Era Movies
If you would like to explore the historical topics mentioned in this website, I have found a list of movies and documentaries. Note: These are not listed in any particular order. Also Note: This information comes directly from ChatGPT Open AI searches (June & July 2025)
Malang (& Java's) Dutch Colonial Heritage & Architecture
​
1. ) Phantom-ride colonial films (1910s–1920s) Exploratory “phantom-ride” films, commissioned by the Koloniaal Instituut, feature colonial rail lines through Java—including stations and architecture in Batavia (today’s Jakarta) and surrounding regions. One early episode covers the Weltevreden–Meester Cornelis route, showcasing Dutch-style buildings and employee housing typical of the era .
2.) Celluloid Colony (book/documentary) Sandeep Ray’s Celluloid Colony examines early Dutch propaganda films from the Dutch East Indies, rich with visuals of urban architecture, plantation buildings, churches, and local life—providing important ethnographic context . While it’s a book, some associated film materials may be available through museums or archives like the Eye Filmmuseum.
​
​
3.) Great Post Road (1996) A Dutch documentary directed by Dolf Toussaint, narrated by writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It examines the construction of the Great Post Road across Java—a major infrastructure project under the Dutch East Indies—highlighting enduring architecture and colonial urban planning.
4.) November 1828 (1979) A historical Indonesian drama that centers on the Java War. While its focus is military and cultural resistance, it features historically accurate period architecture and Dutch military buildings from early 19th-century Java .
5.) The East (De Oost, 2020) A Dutch war film set in late colonial Indonesia. Filmed partly in Indonesia, it recreates colonial-era buildings and settings with a modern lens. Though not focused strictly on architecture, its production design reflects the physical environments of the period.
6.) Key resource: A 1930 Eastman Teaching silent film titled “The Dutch East Indies” is freely available on Archive.org and features rich visuals of Java—urban scenes, palm landscapes, colonial infrastructure. Watch link: Search “Dutch East Indies Eastman teaching film” on Archive.org
​
7.) “Exploring DUTCH COLONIAL MALANG in East Java, Indonesia.” A YouTube video (~2.5 years old) that explicitly focuses on Dutch-era legacy buildings in Malang—mansion boulevards, the old City Hall, churches, and more. It’s an excellent visual tour.
8.) YouTube - Exploring DUTCH COLONIAL MALANG… (modern walk‑through) - A Trip to Malang, 1975 (archival film)
9.) “The Black Tulip” (2010) A drama partly set in the Dutch East Indies era. It doesn’t focus exclusively on East Java but gives a colonial context.
10.) "“Bidadari-Bidadari Surabaya” (The Angels of Surabaya, 2016) This Indonesian film is about women in Surabaya (East Java’s largest city) during the Japanese occupation but with ties to colonial history before that.
11.) “The Long Road to Heaven” (2007) While focused more on East Timor, it touches on the Dutch colonial legacy in Indonesia in a broader sense.
12.) “Indonesia, The Dutch and the Spice Trade” A historical documentary exploring Dutch colonial influence in Indonesia, including Java.
13.) “The Dutch in Indonesia” (Dutch produced) This documentary looks at Dutch colonial history and has segments on Java, including East Java.
​
14.) “Het Meisje en de Koloniale Geschiedenis” (The Girl and the Colonial History) Dutch documentary examining the legacy of colonialism in Indonesia. A Dutch documentary reflecting on personal and historical perspectives about colonialism, including the period leading up to and during WWII in Java. You can sometimes find it on Dutch public broadcasters’ websites like NPO Start or in European film archives.
15.) “Indonesia, The Dutch and the Spice Trade” (Documentary) While covering a broader history, it includes critical segments on Dutch colonial rule in Java during the early 20th century, setting the stage for the 1930s and 40s. Can sometimes be found on history or educational streaming services like CuriosityStream or Kanopy.
16.) The Dutch East Indies in Colour (1938) This historical documentary provides insight into the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia: YouTube: Watch the full documentary here: YouTube
WW2 & Japanese Occupation of Java
1.) “The Postman” (1997) • Director: G. M. (Gerard) Haan • Synopsis: This film is set during the Japanese occupation and follows a young postman who becomes involved in a resistance movement. The movie portrays life under Japanese rule in Java and the harsh realities faced by the local population. • Theme: Resistance, occupation, and the harsh conditions during the war.
2.) “Soerabaja 10:30” (1947) • Director: Arend Kalf • Synopsis: This movie is a dramatic portrayal of the Indonesian struggle for independence following the Japanese occupation. The film was made just after Indonesia’s independence and highlights the challenges faced during the transition from the Japanese occupation to Dutch colonial rule, and later, independence. • Theme: Post-occupation conflict, struggle for independence.
