This dissertation examines the role of the Theosophical Educational Movement in contributing to the emergence of Indonesian nationalism between 1900 and 194 7. It argues that the Theosophical Educational Movement was an agency for the growth of nationalist ideology because it provided an alternative forum or media for Indonesian elites to blend Western political ideas with their own cultural values. The roles are analysed chronologically into four periods, which shows the development phases of

more »

... he Movement itself. In order to give a comprehensive understanding of the Education Movement as a part of the Theosophical Movement, the first two parts of this thesis discuss the development of the Theosophical Movement in the Indies (1881-1920s), in the context of the international Theosophical Movement centered in India and Dutch Ethical Policy. It is argued that a number of critical events in the history of Indonesia, including the activities of nationalist organisations in the era of proto-nationalism were connected this period of Theosophical activities. This discussion provides a short but comprehensive picture of the world Theosophical Movement and the branches in the Indies. Chapter 3 shows the growing interest of the Indies section of the Theosophical Movement in education activities in the period 1900 to 1919, including women's education and the idea of tertiary education, starting with the organising of Dutch classes and concluding with the formation of the Theosophical Study Fund. In this period, the Movement played a significant role in the emergence of Javanese nationalism. Chapter 4 argues that the activities of the Theosophical Educational Movement in the short period between the formation of the educational organisation, NITBOO, in 1920, and the establishment of the Taman Siswa movement, was a key period in the impact of the Theosophical Educational Movement on broader educational development in colonial Indonesia. Chapter 5 studies the activities of the Theosophical Educational Movement, from the establi [...]