Java Union (6.0)

Flag of Java Union

The **Java Union**, commonly referred to as "Java" is an island nation in Southeast Asia, it encompasses most of the Java Island. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north. The country was established in 1948, after a violent struggle against the Japanese garrison on the island.

## Overview

### History

After the event now commonly referred to as the “Great Flood” occurred, the Indonesian identity collapsed immediately, with each region opting to save themselves rather than assisting the other region. The richest among them is, of course, Java, the most populous island that has been the political and cultural center of the former Dutch East Indies for centuries. With news of the Japanese defeat coming from their mainland, most Imperial Japanese soldiers surrendered to local militias, while those who chose to resist were swiftly overwhelmed and brutally murdered. The victory is celebrated on the 1st of March every year as “Victory Day”.

On the 1st of January 1948, the Java Union was declared, consisting of mostly whatever still floating of the Java Island. The centralized country is led by a strong presidential system with socialist characteristics, the President and the bicameral Java Council is elected every 6 years, limited to 2 terms. The 1948 Union Constitution defined Java Union as a secular, democratic presidential republic and a union of all ethnic groups living in the nation, all of which are treated equal before the laws of the Union. Subsequently, it guarantees basic human rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of press (the press is now heavily biased due to big corporations’ ownership of at least 70% of them). It also incorporates certain elements of socialism, such as very strong protection of unions, priority on social welfare and heavy government intervention in the economy.

### Contemporary History

After decades of stability and growth, in 1995, a new President was elected, a populist figure named “Joab Sinuhaji” from the People’s Liberal Party, he seeks to expand the Union into nearby islands and project Java as a regional powerhouse. This also comes with a heavy militarization plan, at the cost of the Javanese economy. However, the public is offering him very strong support, as it has been one of the founding beliefs of the Union that the Javanese people were given a “Unifying Mandate” to unify the people of the former Dutch East Indies under their political system and values.

### Economy

The economy of Java is mixed, with a focus on self-sustainability. Firms are mostly small to medium-sized and a large portion of them are state-owned, and all industries are required to comply with heavy environmental regulations as the people of Java don’t wish to upset the “gods of the Earth” once again. Unions are legally protected, and culturally popular. The country relies on agricultural activities as its main source of income, while other sectors are growing at a steady rate.

## **Demographics**

### Ethnicities and Languages

The Javanese is the most populous group in the nation, with significant influence over the politics and economy of the Union. They are often the ones holding major positions in the government and the military. The Batak and Malay people migrated to Java from Sumatra during the Flood and are treated well in the Javanese society. Intermarriage however remains frowned upon. Anti-discrimination laws are in place to combat racism and helps further unity within the Javanese society.

The official languages of the Java Union are Javanese and Malay, with street signs and names being available in both languages and official documents are required to be offered in both languages as well. Most Javanese are taught both as a result, and are typically bilingual. Meanwhile, Toba Batak is a recognized language but is rarely used outside informal conversations.

### **Religion**

After “the Great Flood”, many Javanese began questioning the validity of their religion (Islam), surely, if Allah truly loves them, he would have used his mighty powers to stop such a massacre of his loyal followers. But he did not. The Javanese society was on the brinks of collapse under the weight of the massive disaster. And because of that, people started converting to other religions in masses or just abandoned the idea of religion altogether.

That is until the Batak immigrants brought with them the idea of the Sipelebegu religion, which soon interests Javanese locals. It comes with a set of traditions but most importantly, gods don’t play a huge role in the religion and remain mostly symbolic.

#### **Modern Sipelebegu**

The Javanese and Batak in Java, after years of cultural mixing, came up with the religion of Modern Sipelebegu. It retains certain core beliefs of the original Sipelebegu religion, such as: the tendi cult and the death cult. However, the funeral service and burial proceedings are done according to Islam practices. It also prohibits the consumption of pork and blood, and encourages its followers to wear turbans. Traditional Sipelebegu medicines and healing methods are strictly forbidden, and the datu and guru healers only carry out “Divination” ceremonies as written in the *pustaha.* In terms of gods, unlike the original Sipelebegu, the underworld dragon Naga Padoha, the ruler of the sea, is widely revered and worshiped in hope that no flood would ever occur again, and Allah is integrated into the religion as the respected servant of the creator God Mula Jadi Na Bolon.

## Government and Politics

The Java Union has its core beliefs rooted in law and order, as well as a very strong sense of nationalism due to the nature of their education program and state’s propaganda. Military service is compulsory, and the Armed Forces are always prioritized in national spending. However, the military is extremely loyal to the civilian government and stay relatively far from the political discourse of the nation.

#### **President of the Java Union**

The President serves as both the head of state and head of government of Java, with strong executive power. He also appoints his National Cabinet that advises and assists him in managing the nation.

#### **Java Council**

Consists of two chambers: House of Representatives (lower) and House of Deputies (upper). The lower house has its seats distributed proportionally to the population, while the House of Deputies’ seats are capped at 50.

#### **Java Supreme Court**

This is the highest court in the nation and has final says on national disputes and constitutional interpretations. It consists of 6 judges who serves for life. They are appointed by the President with confirmation from the House of Deputies.

#### **Java National Police**

The principal law-enforcement body of Java, with a reputation for excessive force, but remains rather clean and transparent.

#### **Java Intelligence Agency**

The national intelligence agency of the Union, responsible for intelligence-related operations both domestically and externally. The JIA’s scope and reach however remains small due to budget constraints.

#### **Java Armed Forces**

The President is the commander-in-chief of the Java Armed Forces. Soldiers are required to pledge allegiance to the constitution and the people of Java upon enlisting.

It consists of three branches: Java Air Force, Java Navy and Java Army. To serve in the Armed Forces is of upmost honor to a Javanese. Traditionally, the Army and Navy have been given higher priority, while the Air Force has been largely neglected.

The Armed Forces maintain an active force of around 26,000 troops. The total military expenditure has been stable at 2.4% of the total GDP for the last 5 years.