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SS Moreton Bay was one of the vessels chartered by the Dutch government-in-exile that was affected by the waterside workers black bans. ANMM Collection

Black Armada

Australian support in upholding Indonesian independence

ARMADA HITAM - DUKUNGAN AUSTRALIA DALAM MEMPERTAHANKAN KEMERDEKAAN INDONESIA.

When the Dutch returned to Indonesia at the end of World War II after independence had been declared, a trade union-led campaign against Dutch shipping – called the Black Armada – was conducted by Australian wharfies with the support of Chinese, Indian and Indonesian sailors who refused to crew Dutch ships. The campaign spread and eventually led to Australian government support for Indonesian independence and its recognition in 1949. This exhibition tells the story of a period of strong friendship between the two nations that has largely been forgotten in both countries.

A forgotten story
At the end of World War II in August 1945, Indonesians declared their independence from Dutch colonial rule. The declaration began a four-year-long political and military struggle.

Dutch soldier fully armed at the elert [alert] throughout the streets, by Tony Rafty, c. 1945. National Library of Australia.
Dutch soldier fully armed at the elert [alert] throughout the streets, by Tony Rafty, c. 1945. National Library of Australia. 

From late 1945, Dutch ships in Australian ports preparing to return to Indonesia with military arms and personnel were paralysed by a series of black-bans by maritime trade unions. These ships were later called the Black Armada.

Support for Indonesian independence then grew beyond the labour movement and Australia led the way in international political recognition of Indonesia.

This central moment in the Indonesian struggle for independence is an amazing story that has largely been forgotten in both nations.

Display Highlights
The important 1946 film Indonesia Calling by exiled Dutch film director Joris Ivens and narrated by Peter Finch.

A scene from the 1946 Joris Ivens film Indonesia Calling showing Indonesian seamen listening to a short-wave radio for news of Indonesia’s declaration of independence. Image: National Film and Sound Archive Australia
A scene from the 1946 Joris Ivens film Indonesia Calling showing Indonesian seamen listening to a short-wave radio  for news of Indonesia’s declaration of independence.  Image: National Film and Sound Archive Australia

Main image: SS Moreton Bay was one of the vessels chartered by the Dutch government-in-exile that was affected by the waterside workers black bans. ANMM Collection

This exhibition is travelling! Indonesian Tour Dates:

13th November 2019 - 14th December 2019
Jakarta, National Museum of Indonesia

16th November 2019 - 22nd November 2019
Makassar, Phinisi Point Mall

14th November 2019 - 1st December 2019
Surabaya, Hall de Javasche, Museum Bank Indonesia

18th November 2019 - 29th November 2019
Denpasar, Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Bali (Monument of Balinese People's Struggle)
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