General Suharto gradually took power, officially replacing Sukarno in 1967. His “New Order” regime prioritised political stability, economic growth, and alignment with Western powers. Indonesia experienced rapid development but also rampant corruption, suppression of dissent, and human rights abuses. The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 severely weakened the economy, sparking mass protests and forcing Suharto to resign in 1998.
Reformasi Era (1998-2005)
The Reformasi period began with President B. J. Habibie introducing democratic reforms, including free elections, decentralisation, and greater press freedom. Subsequent presidents, Abdurrahman Wahid and Megawati Sukarnoputri, oversaw a turbulent democratic transition. In 2004, Indonesia held its first direct presidential election, won by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The era was also marked by recovery from the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which struck Aceh and killed over 160,000 Indonesians.
Conclusion
Between 1945 and 2005, Indonesia’s path was shaped by revolution, authoritarian rule, and democratic transformation. The nation emerged from this turbulent period as the world’s third-largest democracy, though still facing deep social, political, and economic challenges.
SOURCES:
New World Encyclopedia: Indonesian National Revolution
Britannica: Guided Democracy
Office of the Historian: Bandung Conference
Britannica: Indonesian Communist Party
Indonesia Investment: New Order
VOA: first direct presidential election
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