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Comparative Study of Post-Marriage Nationality Of Women in Legal Systems of Different Countries
Impact of the Japanese Educational System on the Ris e of Proclamation August 17, 1945
27
International Journal of Multicultural
and Multireligious Understanding
http://ijmmu.com
editor@ijmmu.com
ISSN 2364-5369
Volume 8, Issue 2
February, 2021
Pages: 27-33
Impact of the Japanese Educational System on the Rise of Proclamation August 17,
1945
Alinur 6666
Lecture of Kopertis Wilayah I (LL DIKTI Wilayah I) DPK UPMI Medan, Indonesia
http://dx.doi.org/10.18415/ijmmu.v8i2.2287
Abstract
This research aims to describe what had been done by youth especially the students to achieve the
independence of Indonesia during the Japanese occupation. During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese
military government had full power to organize in almost every sector such as social, government,
military, economy, and education.
Keywords: Educational Sector; Military
Introduction
Since the end of Dust East Indies Government with the unconditional submission to the Japan on
March 8th 1942 that means Japan has taken over authority in Indonesia. Japanese Nation in oder to instill
power, made a movement named 3A i.e. Japan is the leader of Asia, Japan is the protector of Asia, Japan
is the light of Asia. Japanese government kept trying to make the people stand fully to the military of
Japan. This propaganda has made to be spreaded and in order to guarantee the safety of people, Japan told
that all the indigenous interests is fully guaranteed by Japan. But during japanese occupation, what Japan
propagated since the beginning of its landing with its 3A turned out to be very different. The Indonesian
nation felt that it had fallen into the very cruel fascist Japanese militarism and has caused misery and
suffering far deeper than the previous one. The pain of Indonesian people resulting in a sense of hatred so
it raised resistance to Japan. But, in this case the Japanese government released many national figures as
Dutch Indies government political prisoners.
Problem
In a long time, Indonesia feel in the embrace of foreign colonization from one hand to another.
The characterictic of the colonial system is the occurance of the stress against the colonized. Moreoever,
on the Japanese occupation in Indonesia, although if feels very brief, it has very important meaning for
the indonesian national movement in achieving indonesian independece. These pressures are felt by some
people in economy, social, cultural and political sector. In that situation, some people will move to
struggle for the fate of the nation. These moments named period of struggle both physically and mentally.
International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding (IJMMU)
Vol. 8, No. 2, February 2021
Impact of the Japanese Educational System on the Ris e of Proclamation August 17, 1945
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The problem that being discussed in this case is the moment since Japan occupied Indonesia
especially the educational system that had been applied by Japan in Indonesia and the aim of the
educational system until the proclamation of Indonesian independence came up.
Discussion
The Coming of Japan to Indonesia
The attack that had been done by Japan over Indonesia is attempt of taking over South East Asia
region that also being called as pasific war or Dai toa no senso means the war of East Asia Raya. The
explosion of this war is affected by the political changing that occured in Japan itself. This changing
caused by capitalists who want other region for taking over of the raw material and industrial produce as
well came up. The desire of capitalists is supported fully by the military. In order to actualize this,
capitalists gave their asset or fund to the military to do the expansionist. And this made Japan became an
imperialist country. The change of attitude of Japan is the impact of their own industrial development.
Before the year of 1930 the product of Japan industry had reached out South East Asia region. “Japan had
fulfilled most of fabric products and other industrial products and almost half of the population that lived
in South East Asia fulfilled part of their need of machines and transportation tools.
Japan is the one who set it up and products that is produced by East and South East countries is
managed by Japan” (B. Sluimer, 1952). Because of Japan modernization made this country need
industrial products market. In the year of 1929 economy crisis in the world or malaise occured and made
the marketing of Japan industrial product decrease. The western countries that took control of Asia region
did a fare protection. As consequence the foregin trade of Japan decreased. The act of the western
countries in doing fare protection made Japan need to do conquest of regions outside of Japan territory in
order to look for industrial product market and the place for taking the raw materials.
