In the early 20th century, the Dutch East Indies witnessed
the emergence of its first Christian political parties: the Christelijk
Ethische Partij (CEP) and the Indische Katholieke Partij (IKP). Despite
differing orientations, both parties arose in response to the formation of
native organizations in the preceding decade.
Founded in Batavia in 1917, the Christelijk Ethische Partij
(CEP) was officially recognized on September 25, 1917. This date is confirmed
by multiple sources, including De Standaard and the Javasche Courant. The CEP
emerged from a significant meeting of Christian leaders in Surabaya on May 22,
1917, where key figures such as Rev. Pera, Bierhuys, and A.J. van Marle laid
down the party’s core principles, goals, and programs.
The CEP’s mission was clear: to influence the governing
principles of the Dutch East Indies, ensuring that Christian values were
integrated into political life. The party believed that Christianity should
govern all aspects of human life, guided by divine principles. This ethos was
encapsulated in their foundational documents, which quoted, “You must worship
the Lord your God. Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and
love your neighbor as yourself.”
Initially, the CEP focused on two main strategies to achieve
its objectives. First, they aimed to secure seats in municipal and regional
representative bodies. Second, they sought to spread their message through the
press and public meetings. Membership was open to individuals who supported the
party’s principles, with the highest authority resting with the members who
elected the party’s leaders.
The CEP’s influence grew steadily throughout the 1930s, with
members holding significant positions in local councils. Notably, Soeprobo
Nicodemus was elected to the Gemeenteraad in Bandung in 1927. The party even
considered rebranding to the Christelijk Politieke Partij in 1928 before
eventually becoming the Christelijk Staatkundige Partij by the end of 1930.
Following the CEP, the Indische Katholieke Partij (IKP) was
established in response to the formation of city councils in the Dutch East
Indies. The IKP’s inception can be traced back to a gathering of Catholics in
June 1917, which led to the formation of the Temporary Committee for Political
Action. This committee aimed to participate in municipal elections, despite
initially lacking the readiness to compete effectively.
The IKP officially formed on November 7, 1918, during a
meeting at the Catholic Social Association Building in Batavia. This date also
marked the Apostolic Vicar’s approval of the party’s goals and efforts. The
party sought to represent Catholic interests in the national political arena,
providing information to Catholic political associations on issues affecting
the Dutch East Indies.
Like the CEP, the IKP’s statutes emphasized the significance
of Christian values in governance. They aimed to participate actively in
municipal elections and the Volksraad, contributing to policy-making and
representing Catholic interests.
The IKP gained legal recognition in mid-1920, as reported by
the Bataviaasch Nieuwsblad. The party’s leadership included L.J.M. Feber as
chairman, Dr. Schnuelzer as secretary, and Jagtzman as treasurer, with their
headquarters located in Kembang Kuning, Surabaya.
Both the Christelijk Ethische Partij and the Indische
Katholieke Partij played crucial roles in shaping the political landscape of
the Dutch East Indies. They demonstrated the capacity of religious values to
influence political discourse and policy-making. Their efforts paved the way
for greater participation of religious groups in governance, setting a
precedent for future political movements in the region.
As these parties evolved, their contributions to the
political and social fabric of the Dutch East Indies underscored the importance
of integrating ethical and religious principles into the governance of diverse
and multi-ethnic societies. Their legacy continues to inspire contemporary
political movements that seek to balance religious values with democratic
principles.
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