Volksraad (Dutch East Indies)
Encyclopedia
A People's Council for the Dutch East Indies
was provided for by law in 1916. But was procrastinated until the actual installation of the Council in 1918. It was a hesitant and slow attempt at democratisation of the Dutch East Indies. The power of the Volksraad was limited as it only had advisory powers. Although part of the council was elected only a small proportion of the population had voting rights.
The Volksraad had sixty members: 30 members from various indigenous groups, 25 European and 5 from Chinese and other populations. The Volksraad was reconstituted every four years. The members of the Council were partly chosen, partly appointed by the colonial administration.
, Java
, as an infant form of democratic representation on 18 May 1918 by the "ethical" colonial chief executive Count van Limburg Stirum
(1873-1948), who was Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies
from 1916 to 1921.
In 1925 the Volksraad was made a semilegislative body; although decisions were still made by the Dutch government, the governor-general was expected to consult the Volksraad on major issues.
The last election was in 1939. In 1941 the Volksraad was dissolved during the Japanese occupation.
In 1945 the Volksraad building located in Weltevreden was renamed the Pancasila
building.
and Dick de Hoog
.
Prominent Indigenous members include the Javanese Tjokroaminoto
, Sumatran Agus Salim
and Menadonese
Sam Ratulangi
.
Dutch East Indies
The Dutch East Indies was a Dutch colony that became modern Indonesia following World War II. It was formed from the nationalised colonies of the Dutch East India Company, which came under the administration of the Netherlands government in 1800....
was provided for by law in 1916. But was procrastinated until the actual installation of the Council in 1918. It was a hesitant and slow attempt at democratisation of the Dutch East Indies. The power of the Volksraad was limited as it only had advisory powers. Although part of the council was elected only a small proportion of the population had voting rights.
The Volksraad had sixty members: 30 members from various indigenous groups, 25 European and 5 from Chinese and other populations. The Volksraad was reconstituted every four years. The members of the Council were partly chosen, partly appointed by the colonial administration.
History
The Volksraad was founded in Weltevreden, BataviaJakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
, Java
Java
Java is an island of Indonesia. With a population of 135 million , it is the world's most populous island, and one of the most densely populated regions in the world. It is home to 60% of Indonesia's population. The Indonesian capital city, Jakarta, is in west Java...
, as an infant form of democratic representation on 18 May 1918 by the "ethical" colonial chief executive Count van Limburg Stirum
Johan Paul van Limburg Stirum
Johan Paul, Count of Limburg Stirum was a reformist in the time of World War I.He made a rapid career as a diplomat of the Netherlands and was, among others, envoy in China and Sweden. Thanks to his knowledge of Asia, the government Cort van der Linden named him in 1916 Gouverneur General of the...
(1873-1948), who was Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies
Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies
The Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies represented the Dutch rule in the Dutch East Indies between 1610 and Dutch recognition of the independence of Indonesia in 1949.The first Governors-General were appointed by the Dutch East India Company...
from 1916 to 1921.
In 1925 the Volksraad was made a semilegislative body; although decisions were still made by the Dutch government, the governor-general was expected to consult the Volksraad on major issues.
The last election was in 1939. In 1941 the Volksraad was dissolved during the Japanese occupation.
In 1945 the Volksraad building located in Weltevreden was renamed the Pancasila
Pancasila
The Five Precepts constitute the basic Buddhist code of ethics, undertaken by lay followers of the Buddha Gautama in the Theravada as well as in Mahayana traditions. The precepts in both traditions are essentially identical and are commitments to abstain from harming living beings, stealing,...
building.
Members
Famous Indo-European members of the Volksraad were Karel ZaalbergKarel Zaalberg
Karel Zaalberg was an Indo journalist and politician in the Dutch East Indies.He was born in Batavia, Java, Dutch East Indies, and also died there...
and Dick de Hoog
Dick de Hoog
Dick de Hoog was the Indo President of the Indo European Alliance, member of People’s Council and professional politician in the Dutch East Indies. He was also a Grand Master of the Dutch East Indies Freemasonry .He was born on Ambon and died in Bandung, Dutch East Indies...
.
Prominent Indigenous members include the Javanese Tjokroaminoto
Tjokroaminoto
Hadji Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto was a nationalist, the first leader of Sarekat Dagang Islam in Indonesia.-Early life:...
, Sumatran Agus Salim
Agus Salim
Haji Agus Salim was one of Indonesia's founding fathers and prominent diplomats. He played a leading role in the creation of the Indonesian constitution in 1945 and served as Indonesia's Foreign Minister between 1947 and 1949.-Early life:...
and Menadonese
Minahasa
The Minahasa are an ethnic group located in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia, formerly known as North Celebes...
Sam Ratulangi
Sam Ratulangi
Dr. Gerungan Saul Samuel Jozias Ratulangi or Ratu Langie , usually known as Sam Ratulangi, was a Minahasa politician, journalist and teacher from North Sulawesi, Indonesia...
.