That viewpoint got a support after military took control of civil government in 1932. This desire
is also supported by the view of life of Japan “Hakko I Chi” that thinks that the world is a big family that
is led by Japan.
The realization of that view of life of Japan was started by taking a war against China that made
Japan need of crude oil, rubber, iron, tin and other things more increase. The stock of these goods had run
out and in order to get this goods, Japan took the concern of regions in South East that were commonly
colonized by western countries.
In September 10th, 1940 Japan sent their delegation to Indonesia and followed by 32 economist.
This team was led by Kobayasi. In the meeting with Netherland Indies government, Japan asked
independence for doing exploitation in Indonesia. This demand was rejected by Netherlands.
Japan then did colonization of Indo China and the aim Japan doing this was understanded by
western countries in South East Asia that was for making Indo China as a war base to do expansion to
South East Asia. After doing that Thailand was colonized by Japan and Thailand was willing to give all
the facilities for military actions. Europe countries in South East Asia made an alliance called A-B-C-D
(America, British, China, Dutch) and these ABCD countries did embargo against Japan like embargo of
strategical products such as crude oil. Japan that the stock of crude oil was still dependent of Netherlands
Indies government got panic and asked this embargo to be removed. Just like written in a book: “After
Japan doing aggression in Indo china, America, British, and Netherlands did embargo against Japan in
July 1941.
Japan didn’t get crude oil from Indonesia anymore, and Japan got slumped” (Soebakti, 1966,
hal.7). Japan military could not do anything without crude oil. The stock of crude oil had decreased and
Japan tried to overcome the issue in South East Asia by negotiation. The ally pushed Japan to overcome
International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding (IJMMU)
Vol. 8, No. 2, February 2021
Impact of the Japanese Educational System on the Ris e of Proclamation August 17, 1945
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the issue in China in a peaceful way and got out of Indo China region. This can be seen in Nota Hull 26
November 1941, that tells: “Japan will soon take out their navy from Indo China region (Camranh Bay)
and also take out their soldiers and polices. USA and Japan will not support other China government
unless Koumintang government located in Tjuking” (Muhammad Dimyati, 1952).
The demand of America absolutely can’t be accepted by Japan. The action of America became
more strict after the code of Japan had been hacked by America interpol. Because of this, America known
that Japan had been ready to take a war. America was convinced that Japan would do aggression soon.
America just didn’t have a clue in which region that Japan would do this aggression . Because the
negotiation didn’t give a good impact for Japan, Japan decided to suddenly attack Pearl Harbor. With the
purpose of destroying the main armada so Japan would freely do colonization of countries in South East
Asia. In December 8th, 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. This attack leading to Pacific War to happen
and at that moment America announced a war would be done against Japan.
In the time of attacking Pearl Harbor, Japan started to attack countries in South East Asia. Japan
soldiers centered in Camranh Bay moved to Malaka. Japan soldiers reached Singora bay, Kota Baru and
Kelantan. Japan successfully reached that location because the defense of British there got weaken. In just
2 days Japan successfully took control of train tracks and important cities. The collapse of Malaka
peninsula made Singapore position got threaten. This rapid attack by Japan was caused by America and
British had not been ready to do a war in South east Asia. Philippines only had a few number of soldiers.
Singapore only had 2 battleships that was Prince of Walse and Repulse with some cruisers.
Australia also had not been ready because their soldiers got sent to war in Europe and Palestine.
In December 25th, 1941 Hongkong, North Borneo, and Malaka peninsula were colonized by Japan. It
means that British colonization in South East Asia had been removed by Japan. Singpore position became
serious and Japan blockaded Singapore and made Singapore defense got weaken in the result of attacking
Prince of Wales and Repulse battleships in December 10th, 1941. The collapse of Singapore became a
serious impact for ally. On the other hand it was a victory for Japan because their attack against western
regions had been completed and the last region was Indonesia.
