From Java to Papua: Similar Stories of Two Colonial Armies

From Java to Papua: Similar Stories of Two Colonial Armies

This article invites us to think about how military groups created by colonial rulers sometimes ended up inspiring resistance and hopes for independence. By looking at the similarities between two groups called PETA and PVK, we can better understand the complicated history of Indonesia and Papua, and how different stories about the past need to be told.

Introduction

Indonesia and Papua have histories full of surprises. Two important examples are PETA and PVK. PETA was formed in Java in 1943 during Japanese occupation, and PVK was formed in Papua in 1961 by the Dutch. They seem unrelated at first, but both were created by colonial powers, recruited local people to serve foreign rulers, and unintentionally helped awaken a desire for freedom and independence.

PETA: A Colonial Army That Created Nationalism

During World War II, Japan took control of Indonesia from the Dutch. They wanted to create a new order in Asia, with Japan leading the region. To help defend their control, Japan formed PETA, a group of volunteer soldiers made up of local Indonesians. While PETA’s job was to help Japan, it also gave Indonesians military training and taught them about the idea of independence.

This had an unexpected result. Many PETA members became leaders in Indonesia’s fight for independence after the war. So, even though PETA was created by a colonizer, it helped form the future Indonesian army.

PVK: Papua’s Militia in a Time of Change

In 1961, the Dutch still controlled Papua but were losing power. They created a militia called PVK made up of young Papuan volunteers. The Dutch wanted to show that Papuans could govern and defend themselves. PVK was part of a bigger plan to build a Papuan national identity, with symbols like a flag and a council.

However, this ended quickly. After an international agreement in 1962, Papua was handed over to Indonesia in 1963. PVK was disbanded, and many members were ignored or treated with suspicion. Still, PVK helped create a sense of Papuan identity and resistance that continues today.

A Clear Pattern

Both PETA and PVK were made by foreign powers for their own goals. Both trained local people and gave them ideas about politics and identity. Both helped create a sense of nationalism that went against their creators’ plans. PETA helped Indonesia become independent, while PVK became a symbol of Papuan nationalism.

How History is Remembered Differently

In Indonesia, PETA is remembered as a hero group, with monuments and museums. PVK, on the other hand, is mostly forgotten or seen as connected to rebellion. This shows how history can be told in different ways depending on who is in power.

The Irony of History

Both PETA and PVK show that tools of control made by colonizers can become tools of resistance. These stories are about more than military events; they are about identity, memory, and the fight for freedom. History is full of surprises like this, where the oppressed find ways to resist.

Honoring the Courage to Resist

We remember the young people of PETA who helped Indonesia’s independence. We should also honor the young people of PVK who dreamed of freedom for Papua. They all hoped for change, even when controlled by others.

Instead of dividing them into heroes or rebels, we should respect those who fought against injustice in all forms. History should tell their stories fairly. The question is: are we ready to tell history with balance and recognize the courage of all who dared to dream of freedom?