Republic of South Maluku

Quick Facts: Who was Republic of South Maluku?

Subject:

Republic of South Maluku

Known for:

Unrecognized secessionist movement claiming Ambon, Buru, and Seram islands.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Republic of South Maluku (Indonesian: Republik Maluku Selatan), also known as the Republic of the South Moluccas (Dutch: Republiek der Zuid-Molukken), was an unrecognised Indonesian secessionist movement that claimed the islands of Ambon, Buru, and Seram, which currently make up most of the province of Maluku. The Dutch conquest exerted colonial control across the archipelago in the 19th century, establishing a unitary administration. The borders of present-day Indonesia were formed through colonial expansion finalised in the 20th century. After the occupation by the Japanese Empire during World War II ended in 1945, nationalist leaders on Java unilaterally declared Indonesian independence. Early organised indigenous resistance came from the South Moluccas with support and aid from the Dutch government and military.

Career & Major Achievements

The South Moluccan rebels initially clung on to an early post-colonial treaty prescribing a federal form of statehood. When that treaty, agreed between the Dutch government and the Indonesian government in December 1949, was broken, they unilaterally declared a fully independent Republic of South Maluku (RMS) in April 1950. The South Moluccan leaders based their decision on the treaty, which stipulated autonomy for each of the states of the federation. After the defeat of the RMS on Ambon by Indonesian forces in November 1950, the self-declared government withdrew to Seram, where an armed struggle continued on until 2 December 1963. The government-in-exile moved to the Netherlands in 1966, following resistance leader and president Chris Soumokil's capture and execution by Indonesian authorities.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The exiled government has continued to claim the existence of the Republic of South Maluku, with John Wattilete as its incumbent president since April 2010. However, unlike the Free Papua Movement, the group has never carried acts of violence against the Indonesian government in the present day. The Republic of South Maluku has been a member state within the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) since 1991. The original settlers of the Moluccan Islands were similar to neighbouring islands like West Papua, East Nusa Tengarra and East Timor. They were ancestors of the Aboriginal Australians, then the ancestors of the Papuans, and lastly the Austronesian settlers from the Philippines by way of Taiwan.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1945: 1945 Milestone — After the occupation by the Japanese Empire during World War II ended in 1945, nationalist leaders on Java unilaterally declared Indonesian independence.
2. 1949: 1949 Milestone — When that treaty, agreed between the Dutch government and the Indonesian government in December 1949, was broken, they unilaterally declared a fully independent Republic of South Maluku (RMS) in April 1950.
3. 1950: 1950 Milestone — After the defeat of the RMS on Ambon by Indonesian forces in November 1950, the self-declared government withdrew to Seram, where an armed struggle continued on until 2 December 1963.
4. 1966: 1966 Milestone — The government-in-exile moved to the Netherlands in 1966, following resistance leader and president Chris Soumokil's capture and execution by Indonesian authorities.
5. 1991: 1991 Milestone — The Republic of South Maluku has been a member state within the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) since 1991.
6. 2010: 2010 Milestone — The exiled government has continued to claim the existence of the Republic of South Maluku, with John Wattilete as its incumbent president since April 2010.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Republic of South Maluku

True or False: “The Republic of South Maluku was immediately recognized as a sovereign state by major world powers after declaring independence in 1950.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The secessionist movement remained unrecognized throughout its existence and even today.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Republic of South Maluku