In August 1945, a handful of people raised a homemade cotton flag and, on behalf of 68 million compatriots, announced the birth of a new nation. With the fourth largest population in the world, inhabiting islands that span an eighth of the globe, Indonesia became the first country to rid itself of colonial rule after World War II. This will be our fascinating SDG topic, known by our core book’s title “Revolusi”. Drawing on hundreds of interviews and eyewitness testimonies, renowned scholar and celebrated author David Van Reybrouck captures a period of extraordinary tumult and chaos to tell the story of Indonesia’s momentous revolution. Encompassing several hundred years of history, he details the formation of the Dutch East Indies, the Japanese invasion that followed, and the young rebels who engaged in armed resistance once the occupation ended. British and Dutch troops were sent to restore order and keep peace but instead ignited the first modern war of decolonization. America, too, became embroiled with the Indonesians’ fierce struggle for freedom. That struggle inspired independence movements in Asia, Africa, and the Arab world. Our SDG will explore this vivid history of a nation that most will probably know little about. The reading is fast moving and captivating. And we expect the discussion to be equally lively when we explore this most interesting Indonesian history.

In-Person