This book (collection of speech) written in 1930 by Sukarno, originally a defense speech (pledoi) during his trial on 18 August 1930, its continuation of his arrest that beginning on 29 December 1929. This event is a turning point in Sukarno career, which makes him very popular. Sukarno is found guilty and sentenced four year, which due to strong pressure in the Netherlands and Dutch East Indies, he only serves one year and released on 31 December 1931. This book has five chapter (1) Imperialism (2) Imperialism in Indonesia (3) Indonesia Movement (4) Indonesia National Party. (5) Violation Article 153 and 169 defense.
Introduction Chapter
In this section, Sukarno argues that he is not guilty. He said that this trial is a political process, and he has political believe (ideology), he wants the judge to be fair, not use an elastic interpretation of the law, and should not be subjective. The reason he doing this is that so many bad things that native Indonesian (rakyat) experiences, which according to Sukarno is due to imperialism.
Ch 1 Imperialism
Sukarno said that he does not agree with the accusation of anti-capitalism (Netherlander) and anti-imperialism (Netherland Government), he argues basically that capitalism/imperialism is a "concept" a bad concept that is not referred to his accusation, similar with anti excessive capital accumulation. It seems he agrees that this bad concept is inevitable.
Ch 2 Imperialism in Indonesia
Sukarno argues by using VOC as his evidence, that VOC brings a hardship for native Indonesia, due to its monopoly system. He argues that 1830 Cultur Stelsel is bad for poor people, and as evidence of old capitalism. He then argues based on modern capitalism 1870, which also the same as the monopoly but more powerful as the ownership of land/capital is more concentrated. He argues the profit of more than 35% from tobacco, kina that has no benefit to poor people. Sukarno thinks that without fair distribution of wealth, people work as modern slavery.
Ch 3 Movement
Short chapter, Sukarno argue that movement like him is inevitable, a messianic (mahdi, heru cokro) that will rise due to hardship.
Ch 4 Indonesia National Party (the longest chapter, around 60-70% book)
This is the controversial part. Sukarno argues that the only solution to this hardship is Indonesian Independence. When Indonesia getting independence, the decision will be made based on national interest, not based on capital owner interest. (I think this part is the most radical thinking of Sukarno). Some highlights:
1. Independence is the only solution
2. All colony wants to get freedom
3. Believe on self-effort (berdikari)
4. Although imperialism coming from the richer/smarter country, independence is the only choice
5. People that not support is because has conflicting interest, self-reliance is a must
6. Classic quotation "Indie is de kurk waarop Nederland drijft, Hindia adalah gabus di atas mana negeri Belanda"
7. Believe in aggressive movement but against nihilism, argue that it is a non-violence movement. This is the controversial part.
8. Want independence, but against violence movement, against revolt against the government. This is the good part, a realistic vision, this is gold, this is good.
9. Again, anti-violence
10. He wants a radical, revolutioner. Sukarno wants a real, direct change.
11. Again, we are anti-violence. Sukarno does not agree with violence accusation.
12. The good part, Sukarno argue that with a sense of nationalism, people will get the benefit, will be a better life.
13. How to have nationalism? romanticism, past glorification.
14. Core problem in imperialism: (1) Divide and rule (2) Morality/Slavery Culture (3) Racism/Inferiority Culture (4) Dependency Culture
15. Marhaenism vs Kromoisme (Borgouise)
18. Again, anti-violence
Chapter 5 Violation Article 153 and 169
Sukarno argues that he did not do any provocation of anti-government. He mentions that he is anti-imperialism/capitalism but did not anti-government. Isme in his argument is a stelsel (system). He did not blame Holland.