Melawan Lupa - Supersemar Dalam Catatan CIA

Summary

The transition of power from President Soekarno to General Soeharto in 1967 remains a highly controversial event in Indonesian history. Marked by intense political struggles, the power shift was influenced by military factions, the CIA, and anti-communist forces. The Supersemar (March 11, 1966 decree), which solidified Soeharto's rise, is central to the debate, with questions surrounding its authenticity and legitimacy. The fall of Soekarno led to drastic shifts in Indonesia's foreign policy, economic structure, and governance, as Soeharto’s regime aligned more closely with Western powers and implemented significant changes to the country's political landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 The transition of power from President Soekarno to General Soeharto in 1967 remains controversial, with intense political struggles and external influences playing significant roles.
• 😀 The involvement of the Indonesian Army, particularly General Soeharto, in the political conflict against President Soekarno was backed by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), though evidence remains debated.
• 😀 The CIA report from April 1966 indicated Soeharto's growing influence in Indonesia, with military steps to neutralize Soekarno's position, including disbanding the PKI (Communist Party of Indonesia).
• 😀 On March 11, 1966, the Supersemar (March 11th Order) was issued, granting Soeharto executive powers, marking a pivotal moment in Indonesia's political shift.
• 😀 The United States, concerned about the growing influence of communist-aligned nations, supported the military in efforts to remove Soekarno and eliminate communist influence in Indonesia.
• 😀 Following the issuance of the Supersemar, Soeharto took several actions, including the arrest of 15 pro-Soekarno ministers and the dissolution of the Cakrabirawa Presidential Guard.
• 😀 The March 1966 political maneuvers were part of a broader, systematic effort to diminish Soekarno's power and establish military control, despite Soekarno's opposition to these changes.
• 😀 The CIA’s support for anti-communist factions in Indonesia is evidenced by financial aid and intelligence sharing, though direct involvement remains unclear.
• 😀 After Soekarno's loss of political power, Soeharto’s government reoriented Indonesia’s foreign policy, aligning more closely with Western nations, especially the U.S., and distancing itself from communist countries.
• 😀 Controversy continues over the authenticity of the Supersemar document, with the original signature of Soekarno still unverified, adding to the unresolved questions about the legitimacy of the power transfer.

Q & A

What was the main controversy surrounding the transfer of power from President Soekarno to General Soeharto in 1967?

The controversy stemmed from the political struggle between President Soekarno and the Indonesian Army, led by Major General Soeharto, with the involvement of the U.S. CIA. The transfer of power was influenced by a series of political and military maneuvers, which included the Supersemar (Letter of Instruction) that gave Soeharto significant authority.

How did the U.S. CIA contribute to the political situation in Indonesia during this period?

The U.S. CIA was involved indirectly by supporting anti-communist factions in Indonesia, which aligned with its Cold War interests. The CIA provided financial and intelligence support to the Indonesian military and anti-communist groups, as they were concerned about the growing influence of communism in Indonesia.

What role did the Supersemar play in the political shift of 1967?

The Supersemar, issued on March 11, 1966, was a key document that gave Soeharto authority to assume control over Indonesia's government. It marked the formal beginning of the power transition from Soekarno to Soeharto, although its authenticity has been questioned over time.

Why did the military, particularly the RPKAD, play a significant role in the 1966 political crisis?

The RPKAD (Presidential Guard) was directly involved in suppressing opposition and supporting Soeharto's rise to power. They were instrumental in key military actions, including disbanding the PKI (Indonesian Communist Party) and ensuring Soeharto's consolidation of power.

What was Soeharto's reaction to Soekarno's attempts to revoke the Supersemar?

Soeharto took decisive steps to prevent Soekarno from revoking the Supersemar by intensifying military actions, including the dissolution of Soekarno’s loyalist forces like the Cakrabirawa and arresting key ministers. He also ensured widespread military and public support for his actions.

How did the U.S. view the political developments in Indonesia after the G30S incident in 1965?

The U.S. viewed the situation with concern, especially after Soekarno's increasing ties with communist powers like the Soviet Union and China. The U.S. sought to prevent Indonesia from falling under communist influence and supported efforts to eliminate the PKI and diminish Soekarno's power.

What was the outcome of the MPRS meeting in 1966 regarding President Soekarno?

The MPRS (People’s Consultative Assembly) meeting in 1966 led to the rejection of Soekarno's accountability report and the eventual loss of his presidential authority. Soeharto was officially appointed as the acting president on March 12, 1967.

What is the significance of the missing original Supersemar document?

The missing original Supersemar document has fueled controversy regarding its authenticity. The available copies have been shown to be produced through a printing process, raising questions about the legitimacy of the power transfer and whether the document was manipulated to serve Soeharto’s political interests.

How did the political climate in Indonesia change after Soeharto took power?

After Soeharto assumed power, Indonesia's political landscape shifted drastically. The country aligned more with Western countries, especially the United States, and moved away from its previous non-aligned stance. Soeharto's government also pursued economic modernization, which relied heavily on foreign investment, while suppressing democratic freedoms.

Why did the U.S. fear Soekarno's policies during the 1960s?

The U.S. was concerned that Soekarno’s policies, particularly his support for the Nasakom (Nationalism, Religion, and Communism) ideology, would lead Indonesia toward communism. This was seen as a threat to the U.S. interests in Southeast Asia, especially given Indonesia's size and strategic location.