Indies Party

political party, Indonesia

Also known as: Indische Partij

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June 29, 2026

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The Indies Party (Indische Partij) was a political party in Indonesia founded in 1912 by E.F.E. Douwes Dekker. It was primarily a Eurasian party that advocated for Indonesian independence from Dutch rule. The party was banned a year after its formation and was succeeded by another Eurasian party called Insulinde.1

The concept of Indonesian nationalism, which the Indies Party was part of, emerged in the early 20th century as a response to Western colonialism. It was characterized by a desire for nationhood that embraced the archipelago's diversity and aimed to restructure traditional authority to create a modern state. This movement was influenced by various ideologies, including socialist ideas and Gandhi's principle of civil disobedience.12

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Indonesia
The rise of nationalism
In 1912 the Indies Party (Indische Partij)—primarily a Eurasian party—was founded by E.F.E. Douwes Dekker; banned a year later, it was succeeded by another Eurasian party, calling itself Insulinde, a poetic name for the East Indies. In 1914 the Dutchman Hendricus Sneevliet founded the Indies Social Democratic Association,…
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In 1912 the Indies Party (Indische Partij)—primarily a Eurasian party—was founded by E.F.E. Douwes Dekker; banned a year later, it was succeeded by another Eurasian party, calling itself Insulinde, a poetic name for the East Indies. In 1914 the Dutchman Hendricus Sneevliet founded the Indies Social Democratic Association,…
Read More