THE PROGRESSIVE STEPS OF "GAPI" AS A MAJOR NATIONALIST FEDERATION, 1939–1941

Abstract

The rejection of the Soetardjo Petition and the rising threat of global fascism triggered political consolidation among nationalists in the Dutch East Indies during the late 1930s. Amidst these dynamics, the Indonesian Political Federation (GAPI) emerged as a space for collective struggle across political organizations. This study aims to analyze the progressive steps of GAPI as a major nationalist federation in fighting for the political rights of the Indonesian people from 1939 to 1941. This research employs the historical method consisting of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography through literature review and historical document analysis. The findings indicate that GAPI successfully consolidated eight major nationalist organizations to advocate the main slogan "Indonesia Berparlemen" (Indonesia with Parliament) through the Indonesian People's Congress. Despite facing rejections and rigid restrictions from the Dutch colonial government, GAPI catalyzed mass political awareness and established the Indonesian People's Council (MRI) as a permanent representative body. In conclusion, GAPI served as a transformative milestone in the history of the national movement, shifting the struggle strategy from individual sectoral movements to a solid collective federative action.