MUHAMMADIYAH’S VIEWS AND ACTIONS ON THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS DURING THE JAPANESE INVASION OF THE DUTCH EAST INDIES, 1941-1942

Abstract

Studies of Muhammadiyah largely ignore Muhammadiyah’s perceptions of war. This study explores Muhammadiyah’s thoughts and practices on the protection of civilians in a so far neglected chapter in World War II, the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies in 1941-1942. Using a historical research method, this study scrutinizes previously unexamined primary sources, the weekly magazine Adil, which was published by the Surakarta branch of Muhammadiyah, in editions between 1941-1942. By examining edicts from the Central Board of Muhammadiyah as well as the writings of individuals affiliated with Muhammadiyah published by Adil, this study argues that Muhammadiyah was highly attentive in its efforts to protect civilians in times of war, by basing its thoughts on the interplay between Islamic principles and modern ideas about the rights of non-combatants in battle. Muhammadiyah strongly emphasized that during the war civilians must be protected by the state. It moreover advised people to build spiritual and mental strength so that they could survive war and advocated a self-protection of civilians by encouraging every resident of the Indies to help each other during the war. It campaigned for the protection of civilians with various methods and by establishing a special agency to organize the protection efforts. This study elucidates the role of Muhammadiyah in providing information, religious guidance, and practical supports to its members and the Indonesian people in general regarding the protection of civilians in war that finally overthrew European colonial powers in Southeast Asia.