Although of our own free will, we will not limit our action "only" to the independence of the Indonesian
nation which is being deprived by Dutch imperialism. Such a limitation would immediately constrict us in
economic, strategic and political terms.
Power over the Malay Peninsula with the fleet headquarters of Singapore in the hands of British imperialism is
for us a "strategisch Umfasung" (strategic beveling) constantly forcing us away from the field of
struggle. This Umfasung is
complemented by the anti-coloured people, white Australia in the south.
In economic terms, the peninsula is of great importance to us because it has become the largest market for
Indonesia's produce; moreover, it has many connections with the whole country. Our position between Malaya and
Australia, and the enormous British capital in Indonesia, magnify and perpetuate British imperialism's political
interest in Indonesian affairs. We will not be able to take away Indonesia's independence without a struggle,
and if there is a struggle, the British soldiers will certainly be ready with their rifles.
The persistence of the American presence in North-Indonesia (the Philippines) is more dangerous for us than an
ordinary Indonesian can realise. Our strategy remains threatened both from the north and the south by modern
imperialism. The economy of the Philippines, which produces crops like Indonesia-South, is a great competition.
In short, as long as Indonesian politics remains divided into parts as it is now (Dutch, British, American
parts), there can be no united economic action, such as fixing the maximum price of the produce of these
tropical countries in the world markets. Our independence, for Uncle Sam who may very well intend to sit in the
Philippines forever, is not a matter of mere political "philosophy".
An independent Indonesia now cowering under Dutch imperialism will be joyously hailed by the Indonesians of the
North and will lead to renewed agitation for the widest possible independence for them. The Philippines in
Japanese hands is not good for us.
On the contrary, it gradually came to mean "our common subjugation" to the modern Assyrian robber barons. One
centre of unity among all Indonesians, namely our Indonesia. The Peninsula and the Philippines - let's not even
talk about the Oceania Islands and Madagascar, of which there are many - are a sine qua non, necessary
for the
seizure and preservation of our freedom. Wretched indeed, the Indonesians on the Malacca Peninsula cannot defend
themselves from the flood of Indians and Chinese who continue to flow there. Industrial commerce can be said to
be all in foreign hands. The natives in the coastal towns are constantly being pushed to the suburbs, and those
living on land are increasingly retreating to the mountain tops.
Railway factories, government offices and commerce are all in the hands of foreigners. The overseas people from
Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Sulawesi were too few and too weak in strength to wage an economic struggle against
the Asian Continentals who were usually resourceful, modest and compact. The process of pushing the Indonesian
nation in terms of residence, economy, politics and country led to the birth of a new movement there. An
association of Indonesians called "Kesatuan-Melayu" was beneficial and we should take note of all the resources
of the Indonesians in the Peninsula for defence and politics. Although still murky in words and hesitant in
action, such a political body should be regarded as favourable and should be given our fullest attention. All
efforts to develop and create a Greater Indonesian Union throughout the Indonesian Archipelago "must and need"
to exist and be established. In addition, it can be expected that tomorrow or the day after tomorrow the
Peninsular Indonesians will endeavour to create a movement with the intention of moving the Southern Indonesians
there. In this way, it will be possible to limit the process of aggression and to create a basis on which an
independent Indonesia can "rest" and finally realise All-Indonesian Independence.
The Philippines, located between Sciylla in America and Charyb in Japan, is strategically "important in the
Pacific" and for the 12,000,000 Indonesians there, it is a matter that cuts off any hope of national
independence. The Philippines is too important, and its population too small, to repel the enemy forever.
Therefore, it is only right that they should feel very grateful for the immigration from the South-Indonesia to
the country, because these immigrants, if only educated to get along, will become united with them in a short
time.
As a nation of one blood, the Philippines and Southern Indonesia will certainly not disagree in appearance,
face, nose, conversation, liking and willingness to work, and also have an unexpected language
connection.[17]
Immigration from Indonesia-South will in no way mean "colonisation" of the Filipino nation, be it economic,
cultural, political or anything else. On the contrary, immigration would mean strengthening the nation.
However, immigration would certainly not be authorised by Dutch imperialism. The contact between the
South-Indonesians, who have been colonised and blindfolded for centuries, and the North-Indonesians, who have
more freedom in political economy and culture, would not soon open their eyes and awaken the revolutionary
spirit? Although the Filipinos - due to their economic considerations (higher living standards) - are against
the immigration of labourers from the Eastern Continent, they are in favour of immigration from South-Indonesia
in spite of the large numbers. The Filipinos can hardly deny their own history because they too are
South-Indonesians; Javanese, Sumatrans, Peninsulars and others also migrated there.
This event is very important to us now and in the future because it is one of the first joints of unity and work
in the future. It is also of no small significance to the Philippine politics with which we are working. Most of
the influential political leaders have told us that they were looking forward to the first "All Indonesian
Conference". But unfortunately we do not have the time now. It is indeed a good time to lay the first stone on
the mount of "All Indonesian Unity".
Let us start, from this very minute, earnestly and joyfully work towards our ultimate goal: the establishment of
the "Federation of Indonesian Republics" (FRI) in the truest sense of the word, the union of 100,000,000
oppressed human beings who inhabit the strategic and transportation centre of the entire Asian continent and its
oceans. Moreover, it means the centralisation of all the produce of tropical countries; and at the same time,
the construction of a new culture, i.e. the rise of a new nation and a new power in the East. Therefore, it will
be the subject of a new and irrepressible fervour for the Asian peoples who number over 1,000,000,000 and thirst
for independence; and it will mean irreparable harm to white colonialism.
The South-Indonesian nation that wants independence must understand well the task and the consequences of its
actions and victories. From now on it must cultivate a fighting spirit against Western imperialism, whether in
trade or military policy. We must never retreat or abandon our aspired path.
Roll up your sleeves at once to revive and unite all national forces; furthermore, create a link with other
Indonesians, anti-imperialist West or East.
However, we should not rely solely on foreign aid. We should have faith in our own strength from start to
finish.