In Eastern regions, Japan did an attack that was done by the marines. The first target was
Philippines that was defensed by America soldiers. In December 10th, 1941 Japan reached Philippines
region. In 2 weeks Luzon island was colonized by Japan. After Japan colonized Philippines, they started
to attack South regions. From Philippines, Japan armada departed toward 4 regions, with purpose of
doing blockade ally in Jawa island. First target was attacking suddenly towards Tarakan region in Borneo,
the main aim of doing this was taking control of crude oil mine in Tarakan.
One of Japan strategy in attacking Indonesia was to get crude oil mine in intact state. The second
target was Balik Papan and followed by Banjarmasin. The third target was joining with Singapore to
attack Makassar and Bali island. The forth target was to attack Ambon and followed by Timor island.
With the completion of attacking this 4 regions in December 1942, the blockade of Jawa island became
successfully completed.
The economy invasion that Japan did in Indonesia started by providing Indonesia with cheap
products from Japan. This was a tactic that Japan did in Indonesia. Becuase of this cheap products,
Indonesian people would use Japan products. And if this happens, the products from Europe will get out
of Indonesia markets. Japan had made a good plan for taking control Indonesia region, just like written in
a book: “Before beginning Dai Toa Senso, Japan had made plans in how taking control countries in
South East Asia. From the plans that had been made in November 20th, 1941 and Indonesia was
considered as the richest country for having raw materials therefore all of the economy business took
resources from this country”. (O.D.P. Sihombing, 1962).
The plan of Japan of taking control of Indonesia region actually had been considered by Japan
long before this document released. Before the Pacific War occured, Japan had sent their colony by
International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding (IJMMU)
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Impact of the Japanese Educational System on the Ris e of Proclamation August 17, 1945
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establishing trade companies, bank, shipping, shops and farming and many of Japan people became
photographers. Most of these entrepreneurs were Japan intelligences. They went to the villages and made
a map of the Netherlands defense regions in Indonesia.They also made a map of shortcuts. It was very
useful for Japan movement in attacking Indonesia. The fishing companies were also used by Japan to
investigate Indonesia. In attempt of fish catching, Japan always broke rules about fish catching, like
written in a book:“The tools that they carried were often tools that didn’t have to do with fish catching,
but the tools used to do investigation in military concern” (B. Slimer, 1952). Japan sent their delegations
that covered as travelers. They departed in a big group and carried photography tools to all over regions
in Indonesia.The progress of this attack was very rapid and far beyond expectation of ally. In March 5th,
1942 Japan colonized Jakarta, Semarang, Cepu, Cikampek, and Cirebon. Japan aircrafts successfully took
down Jawa island. All the ally soldiers located in Jawa island commanded to back off to Cilacap in
Nusakambangan to be evacuated to Australia. There were only some battleships in Cilacap to carry them
to Australia.
In March 8th, 1942, Netherlands finally surrendered to Japan by signing unconditional submission
that waas done by the lead of Netherlands Indies government the governor general Tjarda van
Starkenborgh Stachouwer and Lieutenant General Hein ter Poorten located in Pasir Kalijati. In March
March 13th, 1942 Japan soldiers reached Medan after reaching Batu Bara in the night before, a small city
in East coast, approximately a few kilometers from Kisaran city. Soldiers that reached Tanjung Tiram
divided to 2 groups. The first group by riding bicycle departed toward west region and bumped into
soldiers that reached Kuala Bugak got moving towards Medan that was left by Netherlands government.
The second group that was a bigger group departed toward East region to colonize Tanjung Balai and
Pematang Siantar in the same time. Netherlands government located in Pematang Siantar escaped to
Kaban Jahe. The Japan colony that reached Pematang Siantar then colonized Siborong-borong and
Sidikalang and on the following day on March 14th colonized Sibolga and Padang Sidempuan with
purpose of continuing to colonize Bukit Tinggi.
Japan soldiers that reached Medan was by riding bicycle. Raya Mosque was used as their first
base. In the morning people around the mosque area got shocked looking Japan soldiers standing in the
intersection around the mosque area. In the morning people had gathered around to welcome Japan
soldiers or exactly the soldiers who rode bicycle in Medan. The crowding people waved hands and gave
spirit to them and Japan realized that their propaganda succeded got into the heart of people in this region.
