How a Sydney girl joined the fight for Indonesian independence

Australia's decision to turn away from its affinity with colonial powers and support the Indonesian struggle changed the lives of one young couple.

Charlotte, front row centre in a white dress, attends a performance at the Indonesia Club in Sydney.

Charlotte Maramis

Jul 3, 2020 – 12.00am

Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

t’s wartime Sydney. Charlotte, a 16-year old office worker, goes with her mum to visit a family friend. They meet Indonesians billeted in the same Kings Cross hotel – some of the ships’ crew, soldiers and political detainees evacuated from the Netherlands East Indies ahead of the Japanese invasion. They get invited to the dances and wayang plays at the Indonesians’ club above a shop in George St. There she met her future husband, Anton Maramis, a purser with the Indies shipping line KPM, and joined his independence struggle. This is her story.