10.47313 Nationalism in Late Colonial Indonesia: The Urban Struggle for Political Representation

Nationalism in Late Colonial Indonesia: The Urban Struggle for Political Representation

Abstract

Indonesian nationalism in the early 20th century was not solely shaped by ideological movements
or confrontations with the colonial state, but was also significantly influenced by urban politics in
colonial cities like Surabaya. Nationalist leaders such as Doctor Soetomo, navigated between
formal political institutions and grassroots activism to challenge European dominance in the city
governance. Their participants in city councils highlighted the broader struggle for native
Indonesians political rights and urban welfare, often using compromise and confrontation to
influence colonial policies. While colonial cities were structured around racial and class
segregation, the growth of political institutions in urban environments provided nationalists with
a platform to advocate for improved conditions for the nation for the native population. This urban
based nationalist engagement reshaped the local and political landscape and contributed to a
broader anticolonial narrative, reflecting the intertwined nature of urban modernity and the
Indonesian nationalist movement. The rise of city-based activism was key aspects of broader fight
for equality & independence.