3.) “Indo” (1995) • Director: Frans Weisz • Synopsis: This film focuses on the perspective of an Indonesian-Dutch family living in Indonesia during the period of Japanese occupation and the struggles they face during the transition to independence. • Theme: Identity, family struggles during colonial and war times.
4.) “Tjoet Nja’ Dhien” (1988) • Director: Eros Djarot • Synopsis: This film depicts the life of Tjoet Nja’ Dhien, an Indonesian nationalist and heroine who fought against the Dutch colonial and later the Japanese occupation forces in Aceh. While it’s not specifically focused on Java, it offers a powerful view of the resistance against both Japanese and colonial forces in the region. • Theme: Nationalism, resistance, and war.
5.) “Puisi Cinta” (2019) • Director: Suryani Iman • Synopsis: This film examines the impact of the Japanese occupation on the lives of two people. The story focuses on personal lives amid the larger historical context of occupation. • Theme: Romance amidst war, occupation, and historical trauma. ⸻
6.) “The Battle for Java” (2012): A documentary that explores the fall of Java to the Japanese, including interviews with survivors and archival footage from the era.
7.) “Indonesia’s Forgotten War” (2006): This documentary delves into the period of Japanese occupation, featuring firsthand accounts of the occupation’s effects on local communities.
8.) "Bersiap! The Forgotten Genocide" (2021) Covers the violent Bersiap period (1945-1947) during Indonesia’s struggle for independence, which deeply impacted East Java. It explores the chaos after Japanese occupation ended and the Dutch tried to regain control. Often available on documentary streaming platforms or YouTube with subtitles.
9.) “Bidadari-Bidadari Surabaya” (The Angels of Surabaya, 2016) Focuses on the experiences of young women in Surabaya (East Java’s main city) during the Japanese occupation. It highlights both the oppression and resistance during the 1942-1945 period.
10.) “Java Heat” (2013) A thriller partly set in Java during and after WWII, touching on the Japanese occupation context. (NOTE: I watched this and do not recommend. It is a current day action movie.)
11.) “Sang Kiai” (The Cleric, 2013) Although covering a broader timeline, it includes events during the Japanese occupation and the early independence movement in Java.
12.) “The Hidden War: Indonesian Resistance in East Java." A documentary focusing on local resistance fighters in East Java against Japanese forces.
13.) “De Oost” (The East) (2020) A Dutch film depicting the violence and atrocities during the Indonesian National Revolution, including Japanese occupation aftermath. It indirectly references the harsh conditions and executions that happened during that era.
14.) "Soegija" (2012) Overview: A historical drama about Albertus Soegijapranata, the first native Indonesian bishop, and his role during the independence movement. It includes events during the Japanese occupation. Where to Watch: YouTube – Full movie available to stream. Plex – Available to stream. Archive.org – Free download and streaming. Archival Documentaries from NIOD and KITLV
15.) "Indonesia Merdeka" (1976) Overview: A documentary offering insights into Indonesia’s struggle for independence, including the Japanese occupation period. Where to Watch: YouTube - Part 1 – Available to stream. YouTube - Part 2 – Available to stream.
16.) "The Japanese Occupation of Indonesia" Overview: Various documentaries produced by Indonesian and Japanese filmmakers explore the occupation period, focusing on the harsh military rule, forced labor, and resistance movements in Java, including East Java. Where to Watch: YouTube – Compilation of archival footage and documentary segments. YouTube – Documentary titled “The Japanese Invasion of Indonesia, 1942- Tempo Doeloe."
P.O.W. Focused
17.) “Behind the Walls: The Story of Prisoners in Japanese Camps” A documentary that covers the experiences of prisoners (including Dutch civilians) in internment camps in East Java under Japanese control.
18.) “To End All Wars” (2001) A powerful drama based on the memoirs of Allied POWs in a Japanese camp in Sumatra. Though not set in East Java, it realistically depicts the brutal conditions common across POW camps in Indonesia during the Japanese occupation.
19.) “Empire of the Sun” (1987) Steven Spielberg’s film about a British boy’s experience in a Japanese internment camp in Shanghai, not Indonesia, but offers insight into the brutal conditions of POW camps under Japanese rule in WWII.
20.) “Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957) A classic film about POW camps in Southeast Asia, focusing on forced labor on the Burma Railway. While not in Indonesia, it reflects the experiences of POWs under Japanese captivity in the region.
21.) "Surabaya 1945” (Short Films/Documentaries) Some Indonesian short films and documentaries touch on resistance and POW camps around East Java, including Surabaya. These might be found in local archives or Indonesian film festivals.
22.) “Paradise Road” (1997) A well-known international film about women prisoners in a Japanese internment camp in Indonesia during WWII. While it focuses on a camp in Sumatra, it portrays the harsh conditions and prisoner experiences similar to those in camps like Kesilir.
