Mari Mengenal Suriname,The Struggle of Political Leadership of Javanese Politicians in Suriname

The Struggle of Political Leadership of Javanese Politicians in Suriname

Kadi Kartokromo

 

The history of the Javanese in Suriname begins since the arrival of this group in August 1890. They came from the different parts of the island Of Java, Indonesia. The Dutch had brought the Javanese in Suriname in 1890 As indentured workers as a complementary to the British Indian labor force On the estates to work on the sugar cane - coffee - and cocoa plantations. Ethnical they are the third largest groups after the Creoles and the Hindustanis. They have kept their own adat, religion and language but participate very well in the integration process.

 

From 1890-1939 there were 33000 Javanese in Suriname, of which 8000 remigrated to Java. Their promises had not been fulfilled, so they were disappointed.  They had chosen Suriname as their new homeland and had fought to become fulfilled citizens. In Suriname they had struggled to survive and had been a silent power for a long time, but had also fought to emancipate in  every sector. In this fight there were too many obstacles; the lack of a sufficient guiding in the social and educational sectors and also their adat, the titti, tatta totto kromo [way of life].  In politics, due to the restricted electoral system they had no rights in the beginning, but they did not give up. They had fought for their political identity and power. The political awareness of the Javanese had been stimulated by the "Merdeka-movements" in Indonesia, and the foundations of electoral and cultural organizations in Suriname [Kiesverenigingen]. Since the foundation of the first Javanese political parties, the KTPI and PBIS, the political participation was growing. Iding Soemita and Salikin Hardjo were the pioneers. They had fought for identity, leadership, image building and political power. In the fight of political leadership and power the role of the non-Javanese political parties was and is a very important factor. The Javanese had been in politics a very important factor. The  Political participation had been stimulated and new political parties were founded: the Kerngroup, SRI, Pendawalima , PPRS, Pertjajah Luhur, NPLO and D-21. In the period 1949-2005 the Javanese became aware in politics.

 

Political leaders as Willy Soemita and Somohardjo, the second generation political leaders, had fought for leadership and political power. In  the elections of May 2005 there are up till now 2 very big coalitions: the New Front and the DNP-2000 combination, in which the Pertaya Luhur and combination of the 3 Javanese political parties [KTPI,Pendawalima and PPRS]. A new coalition in which D-21participates  is a combination of small parties.  Efforts of Javanese parties to form a unity had failed. The Javanese took a wipposition [balance position] in politics and had not only participated in Parliament but also in government.

 

The third generation political leaders with an academic background have to profile in the beginning of 2000 such as Mr.Raymond Sapoen,  Drs.Soewarto Moestadja and Drs. Oesman Wangsabesarie. The intension for forming a Javanese bloc [Jawa bloc] has been introducing, but failed. The participation of women, the younger generation and intellectuals is growing. The role of the religion will be also very important in the elections  of May 2005.Up till now 68 Javanese parliamentarians had been elected and 30 Javanese Ministers had been appointed.