5 Recommended Books by Tan Malaka That Must Be Read, Makes You More Critical - Expand Your Knowledge of Indonesian History

In this book, Tan Malaka narrates his tireless struggle, despite having to face various obstacles and political persecutions. This book provides deep insights into Tan Malaka's fighting spirit in advocating for Indonesia's independence, even while living under pursuit and facing numerous difficulties.

3. Mass Action

Mass Action (credit: goodreads)

Written in 1926, Tan Malaka's book titled Mass Action discusses the strategies of mass movements in achieving political goals. Tan Malaka elaborates on various factors that influence the success of mass actions, such as uprisings, strikes, and demonstrations. This book also analyzes the political situation during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia.

Although written nearly 100 years ago, the ideas in Mass Action remain relevant to the current political conditions in Indonesia. This book teaches you to understand the importance of mass power in social and political change. Tan Malaka invites readers to think about how the people's movement can change the fate of the nation.

4. Towards the Republic of Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia is a book by Tan Malaka written in 1925, three years before the Youth Pledge and 24 years before Indonesia's independence. This book represents Tan Malaka's revolutionary ideas on how a nation should fight for independence and free itself from colonization.

In this book, Tan Malaka also provides insights on how Indonesia should proceed after independence. This book also gives you an understanding of Tan Malaka's views on state formation and the struggle for independence. Through this book, you will gain an image of Tan Malaka's very visionary way of thinking and his boldness in opposing colonization.

5. Gerpolek

Gerpolek (credit: goodreads)

Another important book by Tan Malaka that is also worth reading is Gerpolek. This book was written by Tan Malaka while he was behind bars in Madiun. It explains how Tan Malaka rejected the path of negotiation with the government and chose armed resistance. Gerpolek is an abbreviation for Guerrilla, Politics, and Economics, and contains analysis of military strategy and the struggle for independence.

Tan Malaka wrote this book using his knowledge and memory, as well as insights gained from reading military books over 30 years. This book is very important for those of you who want to study struggle strategies, especially in the context of resistance against colonizers. Gerpolek provides a picture of Tan Malaka's fighting spirit in defending Indonesia's independence.

These are some of the recommended books by Tan Malaka that are important to read. By reading Tan Malaka's books, you will better understand the significant contributions he made in formulating revolutionary ideas for Indonesia's independence. Go ahead and add these books to your reading list right now. If not now, when else?

(kpl/psp)