In March 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army took possession of the Dutch East Indies. The occupation lasted until Japan's surrender in mid-August 1945, although the disarmament and repatriation of Japanese troops took several months more to accomplish.
For some, these 31/2 years were much too long; for others, much too short. Few people involved were indifferent about this episode, because it was extraordinarily rich in events. It changed history. An established European colonial power was pushed aside by the only Asian colonial power under the pretext of reconquering Asia for the Asians. In the end, a new nation emerged -- Indonesia.
These are the bare facts. But how did it happen, what was it like for those involved? Memories, both private and public, are records of events whose subjective nature is well known. Autobiographies, official records, textbooks and monuments embody but only single perspectives of the past.