Chapter 1275 - 284: Instigation
Frier’s remarks were naturally prompted by Ernst. East Africa does not hope for the emergence of a superpower like past Indonesia in the South Sea Region.
In the past, Indonesia’s territory was close to two million, with a population nearing three hundred million, controlling or influencing multiple key straits and routes worldwide, including the Malacca Strait, with almost no resource shortages; oil, coal, iron ore, copper ore, bauxite, all abundantly available.
Such a country with great power potential poses a significant threat to East Africa’s control over the South Sea Region in the future.
Although East Africa has taken away the land of past Indonesia on Kalimantan Island, it is clearly not secure. Hence, Frier suggested to Prime Minister Kaiboer to separate both banks of the Sunda Strait from the East Indies Colony.
Frier said, "Your country can set up a special zone at the Sunda Strait, and the local financial, military, and other major powers can be returned to the Dutch government."
"We, East Africa, are also willing for your country to enhance the differentiated rule over the East Indies, but we are not optimistic about the series of current Dutch colonial policies in the East Indies."
"And the construction of the Sunda Strait special zone is a great opportunity. Taking advantage of the undeveloped state of both banks now, if your country separates this area from the East Indies Colony, it will not face significant local resistance."
"At the same time, introduce population from the Far East Empire, Siam, Vietnam, etc., completely isolating them from the widely distributed Arabian sect population on the East Indies..."
Prime Minister Kaiboer listened carefully to Frier’s series of suggestions.
After all, to Prime Minister Kaiboer, East Africa’s colonial history is short but definitely capable. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have become one of the few colonial powers in a few decades.
Although East Africa’s overseas colonies are not highly valuable, such a large area demonstrates East Africa holds some unique secrets.
Frier continued, "I think you might have noticed that since the end of last century, there’s been a global awakening of ethnic consciousness in less developed regions and countries."
"These regions’ independence consciousness is awakening and erupting. Unless extreme measures are taken, the situation will only worsen, and the East Indies are too far from your country. Your country should prepare early."
"Currently, Europe’s great powers are busy with war, which, in turn, provides an opportunity for the Netherlands to rectify the East Indies Colony, meaning external interference factors are greatly reduced."
"And we, East Africa, do not hope for the rise of a strong regional regime in the South Sea Region, so we hope the Netherlands can complete the reformation of the East Indies during this period."
Prime Minister Kaiboer was not repelled by Frier’s straightforward words, as even a unified East Indies is not something he wishes to see.
He said, "Actually, our government has similar thoughts, but implementing them is not easy. The situation in the East Indies is too complex, and our country’s strength is not comparable to yours, making it difficult to forcefully push policies."
Frier did not agree with Kaiboer’s view. He said, "We all understand the history of the East Indies Colony; originally, this area was forcibly integrated by colonial activities."
"You must know before your country colonized the East Indies; the entire East Indies was not a unified entity, but was composed of multiple nations."
"However, your colonial activities propelled the integration of various ethnic groups locally, such as unified military, unified administrative agencies, unified laws..."
"While these facilitated your rule in the Dutch East Indies, they also sowed the seeds of trouble, leading to the emergence of a unified national concept like Indonesians."
"This is very dangerous; they identify with the East Indies, and the local Arabian sect power dominates, with various ethnic groups cohabitating, further promoting the formation of this unified national consciousness."
With Frier’s criticism, Kaiboer’s expression became grim.
"Frier, from your words, it seems as if our Dutch government’s series of policies have caused the East Indies people to unite. As far as I know, your country’s colonial policies should be quite similar to ours!"
Frier did not deny it. He told Prime Minister Kaiboer, "That’s correct, but our orientation for overseas colonies is completely different from yours."
"We regard the people of overseas colonies as our own, giving them corresponding respect. Can your country overcome such biases against Indonesians and mix with such a large number of non-believers?"
Kaiboer asked with a complicated expression, "Are you unaware of your actions in East Kalimantan? Not just East Kalimantan, your Lanfang Overseas Province, Mindanao Island, we are well aware of your series of policies."
Then, he lowered his tone and turned sideways to Frier, "That brutal massacre, does it count as considering the local as equals?"
No one knows East Africa’s character better than the Dutch, especially East Africa’s actions in the South Sea Region, which are planned "genocide" activities.
Due to East Africa being a global great power, generally no country dares directly accuse East Africa.
Therefore, what Frier said about "our own people" is extremely ironic to Prime Minister Kaiboer. If large-scale massacres count as "our own", then Indonesians under Dutch rule and Dutch themselves are like "family".
After all, Dutch have not engaged in genocide activities in the East Indies like East Africa.
Frier unflinchingly said, "What we mean by our own people naturally does not include those stubborn individuals and non-believers but refers to new immigrants willing to coexist peacefully with East Africa."
"These new immigrants consist of populations willing to accept Germanization, receiving comprehensive German education, and will eventually be indistinguishable from East Africa’s people."
"And your country is still too indecisive in the East Indies. If I were in your position, I would either actively suppress native and religious forces, promote domestic culture, or simply ensure they can never become a unified nation, that even if independent, they would not threaten the Sovereign Country."
"The vast archipelago of the East Indies is rather conducive for your country’s maneuvers, yet you forcefully integrated them into a whole, which is tantamount to digging your own grave."
"Thus, unlike us East Africa, your country should execute completely different colonial strategies from ours, thereby continuing your colonial activities locally."
"Particularly by separating some special areas locally, ensuring even after the East Indies become independent, more interests can be retained."
Frier candidly exposes East Africa’s "atrocities" and feels no shame, even advising Prime Minister Kaiboer.
This greatly impressed Prime Minister Kaiboer with East Africans’ shamelessness, but Frier’s remarks also provided significant enlightenment to Kaiboer.
Currently, European countries are busy with war, and East Africa is supporting the Netherlands in employing some extreme measures in the East Indies, dismantling the East Indies. This is indeed an opportunity for the Netherlands.
Kaiboer also does not worry about East Africa having ulterior motives, or rather even if East Africans do harbor such intentions, the Netherlands cannot stop East Africa’s actions.
After all, if East Africa truly intends to take over the whole East Indies, it would be easy; if East Africans truly planned this, the Dutch East Indies Colony would have been changed long ago.
Therefore, Prime Minister Kaiboer does not believe East Africa has designs on the Dutch East Indies, at least not at this stage, East Africa certainly does not have this intention.
So, after thinking for a moment, Prime Minister Kaiboer told Frier, "I will seriously consider your suggestions and find an opportunity for our two governments to discuss in detail later."