A Historical “Debt of Gratitude” in Center-Region Relations

KOMPAS/MUHAMMAD IKHSAN MAHAR

A pedestrian passes in front of an inscription wall bearing the names of fallen heroes during the second Dutch military aggression at the Yogya Kembali monument in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (7/3/2017). This inscription wall shows how regions had an important role in defending the independence of Indonesia.

“And, thus, in the middle of a moonless night on January 4, 1946, we brought the baby that was the Republic of Indonesia to its new capital city, Yogyakarta.” (Bung Karno, Spokesman of the People)

The Netherlands’ attempts to use the Allied forces to regain control over Indonesia made things difficult for the new Republic. It was only because of support from a previously existing regional entity that Indonesia survived. This was a historical “debt of gratitude” to create healthier center-region relations.