Bandung lautan api

Summary

In 1945, British and Dutch forces, led by Brigadier General McDonald, arrived in Bandung to repatriate Japanese soldiers, but were met with resistance from Indonesian fighters. Tensions escalated into fierce battles, including the Battle of Bojong Kokosan, where a British convoy was destroyed. Amidst mounting pressure, the Allies issued ultimatums to the Indonesian forces, demanding evacuation from key areas. The situation culminated in March 1946 with a decision to evacuate Bandung’s residents and destroy the city to prevent Allied control, signaling a critical moment in Indonesia's fight for independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 British allied forces, led by Brigadier General McDonald, arrived in Bandung on October 12, 1945, with the goal of repatriating Japanese soldiers and securing captured weapons.
• 😀 The process of releasing Dutch and European prisoners, who were placed in hotels like the Savoi Homan and Prianger Hotels, faced resistance and disturbances from Indonesian fighters.
• 😀 On November 21, 1945, Indonesian fighters attacked the Savoi Homan Hotel and the Prianger Hotel, which were used by the Allies as headquarters, leading to fierce battles.
• 😀 The Allies issued an ultimatum on November 24, 1945, proposing to divide Bandung into North and South regions to facilitate the release of prisoners and control the city. This was rejected by Indonesian fighters.
• 😀 The rejection of the ultimatum led to armed clashes that lasted for months, as fighters resisted the Allies' control, with traders boycotting North Bandung and logistics being sent from Jakarta.
• 😀 The Battle of Bojong Kokosan on December 9-10, 1945, saw Indonesian fighters destroy a British convoy, marking a significant defeat for the British forces and boosting Indonesian morale.
• 😀 On March 23, 1946, the Allies issued another ultimatum, demanding the evacuation of Indonesian soldiers and civilians from North Bandung by March 24, 1946, prompting confusion among Indonesian leaders.
• 😀 Prime Minister Sahrir sought a diplomatic solution, but General Sudirman sent orders to defend Bandung to the last drop of blood, leading to a tough decision for Indonesian military leaders.
• 😀 Indonesian military leader Ahana Sution decided to evacuate the city of Bandung but ordered a scorched earth policy to prevent the Allies from using the city as a military base.
• 😀 Bandung was strategically important due to its location in the center of Java, its proximity to Jakarta, and its natural defenses, making it a key target for the Allies in their effort to control Indonesia.
• 😀 On March 24, 1946, Indonesian civilians evacuated the city, while soldiers implemented the scorched earth operation, burning buildings to ensure that Bandung could not be used by the Allies.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the British allied forces led by Brigadier General McDonald when they arrived in Bandung in 1945?

The primary goal was to repatriate Japanese soldiers and secure the release of Dutch and European citizens who were held captive by the Japanese.

Why was the process of releasing prisoners from Japanese captivity interrupted?

The process was disrupted by attacks from Indonesian fighters who were angry about the treatment of released prisoners and the continuing presence of foreign forces.

What triggered the fierce battle at the Savoi Homan and Prianger Hotels in November 1945?

The Indonesian fighters attacked the hotels on November 21, 1945, after they were angered by the presence of Allied forces and their actions, which they viewed as a threat to their independence.

What was the significance of the ultimatum issued by the Allies on November 24, 1945?

The ultimatum sought to divide Bandung into North and South regions to facilitate the release of prisoners, but it was seen by Indonesian fighters as a strategy for full control over the city, which they resisted fiercely.

How did the Indonesian fighters respond to the Allies’ ultimatum?

The Indonesian fighters ignored the ultimatum and continued their resistance, leading to several months of armed clashes and a boycott of the North Bandung area by traders.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Bojong Kokosan in December 1945?

Indonesian fighters and the people of Sukabumi destroyed a British convoy carrying food logistics to Bandung, causing a major blow to the British forces and embarrassing them internationally.

What did Brigadier General McDonald demand in the ultimatum of March 23, 1946?

McDonald demanded that North Bandung be evacuated of residents and soldiers by midnight on March 24, 1946, and that the area be cleared for the Allies.

What was Prime Minister Sahrir’s stance on the situation in Bandung?

Prime Minister Sahrir believed that Indonesia's military strength was not yet sufficient to confront the Allies directly, so he advocated for a diplomatic approach to end the conflict without further bloodshed.

What role did General Sudirman play in the conflict over Bandung?

General Sudirman sent a telegram ordering the defense of Bandung to the last drop of blood, which created confusion among Indonesian commanders on whether to resist or negotiate.

Why did Ahana Sution decide to burn Bandung to the ground?

Ahana Sution decided to burn the city to prevent it from being used as a military base by the Allies, particularly to stop the Dutch from establishing a stronghold that could threaten Indonesia’s independence.