10.47313 How Colonial Governance Incite Indonesian Nationalism

How Colonial Governance Incite Indonesian Nationalism

Abstract

Surabaya during the late 19th to early 20th Century was a period marked by Dutch Colonial
domination in the city governance of the Dutch East Indies. During this period a trend of
colonial modernity form the basis of colonial rule in which everything from its social,
economic, and political rule mainly serves the interest of colonial powers. As such, its no
wonder why such period was often considered a time when European residents had more
powers than the average Indonesia Natives.
This led to a series of riot and resistance from the local demanding more representation and
equal opportunity from the locals. Such events were made possible due to the clever political
maneuver made by many other native political actors and its organization. Events like this
highlights the overlooked role of nationalist movement and the engagement at the local level
as a way to resist colonial powers.
In the context of Surabaya during the colonial period, it serves as an example where local
politics serves as a powerful tool in asserting native or Indonesia rights and also as a means
where nationalist ideas and movement can grow from mere thoughts to an organized ideology
as a way to represent the people living under oppression from colonial rule.