The fear of Japanese attack on Indonesia was looming large; hence the leaders of the Nationalist Party suggested a training programme for the defence of their country.

But the Dutch government did not permit it and tried to suppress the nationalist leaders by imposing restrictions on them. The Dutch failed to give a tough resistance to the Japanese and surrendered.

The Japanese occupation of Indonesia proved advantageous for the people of Indonesia. The Japanese were short of manpower, so they appointed Indonesians on various important posts.

Sense of power and dignity developed among the Indonesians after working on important posts and they developed a confidence to run their government themselves. It added to their power and prestige.

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The entrance of Japanese into Indonesia was not free from troubles. In comparison to the Dutch, they proved to be cruel and much worse exploiters.

They taught the people to steal and cheat others. “Everything spiritually as well as materially was shaken loose from its old moorings.”

However, if we compare the merits and demerits of the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, we find that there was a sudden upsurge of nationalism, stronger and deeper than ever, under the Japanese regime.