In the short time North Sumatera colonized by Japan. And in that short time Japan took control
and provided the safety in this region and with this authority suppressed people activities that tried against
Japan government. The way the Japan used to show their authority was very simple. 5 chinese young men
in Medan, their necks were cutted then the head were dragged down the street. And then they told people
for those who did not return the Netherlands booty would get that punishment. Then people immediately
returned all the booty along the way in the night. And that was the way of Japan to show their authority
and intimidate the peole in all over the cities.
Education System During Japan Colonial Period In Indonesia
During Japan Colonial period, eventhough in a short time it gives many impacts to Indonesia in
education concern. The interests of times does not depend on the content of the education given in
schools. It is caused by Japan colonized Indonesia during war period therefore everything was taking for
the concern of its war. It is clearly shown in teaching in schools.
The Purpose of Education During Japan Colonial Period
With motto “Asia for Asia Nation” Japan takes control for regions that produce 50% rubber
products and 70% lead products of all over the world. Indonesia as the region that produces raw material
resources is a target that need to be well maintained for Japan war concerns. The purpose of education
during the Japanese occupation, there were not much to find, the only thing we knew that the main
International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding (IJMMU)
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Impact of the Japanese Educational System on the Ris e of Proclamation August 17, 1945
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purpose was to make indonesian as japanese ones. The Japanese armed forces had a few concern in
education. Nevertheless, the result was very extraordinary for Indonesia at a later time. In this case was
the using of indonesia language as an intermediate language (commonly used language) either in office,
society, or school. The Dutch were expelled and taken prisoner while the Dutch language was prohibited.
Besides using indonesia language, japanese language was also used in school, society, and office,
japanese language was made as a second language following to Indonesia language. During this japanese
occupation, indonesia language developed and modernized as for intercommunication and sciencetific
language. Because of Japan occupied Indonesia in war era, then the entire activities purposed to Japanese
military interests. As well as the schools was established by Japan, therefore every students was required
to take part in physical exercise, military training, and strict indoctrination. At the end ofthe Japanese
occupation found signs to japanize indonesian children.
The Activity of Teachers and Students
After the occupation of Japan in Indonesia apparantly the education was not able to be
implemented. It was because of many difficulties needed spescial accomplishment. Particularly teacher
staff and educational books matters. As before the Japanese occupation, the teachers didnt know japanese
language which Japan wanted. Many of books still written in Dutch. Book in Dutch language was not
allowed to use in school by Japan. The educational book must be written in Indonesia language.
The teachers matter was very important to the education, hence Japan held training which
performed for three months and located in Jakarta. Each region sent some teachers to train. After took the
training, they came back to their region to train the others the things they got from the training in Jakarta.
The main objects they got from the training were : Ideological mental indoctrination “Hakko I Chiu” of
prosperity together with Asia Raya, Military training and spirit of japan (Nippon Seisyin), Japan language
and history with their custom, Geography reviewed from the geopolitical side, Sports and Japan songs.
These Japanese ideology was learned in order to the teacher accept Japan as an old brother of
Indonesia nation or to feel theirselves as part of the nation of Japanese and dedicate to the importance of
Japan nation. The performance of the continuously training was strictly controlled by Japan whether it
proper to their will.
Those teachers forwarded it to the students in schools with that new Japan ideology all at once.
Besides the teachers, the students given stipulation and strict indoctrination. The students were imposed
to have obligations and requirements, as follows : Sing Japan song in every morning, Fly Japan flag
“Hinomaru” in every morning and respect to Japanese emperor (Tenno Haika), Must do an oath of
allegiances for the Indonesia aims of “Asia Raya” (Dai Toa), Do gymnastic activity (Taiso) to keep spirit
of Japan every morning, Do physical and military exercise, The students do community service at
specified time (Kintohosyi) cleaning military dorm, highway, plant castor tree, collecting stuff for the
nescessary of military, etc, Indonesia language used as an intermediate language and Japan Language as
mandatory language. Local language was given in the first and second elementary school.