23.) “Snow Falling on Cedars” (1999) While not set in Indonesia, it reflects on Japanese internment camps and could offer context for the experience of Japanese occupation camps broadly.
24.) “Return to Indonesia” (2008) A documentary following former internees returning to Indonesia, touching on the history of camps during the Japanese occupation, possibly including Kesilir.
​
Indonesia's War for Independence
1.) “Merah Putih” (2009) An Indonesian war drama about a group of young freedom fighters during the Indonesian National Revolution. It portrays the intensity and complexity of the 1940s independence struggle.
2.) “Darah Garuda” (2009) A war film that focuses on Indonesian soldiers fighting Dutch forces during the revolution.
3.) “Janur Kuning” (1980) A classic Indonesian film depicting the events leading to the famous 1946 Battle of Surabaya, a pivotal moment in the independence war. A classic Indonesian war film depicting the 1946 Battle of Yogyakarta, showcasing the nation’s fight for independence. Where to Watch: YouTube – Full movie available to stream.
4.) “Soegija” (2012) Based on the life of Mgr. Albertus Soegijapranata, the first native Indonesian bishop, highlighting his role and experiences during the independence era. Where to Watch: Plex – Available to stream. MUBI – Available to stream
5.) "Merah Putih" (2009) Overview: An epic war film depicting the struggles of Indonesian freedom fighters during the revolution. Where to Watch: Dailymotion – Full movie available to stream. YouTube – Official upload with English subtitles.
6.) "Darah Garuda" (2010) Overview: The second installment in the “Merah Putih” trilogy, focusing on the Indonesian resistance during the 1947–1948 period. Where to Watch: Bilibili – 720p version available to stream.
7.) "Janur Kuning" (1979) This film tells the story of Indonesia's struggle to regain its independence after being recaptured by Allied forces.
8.) "Indonesia Merdeka" (1976) Overview: A documentary offering insights into Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Where to Watch: YouTube – Part 1 available to stream. YouTube – Part 2 available to stream.
9.) “Bersiap! The Forgotten Genocide” (2021) Explores the chaotic and violent Bersiap period immediately after WWII, when Indonesians fought for independence amid complex social upheaval.
10.) “Revolusi Indonesia” (1946) An important archival documentary produced during the revolution itself, capturing early struggles and the spirit of independence.
11.) “Indonesia Merdeka” (Independent Indonesia) Various documentaries with this title explore the post-WWII revolution and fight against the Dutch to gain sovereignty.
12.) “The Act of Killing” (2012) and “The Look of Silence” (2014) While these focus on events following the revolution, they provide deep insight into the violent legacies and political turmoil rooted in Indonesia’s struggle for independence.
13.) "Tragedy and Transformation: Dutch East Indies to Indonesia" This 40-minute documentary explores WWII in the Dutch East Indies, the Bersiap Period, and the Independence War:
14.) The Indo Project: Watch the documentary here: The Indo Project
Reminiscing
1.) "Tussen Wal en Schip: Geruisloos Indisch" 2024 ("Between the Wharf and the Ship: Silently Indonesian") Three grandchildren bring their grandparents back home to Indonesia and take a journey through the often unspoken history.
Further Suggestions
1.) Archive sourcing: Explore the Dutch Eye Filmmuseum for digitized colonial-era films, including railway documentaries and early ethnographic footage.
2.) Heritage programs: Look into initiatives by the Indonesian Heritage Trust and Dutch Embassy on preserving colonial architecture—these may include short films, filmed tours, and educational documentaries .
3.) YouTube & educational content: Channels focusing on Southeast Asian heritage or colonial history may share footage of Dutch‑era buildings in East Java, including structures like sugar‑factory offices in Situbondo or rail‑station houses.
4.) Early Dutch Colonial Films (1910–1930) Archive accessibility: The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision, and the Eye Filmmuseum (Amsterdam/Hilversum), have digitised hundreds of early non‑fiction colonial films—many now viewable online through their internal platforms.
5.) Many early-​20th-century Dutch films have been made viewable on‑site via Eye Filmmuseum or Beeld en Geluid’s intranet systems. Since 2007, they have been gradually digitised under initiatives like “Images for the Future.” • Some films (especially those funded by the Koloniaal Instituut) occasionally circulate online in low quality via heritage groups.
6.) Archival Newsreels and Footage from KITLV and Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision. The KITLV (Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies) archives hold films, photos, and documents from the colonial era in East Java. The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision website hosts digitized newsreels and films from the 1930s and 1940s about East Java. Some materials may be freely accessible online; others might require a visit or special access request.
7.) NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies (Amsterdam) — Extensive archives and survivor testimonies.
8.) YouTube & Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO) — Some documentaries and interviews are available online.​​
​
​