Following repression of nationalists in the 1930s, it became the main forum for "cooperating" Indonesians, whose who were prepared to participate in Dutch established bodies, to express their opinions.
He became more nationalist in outlook partly as a result of resentment over the low standing of Indonesian civil servants relative to Dutch administrators, who he saw as being responsible for the natural group to bring about the advancement of the country.
[1][2][3][7] The petition had six signatories:[1][8] The vote in the Volksraad took place on 29 September 1936, following a speech by Soetardjo in which he asked for support from the various Dutch factions, stating that there was no desire to sever the political links with the Netherlands.
Some Dutch members were opposed to the petition because they saw it as a threat to their position, or believed the Indonesians were not yet ready to assume governing responsibilities.
[9][10][11] After the petition was passed, Indonesia newspapers began to express support for it, although all the European press in tee Indies opposed it.
This resulted in many well-attended public meetings expressing support, but the collection of signatures was not very successful as many people were afraid to sign.