Pertempuran Margarana Bali 1946, TRI Resimen Sunda Kecil Ciung Wanara Habisi Ratusan Tentara Belanda

Summary

The Battle of Margarana, fought on November 20, 1946, was a pivotal moment in Indonesia's struggle for independence. Led by Lieutenant Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai, the Indonesian forces of Ciung Wanara fought fiercely against the Dutch military after Indonesia declared independence. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Indonesian fighters inflicted significant casualties on the Dutch, with over 400 Dutch soldiers killed. The battle ended with Ngurah Rai’s death, but his bravery and strategic leadership cemented his legacy as a National Hero, with November 20th now observed as Puputan Margarana Day to honor those who fought and died in the battle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bali is known as the Island of Gods and has a rich historical significance, including battles during Indonesia's struggle for independence.
• 😀 The Battle of Puputan Margarana, which means 'final battle,' was one of the most significant confrontations during the Indonesian independence movement in Bali.
• 😀 The battle occurred after Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945, when the Netherlands tried to regain control over Indonesia, which had already declared its independence in 1945.
• 😀 Lieutenant Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai, leading the Indonesian resistance in Bali, commanded a small but determined group known as 'Ciung Wanara' consisting of about 130 soldiers.
• 😀 Despite limited resources, the Ciung Wanara forces fought bravely against the Dutch military, causing significant casualties on both sides.
• 😀 In November 1946, Indonesian forces, including Ngurah Rai's troops, launched attacks against the Dutch police in Tabanan, resulting in the capture of weapons and a Dutch commander.
• 😀 The Linggarjati Agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands in November 1946 recognized Indonesia's sovereignty over Java, Sumatra, and Madura, but Bali was still controlled by the Dutch.
• 😀 After the Linggarjati Agreement, Ngurah Rai and his troops continued their resistance, leading to the intense final battle in the village of Marga on November 20, 1946.
• 😀 The battle was marked by heavy artillery and aerial bombardments, and despite being outnumbered, the Indonesian forces inflicted severe losses on the Dutch military.
• 😀 Ngurah Rai and almost all of his soldiers perished in the battle, but the victory, despite their sacrifices, severely weakened the Dutch forces, killing nearly 400 Dutch soldiers.
• 😀 Ngurah Rai was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General and became a national hero in Indonesia, with the Puputan Margarana memorializing the sacrifice of the soldiers who died in the battle.

Q & A

What is Puputan Margarana and why is it significant in Indonesia's history?

Puputan Margarana was a pivotal battle in Indonesia's struggle for independence, where Indonesian forces led by I Gusti Ngurah Rai fought against the Dutch in Bali. It is significant because it marked a final stand of resistance by the Indonesian fighters, with many soldiers, including Ngurah Rai, sacrificing their lives in the fight for independence.

What is the meaning of 'Puputan' in the context of the battle?

The term 'Puputan' translates to 'final battle' or 'a fight to the death.' It symbolizes a last stand against overwhelming odds, with no intention of surrendering, which reflects the bravery and determination of the Indonesian fighters in the battle.

Who was I Gusti Ngurah Rai and what role did he play in the battle?

I Gusti Ngurah Rai was a prominent military leader and a key figure in Indonesia's independence struggle. He commanded the Ciung Wanara division in Bali and led the resistance against the Dutch during the Puputan Margarana battle. He died in the battle, becoming a national hero and was later posthumously promoted to Brigadier General.

What was the significance of the Linggarjati Agreement, and how did it affect Bali?

The Linggarjati Agreement, signed in 1946, recognized parts of Indonesia as independent but placed Bali under Dutch control as part of the 'Eastern Indonesia' territory. This agreement was unacceptable to the Indonesian fighters, leading to continued resistance in Bali, including the attack on Dutch police forces in Tabanan.

How did the attack on the Dutch police station in Tabanan unfold?

On November 18, 1946, I Gusti Ngurah Rai ordered his troops to attack the Dutch police station in Tabanan. The Ciung Wanara forces successfully overwhelmed the Dutch forces, capturing weapons and even a sympathetic Dutch commander, Wagimin.

What was the tactical importance of the defense in Desa Marga during the battle?

Desa Marga became a key defensive position where the Indonesian forces, under Ngurah Rai's command, held off Dutch forces for hours, despite being heavily outnumbered. The location's strategic advantage allowed the Indonesian troops to inflict significant casualties on the Dutch before they were forced to retreat.

What was the outcome of the Puputan Margarana battle for both sides?

The Puputan Margarana ended in the defeat of the Indonesian forces, with nearly all of the 95 Ciung Wanara troops, including Ngurah Rai, killed. However, the battle caused heavy casualties on the Dutch side as well, with estimates suggesting they lost around 400 soldiers. Despite their defeat, the battle showcased the resilience and sacrifice of the Indonesian fighters.

How did the loss of Ngurah Rai affect the Indonesian resistance in Bali?

Ngurah Rai's death in the battle was a significant blow to the Indonesian resistance in Bali. However, his legacy as a national hero continued to inspire the Indonesian forces and the public in their ongoing struggle against Dutch colonialism.

What recognition did I Gusti Ngurah Rai receive posthumously for his role in the battle?

I Gusti Ngurah Rai was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General and was declared a National Hero of Indonesia in 1975. In addition, a memorial was built in his honor at the Taman Pujaan Bangsa Margarana, where he and many of his soldiers are buried.

What was the broader impact of the Puputan Margarana on the Dutch-Indonesian conflict?

The Puputan Margarana marked the end of major resistance in Bali, with the Dutch eventually consolidating their control over the island. However, it also reinforced the resolve of the Indonesian people in their fight for independence, contributing to the eventual recognition of Indonesian sovereignty in 1949.