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.
In the northeast of the South
American continent, bounded by 
Setting out to explore the