Rules and Contents of Japanese Teaching in Schools
Prior to the Japanese occupation of Indonesia that education was administered by the Dutch
Indies government and organized by private or particulars. The beginning of the academic year in that
time right on August. After the Japanese military occupation, the beginning of the new academic year
changed to February. It was also as the new academic year in Japan, which means an effort to japanize
through the academic year. The rules corresponded to Japan. Those rules obligated the schools to perform
military training, prohibit foreign language espescially Dutch. The lessons given must be appropriated to
Japan will, for instance spirit education subject. This spirit education to raise up spirit of war, which Japan
was in Pacific war at that time. Japan language was made as mandatory subjects and the custom must be
obeyed by Indonesia nation.
International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding (IJMMU)
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The using of Indonesia language, either as an official language or intermediate language in each
schools were performed. The schools must as a tool to introduce the Japan custom to Indonesia nation.
Those entire things for Indonesia to admit Japan as protector, light, and leader of Asia. In the teaching
contents in schools much determined in order to the students were able to be japanized fast. The subject
taught to the students using Indonesia language and coupled with Japan language. Japan language
submitted as a subject in schools and in line exercises. The science subject was less important. The most
important was physical and line exercise, this created discipline attitude in every activity.
In line exercises even must used Japan language on cue. In reading the student vows used Japan
language. The songs of Japan were also taught for instance Miyotokai, Dendengso, etc. All those things
were the Japanese occupation government effort to japanize Indonesia nation through school. In this line
exercises to operate well then it was formed the line of students in each school. In elementary school it
was named as Semen-tai and in high school was named as Gakuto-tai. Performing this line exercises took
a long time or might be said much more than other subjects.
School Run by Japan
Before the Japanese occupation in Indonesia, there has been an education run by Dutch East
Indies government and particulars as well. After Japan came to Indonesia, Indonesian educational system
changed. Classification system both social and nation classification erased. So there is integration among
indonesian students. This is what causes the sense of unity came up which is mutually binding between
students and then the spirit of nationalism among fellow students at school came up as well. The form of
the school on japanese military government is equated as follows: The school of people 6 years
(Kokumin Gakko), Junior Middle School 3 years (Shoto Chu Gakko), Senior Middle School 3 years
(Koto Chu Gakko)
Secondary vocational schools that existed are carpentry school (kogyo gakko) and secondary
technical school (Kogyo Semmon Gakko). Whereas law school and Mosvia erased. On the other hand on
japanese occupation cruise school and senior cruise school established. Among all the middle schools,
teacher school (normal school) is the most common established in order to achieve many people to
propagandize the spirit of japan. There are three kinds of school to teach the teachers as follows: Teacher
School 2 years (Syoto Sihan Gakko),Teacher School 4 years (Guto Sihan Gakko),Teacher School 6 years
(Koto Sihan Gakko).
The most important subjects in this teacher school beside the spirit of japan are history,
geography, language and customs. Moreover every morning educational orders of Meiji Tenno towards
tokyo palace is memorized.
Conclusion
In Japanese occupation period, education got less of attention as we all know that the knowledge
education wasn’t given to make intellectual indonesian people, the aim of this japanese education is to
make indonesian people japanese ones. The subjects that is provided are numerology, singing, history,
geography of japan and customs of japan as well. Besides, students are required to follow military
training and physical training, sports, these activities make students to be discipline. Indonesian language
is used as working language so indonesian people will understand the content of proclamation text which
makes spear to win the independence. Futhermore since the coming of Japan to Indonesia in order to run
the education system, schools are provided regardless of national group, race, ancestry, that is why a
sense of same fate came up that lead to the strong sense of unity came up and then raise the spirit of
nationalism among them and then the desire to escape from Japanese colonialism also came up.
International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding (IJMMU)
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Impact of the Japanese Educational System on the Ris e of Proclamation August 17, 1945
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