Page 59 - BUKU A CENTURY OF PARLIAMENTARY LIFE IN INDONESIA

A CENTURY OF PARLIAMENTARY LIFE
IN INDONESIA

However, there was much uncertainty surrounding Koiso’s promise as
it was never discussed seriously. For example, the Japanese had not set
a deadline for independence as it did for Myanmar and the Philippines.
Still, the impact of the Koiso’s Promise on the Indonesian people was
reported massively on the local newspapers, resulting in the people’s en-
thusiasm, joy, and gratitude, which prompted many celebrations.

Neither the arrogance nor the power of the Japa-
nese Military Occupation Government diminished,
while the economic situation was getting worse
day by day. This situation created unrest among
However, there was the people, which eventually erupted through the
rebellion of a PETA detachment against Japanese
much uncertainty officers in Blitar in mid-February 1945.

surrounding Koiso’s The revolt failed, but it had shocked the go-

promise as it was vernment and was among the most dangerous

never discussed challenges to the Japanese Military Occupation
Government on Java. Had this happened at an
seriously. For earlier time, it was likely that the Japanese Mili-

example, the Japanese tary Occupation Government would have taken
action with far-reaching consequences. How-
had not set a deadline ever, it was too late for Japan, as it had already

for independence as it announced its “promise of independence” .

did for Myarmar and Even after the rebellion, the Japanese Military
the Philippines. Occupation Government did not escalate its
monitoring activities. In fact, they began to soft-
en their grip on Indonesian political life. For ex-
ample, in the seventh Chuo-Sangi In session in
February 1945, members began to criticize the
government.

Everything went away quickly for Japan. Their dream of realizing a
“Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere” slowly faded away. On March
1, 1945, Saiko Shikikan announced the establishment of the Indonesian
Independence Preparatory Investigative Agency (BPUPKI). After various
further changes, finally the Commander of the Seventh Region Army led
by General Itagaki Seishiro in Singapore allowed the establishment of
the BPUPKI on May 28, 1945. The agency consisted of a chairman, dep-
uty chairman, and 60 members, including four people from the Chinese
and Arab groups and one from the Indo-Dutch group.

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