"Independence was not simply given; it is something for which Indonesia had to fight." Discuss this statement in the period leading up to Indonesia's independence in 1949

Gaining independence for Indonesia was a struggle. It was something Indonesia had to fight for. Leading up to Indonesia's independence in 1949 Indonesia had to fight against invasions made by the Dutch, British, Japanese and the Portuguese. Sukarto at the end of world war two made the break through of independence. <Tab/>Indonesia claimed its independence on August 17 1945. The first president of the new nation was Sukarno. (World Book Encyclopedia, 1992, Volume 10, pg 202.) …

…in an attempt to settle the argument. The Dutch attempted to isolate the Indonesian nationalists as part of the new Indonesia. (Freeman, 1987, pg 47.) <Tab/>"Independence was not simply given; it is something for which Indonesia had to fight." Leading up to Indonesia's independence in 1945, Indonesia had to put up with to fight against countries like the Dutch. When the Japanese surrendered in 1945 Sukarno brought it upon himself to create independent Indonesia.