Independence is Almost Here
This propaganda poster from 1945 depicts a Japanese soldier celebrating with Indonesians, symbolizing the promised liberation from Dutch colonial rule. During Japan's occupation of the Dutch East Indies (1942–1945), Japan positioned itself as a liberator, claiming to support Indonesian independence. However, this promise was largely a strategic move to gain local support and resources during wartime.
Year
1945
Design
N/A
Object Detail
N/A
Type
Posters
Collection
N/A
Did you know?
In a 1942 declaration, Japan claimed: Nippon has no intention of building an imperialist regime in East Asia. Instead, it envisions a union of neighboring nations, tied by racial and cultural bonds, and geographical closeness. This message, though idealistic, was part of Japan’s broader propaganda strategy. Many Indonesians initially welcomed Japan’s promises. By 1943, over 34,000 Indonesians had joined a volunteer army (PETA) to defend Java, believing it was a step toward real independence.
