Asia Raya

Approximately 190 people of this "Propaganda Division" arrived in Batavia (modern day Jakarta) in early 1942, including novelist Tomoji Abe.

[5] In February 1943, the censorship bureau passed a decree declaring that Asia Raya could no longer publish four pages daily.

Owing to a paper shortage caused by the Japanese war effort, the newspaper was limited to two pages daily, with an option for a four-page edition once a week; the board also called for an increase in subscription fees.

In 1944 a surcharge was added to allegedly help pay the salaries of forced labourers and Pembela Tanah Air (PETA) troops.

Where coverage could stir up resentment, the paper presented the subject in a positive light; for example, forced labourers going to work outside of Java were described as heroes.