Merah-Putih:
The Making of Indonesia
Merah-Putih: The Making of Indonesia explores the Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949) through a comprehensive historical narrative of political movements, colonialism, and the fight for sovereignty from Dutch colonial rule to the influence of Japanese imperialism during World War II. The timeline of pivotal events, including the rise of nationalist movements like Sarekat Islam and the role of the Japanese-sponsored Dokuritsu (Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence), highlights the country's unique journey toward becoming a modern nation-state. This work also examines the intersections of Islamic politics, youth movements, and the impact of communism in Indonesia's revolution, alongside a literature review on evolving scholarly perspectives of Indonesia's modern history.

Merah‑Putih: The Making of Indonesia traces the nation‑defining struggle that turned the Dutch East Indies into modern‑day Indonesia. From the fiery declaration of independence on 17 August 1945 to the Round Table Conference of 1949, authors Rafi Yahya and Iris Ong unveil a sweeping narrative of resistance, diplomacy, and social upheaval. The book explores how Japanese occupation reshaped nationalist strategy, how Islamic movements such as Sarekat Islam galvanized grassroots support, and how communist currents competed for influence. It also highlights the vital youth brigades--Pemuda—whose energy propelled the revolution from streets to battlefields.

A Complex War on Two Fronts
Against the Dutch: Military campaigns in Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi tested a fledgling republic short on arms but rich in resolve. Within Indonesia: Ideological clashes between Islamists, communists, and secular nationalists threatened unity even as they shared a common enemy.
On the World Stage: The fledgling UN, Cold‑War calculations, and U.S. pressure all steered the path to sovereignty.
​ Through meticulous research, Merah‑Putih dissects turning points such as the Japanese‑sponsored Dokuritsu Junbi Cosakai (Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence), the 1946 Linggadjati negotiations, and the bitter Operation Kraai offensive that nearly broke the republic’s back.

Short‑Term Triumphs, Long‑Term Ripples Japan’s 1942‑45 occupation empowered Indonesian leaders yet sowed deep economic scars. Dutch offensives exposed weaknesses in the Republican army, but also rallied international sympathy. The result? A new Southeast‑Asian giant whose birth pains still echo in modern politics, religion, and civil‑military relations. Merah‑Putih reveals: How guerrilla warfare and diplomatic brinkmanship worked in tandem. Why faith‑based and left‑wing coalitions sometimes clashed, sometimes cooperated. How Sukarno and Hatta balanced ideology and pragmatism to secure UN recognition.

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