In guerrilla warfare such as the Indonesian War of Independence, intelligence is critical for achieving military success. No wonder, then, that the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia waged a grim intelligence war from 1945-1949 by means of espionage, infiltration and other – often extremely violent – methods, including the interrogation of prisoners. In addition, both Dutch and Indonesians set up – with varying degrees of success – an extensive alarm system to warn their own tr...

'Revolutionary Worlds' looks at the Indonesian revolution (1945-1949) from a local and regional perspective. In several contributions, Indonesian and Dutch researchers bring to life the revolutionary world from widely differing perspectives. The authors explain how Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and Eurasian civilians, fighters, farmers and officials experienced and shaped the chaotic period between 1945 and 1950. The book focuses on survival strategies, mobilization, and the use of force agains...

Statistics is more topical than ever. Numerous decisions depend on statistical considerations: just think of the Corona crisis or decisions about approving new drugs or other products. If researchers announce they have proved some fact using statistical tests, can we then always be sure that their claim is correct? How, and more importantly why, does statistics work? What can we expect from statistics and what not? 'Fact or Fluke?' is not a textbook that explains statistical tests to the read...

During the Indonesian War of Independence, Lady Justice played an important role on the Dutch side. Soldiers were, and are, required to comply with the law and a range of rules and regulations, both in and out of combat. If they fail to do so, disciplinary action and criminal sanctions can be taken against them. But did this happen at the time? Dutch military tribunals not only tried Dutch soldiers but also Indonesians who opposed the colonial authority. How independent and objective were the...