KISAH TRAGIS GERBONG MAUT BONDOWOSO

Summary

The video recounts the harrowing story of the 'Bondowoso death train' during Indonesia's fight for independence. It describes how Indonesian prisoners of war were subjected to brutal conditions by the Dutch military, enduring extreme heat, suffocation, and death during their transport in a sealed train car. Only a few survived, with many of the prisoners perishing due to the horrific treatment. The survivors, once freed after Indonesia gained independence, carried with them the painful memories of the inhumane suffering endured. This tragic event stands as a testament to the cruelty faced by Indonesians under Dutch colonial rule.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video recounts a tragic historical event known as the 'Death Train' in Bondowoso, where Indonesian prisoners suffered extreme cruelty under Dutch soldiers during the colonial era.
• 😀 Prisoners were packed in tightly in train cars under unbearable heat, leading to death, exhaustion, and severe physical suffering.
• 😀 Despite their efforts to escape, the prisoners only managed to loosen a single bolt, allowing them to breathe through a small hole in the train.
• 😀 After 15 hours of torment, the train reached Wonokromo station in Surabaya, where the extent of the tragedy was revealed, with 46 prisoners dead.
• 😀 The bodies of the deceased prisoners were found in shocking conditions, with some having their skin peeled off due to the heat.
• 😀 The survivors were forced to carry the bodies of their fallen comrades, witnessing the devastating effects of the brutality they endured.
• 😀 The prisoners who survived were transferred to the Bubutan prison, where they were forbidden from communicating with others, further isolating them.
• 😀 The Dutch soldiers showed no compassion, even going as far as telling the prisoners they would rather see them dead than alive.
• 😀 The tragic event is a clear violation of wartime rules, as the mistreatment of prisoners of war was not only inhumane but also unlawful.
• 😀 The 'Death Train' is now a historical symbol of the atrocities committed by the Dutch colonizers and serves as a reminder of Indonesia's painful past in their fight for independence.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the script?

The main focus of the script is the tragic and inhumane treatment of Indonesian prisoners of war during the Dutch colonial era, specifically the horrific journey in the 'Gerbong Maut' or 'death carriage' and its aftermath.

What were the conditions like for the prisoners in the 'Gerbong Maut'?

The prisoners were subjected to extreme heat, lack of air, overcrowding, and insufficient water. These conditions led to the death of many prisoners, with some bodies found in horrific states, including skin peeling off due to heat exposure.

How many people died during the journey in the 'Gerbong Maut'?

A total of 46 people died during the journey, with 12 in critical condition, 30 weakened and unable to move, and only 12 who survived in relatively better health.

What was the reaction of the prisoners when they arrived at the station?

When the prisoners arrived at the station in Surabaya, they were too weak to immediately move or respond to the soldiers' commands. Many were unable to get out of the carriage due to their exhaustion and physical condition.

What did the soldiers discover when they checked the carriages?

The soldiers discovered that in the third carriage, all 40 prisoners had died, while others in the second and first carriages had also passed away or were in critical condition.

Why did some prisoners in the first carriage survive longer?

The prisoners in the first carriage had access to a larger ventilation hole, which allowed them to breathe a little easier, and they were able to drink a small amount of rainwater during the journey, which helped them survive longer compared to those in the other carriages.

What happened to the bodies of the deceased prisoners?

The bodies of the deceased prisoners were either thrown into the Wonokromo River or buried in an undisclosed location. Some sources suggest they were buried in a village in Sidoarjo, but there is no definitive record of their final resting places.

What was the fate of the surviving prisoners after their arrival?

The surviving prisoners were immediately imprisoned in the Bubutan prison, where they were closely guarded and prohibited from communicating with each other, as the Dutch authorities wanted to prevent any further rebellion.

How does the script describe the actions of the Dutch soldiers during the event?

The script describes the Dutch soldiers as cruel and inhumane, violating the rules of warfare by mistreating prisoners, denying them proper care, and even taunting and neglecting them to the point of death.

What is the significance of the 'Gerbong Maut' event in the context of Indonesia's history?

The 'Gerbong Maut' event serves as a stark reminder of the brutal colonial practices inflicted on Indonesians by the Dutch, and it highlights the extreme suffering endured by the people during the war. It also exemplifies the atrocities committed by the colonial powers, violating international rules of war.