Causes of the Republic’s Downfall

Observing the misery of contract laborers at the Deli Sumatera tea plantations from 1920-1921, Tan Malaka’s thoughts wandered far into the future: When Indonesia eventually became independent someday, this would not mean that the fate of the poor would change overnight into prosperity.

When Indonesia was free under a democratic system, the people, as owners of sovereignty,would be immediately betrayed by those very politicians the people have chosen.

Soon after being elected, these politicians would fortify themselves against the people\'s complaints, establish a minority elite community, defend their power and wealth prosperity, and attack anyone who contested them. Thereby, a failed republic would fulfill its ideal objectives.