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View all search resultsExplainer: Why ‘bersiap’ is causing furor and confusion
Few in the Indonesian public know that the term is used in connection with that historical incident. Many are unaware if it is even mentioned in the history books and as such, have been confused by the furor over it.
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T
he recent controversy over the word “bersiap” (ready) has drawn the people to take a closer look at their own history, in particular the chapter following the Independence Proclamation on Aug. 17, 1945. This has imbued the ongoing discourse with more critical understanding toward acknowledging the dynamics of the violence that various groups in the country experienced during that time.
Previously limited to academic circles, the long-standing discourse rose to public consciousness last month after an op-ed by Indonesian historian Bonnie Triyana, published in Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad, elicited emotional response in that country.
In the Netherlands, the furious debate revolves around whether the word “bersiap”, used as a battle cry meaning “get ready” by Indonesian youth fighters, should be used in reference to the violent upheaval that followed Indonesia’s proclamation of independence.
Few in the Indonesian public know that the term is used in connection with that historical incident. Many are unaware if it is even mentioned in the history books and as such, have been confused by the furor over it.
