HANCURNYA KEKAISARAN SUKARNO | Prahara G30S & Kudeta Eps. 4

Summary

The video delves into the rise and fall of Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, focusing on his early efforts in anti-colonialism, his non-alignment policies, and his later shift towards socialism and reliance on communism. As Sukarno’s leadership grew more authoritarian, economic instability and political conflict worsened. In 1965, the G30S rebellion marked a turning point, leading to Sukarno’s eventual removal by General Suharto. Despite his earlier revolutionary efforts, Sukarno's later years are marked by economic collapse and political unrest, ultimately resulting in his removal from office in 1967.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soekarno was initially a key figure in the Indonesian struggle for independence, but his leadership in later years led to significant political and economic instability.
• 😀 The political chaos in Jakarta in 1966 was fueled by public demands for Soekarno to step down, with protests calling for his trial and removal from office.
• 😀 Soekarno's foreign policy was marked by a balance between opposing Western and Eastern blocs, with the U.S. and the Soviet Union both being involved in Indonesia's political scene.
• 😀 Soekarno promoted Indonesia's role as a non-aligned country, organizing the Bandung Conference in 1955, but his policy was undermined by his interactions with communists and the West.
• 😀 The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) grew in strength under Soekarno's rule, leading to tensions with the military and political factions opposed to communism.
• 😀 The economic policies during Soekarno's leadership, including the manipulation of state-run enterprises, led to severe economic instability, hyperinflation, and a collapsing currency.
• 😀 Despite efforts to consolidate power through his ‘Nasakom’ ideology (Nationalists, Religious groups, and Communists), Soekarno struggled to manage Indonesia's economy and political divisions effectively.
• 😀 By 1965, Soekarno's relations with the U.S. deteriorated, and he shifted towards China, seeking support in his anti-colonial stance and regional influence.
• 😀 The 1965 G30S movement was a failed coup attempt by the PKI, which ultimately led to the military's rise in power, with General Suharto taking control of the government.
• 😀 Despite being a significant nationalist leader, Soekarno's later years saw him becoming increasingly isolated, with his health deteriorating and his authority weakened by military interventions.
• 😀 The transition of power from Soekarno to Suharto was marked by the dissolution of PKI, public unrest, and the consolidation of military rule, signaling the end of Soekarno's presidency.

Q & A

Why were activists and students demanding that Soekarno step down as president?

Activists and students were demanding that Soekarno step down due to his perceived failure in managing Indonesia's political and economic stability, which was worsened by his growing dependence on the military and the Communist Party (PKI). They believed his actions were leading the country toward destruction.

What were the major consequences of Soekarno's economic policies during his presidency?

Soekarno's economic policies, particularly the 'Manipol Usdek' system, led to significant economic turmoil. These policies caused hyperinflation, a sharp devaluation of the rupiah, and severe economic instability, with inflation reaching 650% by 1966, causing widespread poverty and hunger across the country.

How did Soekarno's relationship with the United States evolve over time?

Initially, Soekarno was cautious of the United States and pursued a non-aligned foreign policy. However, as Indonesia's political situation worsened and Soekarno increasingly leaned towards communist nations, his relationship with the U.S. deteriorated, culminating in the breakdown of diplomatic ties when Indonesia withdrew from the United Nations in 1965.

What role did the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) play during Soekarno's rule?

The PKI played a significant role in Soekarno's rule, especially during the 'Guided Democracy' period. Soekarno used the PKI to balance the military's power and maintain political control. However, the growing influence of PKI eventually contributed to political instability, which led to confrontations with the military and a breakdown of the government's stability.

What were the key events that led to the fall of Soekarno's presidency?

The fall of Soekarno's presidency was precipitated by several key events: economic collapse, a breakdown of relations with the West, the growing power of the PKI, and a failed coup attempt by the military. This culminated in the G30S/PKI movement in 1965 and the rise of General Soeharto, who took control of the government after Soekarno was effectively sidelined.

How did the military influence Soekarno's downfall?

The military played a crucial role in Soekarno's downfall. When the PKI became more powerful, Soekarno's reliance on them began to alienate the military. Following the G30S/PKI coup attempt, the military, led by General Soeharto, took decisive action to suppress the PKI and gain control of the government, ultimately leading to Soekarno's removal from power.

What was the significance of the 30th September 1965 event (G30S/PKI)?

The 30th September 1965 event, also known as the G30S/PKI, was a failed coup attempt by the PKI and its supporters within the military. It resulted in the kidnapping and execution of several high-ranking generals. Although the coup was crushed, it marked the beginning of a power shift in Indonesia, leading to Soeharto's rise to power.

How did Soekarno's health affect his ability to govern?

In the final years of his presidency, Soekarno's declining health, including frequent bouts of illness and fainting, weakened his ability to effectively govern. This instability contributed to the growing disillusionment with his leadership and facilitated the military's eventual takeover.

Why did Soeharto take control after the 11 March 1966 Order (Supersemar)?

The 11 March 1966 Order (Supersemar) granted General Soeharto emergency powers to restore order and security in Indonesia. After receiving the mandate, Soeharto used it to sideline Soekarno, gain control of the government, and take decisive action against the PKI, ultimately becoming the country's new leader.

What was the ultimate fate of Soekarno after his removal from office?

After being removed from office in 1967, Soekarno was placed under house arrest due to his failing health. He lived in isolation at his residence in Wisma Yaso until his death in 1970, marking the end of his political career and the beginning of Soeharto's New Order regime.