Youth Movement in Japanese Occupation, 1942-1945

Abstract

The collapse of Dutch East Indies was a new chapter of movement history in Indonesia. Indonesian nasionalism stream became stronger and Japanese government immediately took advantage by setting up various youth organizations which had a lower class-oriented. In general, at that time youth organizations could be divided into two groups. First, youth movement in semi-military field which was prepared for internal order tasks (Seinendan and Keibondan organizations) and external security (Heiho organization in the lower classes, and Homeland Defenders/PETA army for the commander position). Second, the youth movement in the social-politic field which initiated by students/learner (Indonesian students deliberation council/Baperpi) and the nasionalists who are joined in central organization of people power (Putera). Apparently the youth movement through the existing organizations was unable to move beyond the limit of Japanese government propaganda object, both in the military and socio-political, then eventually it strengthen the youth movement to declare independence which entrusted to Sukarno-Hatta as the representation of Rengasdenglok drama that ended with the proclamation text reading of Indonesian independenceAugust 17 th, 1945. Keywords: Semi-military movement, Socio-political movement, Rengasdenglok movement.