What side was Dutch East Indies in World War 2?

Answer 1

The Netherlands was technically neutral in WWII as it was in WWI. However, it was invaded by German forces and was completely occupied. Some Dutch forces escaped and fought with the Allies in Europe and forces in the colonies, like Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) fought against the Japanese with the Allies.

So, one could say, the government-in-exile declared war on the Axis forces.

Answer 2

If you ask about which side was Indonesia (that day Dutch East Indies) was onto in the Second World War, the state was still under the colonial government of The Kingdom of Netherlands. The state wasn't even formed that time, so it is a little complicated to explain.

I was born in Jakarta and I grew up there for 19 years. As I see, my country isn't only geographically separated but as well as socially separated.

If we take ourselves back to the time when World War 2 is ongoing, the society wasn't even sticking on one faction. There were Pro-Dutch colonials, Pro Japanese, Pro-Religion. Last but not least, the one that won the whole thing was the Pro-Nationalists. Those peoples are the one who had willingness and believe that a sovereignty could be achieved as the result of the World War 2. We have been controlled and tortured by the Dutch for more or less 3 and a half centuries, a big shame for our peoples whom historically having such glorious dynasties.

Probably we can put Indonesia as a part of the allies since that time we were under the Dutch rule. But talking realistically, peoples from across the archipelago are more to "SEEKING FOR AN INDEPENDENCE" than supporting one of the sides. Because in general, we really didn't care about what other nations are fighting for.

On August 17 1945, the Declaration of Independence was declared by Sukarno in Jakarta. It was only 2 days after the Japanese surrender. The Empire of Japan had successfully include Indonesia as a part of their imperial expansion since 1942. From that year up till 1945, there were also resistances from our peoples against the Japanese. It was a quite serious encounter where my great grand dad was fallen.

After the declaration of independence, the dutch came back and put an interest to the land which was suppose to be theirs. They came with a support of American, British and Belgian soldiers. The newly formed Indonesian Armed Forces was called for one of their first engagements to defend the independence. One of the most famous encounters was the Battle of Surabaya, where my granny's sister in law was killed by the Dutch at the time when she was serving in the army as a medic. The war lasted for 4 years until 1949.

So conclusively, Indonesia wasn't officially involved in World War 2. Some peoples did, but in general the country wasn't. All we seek was independence.