Serangan Umum 1 Maret 1949 - Ketika Republik Berhasil Mengambil Alih Kota Yogyakarta!

Summary

On December 19, 1948, the Dutch launched a military attack on Yogyakarta, Indonesia, capturing key figures like President Sukarno and Vice President Hatta. In response, General Sudirman ordered a guerrilla resistance. A month later, a large-scale attack was launched, with Yogyakarta as the primary target, aimed at proving Indonesia’s resilience. The 1 March 1949 General Offensive lasted six hours, successfully demonstrating that Indonesia was still resisting colonial forces. Despite heavy losses, the attack impacted international perceptions and bolstered Indonesia’s position during the subsequent negotiations for independence. The story also highlights a humorous anecdote about General Soeharto's calm demeanor amidst the battle.

Takeaways

• 😀 On December 19, 1948, the Netherlands launched an attack on the Republic's capital in Yogyakarta, marking the second military aggression by the Netherlands.
• 😀 During this attack, key figures like President Sukarno, Vice President Hatta, and Sultan Syahrir were captured by the Dutch forces.
• 😀 Before the capture, Sukarno ordered the formation of an emergency government in Bukittinggi, led by Syafruddin Prawiranegara, to continue the fight for independence.
• 😀 General Sudirman, the commander of the Indonesian military, instructed continued guerrilla warfare through a radio announcement, despite the sudden and fast attack by the Dutch.
• 😀 After one month, the Indonesian military developed a strategy to strike back against the Dutch forces with the hope of showing the world that Indonesia was still resisting.
• 😀 A major attack was planned for March 1, 1949, targeting Yogyakarta, both for its historical significance and because it housed a crucial radio station for spreading resistance news.
• 😀 The attack was carried out in the early morning hours of March 1, 1949, and involved Indonesian forces attacking the Dutch across several sectors of Yogyakarta.
• 😀 Surakarta was also targeted in the attack to prevent Dutch reinforcements from reaching Yogyakarta, ensuring the success of the operation.
• 😀 The Indonesian forces successfully held Yogyakarta for six hours, and after that, they withdrew, allowing Dutch reinforcements to retake the city.
• 😀 The attack demonstrated Indonesia's continued resistance to colonial forces, gaining international attention and disproving the Dutch claim that Indonesia had already been defeated.
• 😀 According to a post-war account, General Soeharto, the commander in charge of the attack, was unexpectedly calm during a critical moment of battle, eating Soto Babat while his forces were struggling, which was humorously noted by Abdul Latif, one of his subordinates.

Q & A

What event is described in the script, and what is its significance in Indonesia's history?

The script describes the 'Serangan Umum 1 Maret' or the General Offensive of March 1, 1949, a pivotal event in Indonesia's struggle for independence. The offensive showed that Indonesia was still capable of resistance against the Dutch, challenging the belief that the Republic was no longer viable. It also drew international attention to the ongoing Indonesian resistance during the Indonesian National Revolution.

Who were the key leaders involved in the events leading to the Serangan Umum 1 Maret?

Key leaders involved included President Sukarno, Vice President Mohammad Hatta, and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir. General Sudirman also played a crucial role in organizing the guerrilla resistance after the Dutch occupied Yogyakarta.

What was the role of General Sudirman in the aftermath of the Dutch attack on Yogyakarta?

General Sudirman issued orders for continued guerrilla warfare to keep up the resistance against the Dutch. He coordinated with other military leaders and strategized to strike back, hoping to demonstrate that Indonesia was still actively fighting for its independence.

Why was Yogyakarta chosen as the target for the March 1st attack?

Yogyakarta was chosen because it had historical significance as the capital of Indonesia, and it was home to an AURI radio station, which was used to spread news of the resistance. Additionally, UN delegates and military observers were staying in the city, which meant the attack would attract global attention.

What was the outcome of the attack on Yogyakarta on March 1, 1949?

The attack successfully occupied Yogyakarta for 6 hours. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, the operation proved Indonesia's continued resistance against Dutch control. The operation was also covered by international media, boosting Indonesia's global standing.

What were the casualties during the Serangan Umum 1 Maret?

On the Dutch side, six soldiers were killed, three of them police officers, and 14 others were wounded. On the Indonesian side, approximately 300 soldiers and 53 police officers were killed.

How did the Serangan Umum 1 Maret affect Indonesia's international standing?

The attack helped prove to the international community that Indonesia was still capable of resistance, countering Dutch claims that the Republic had already collapsed. It was widely reported in the media, including international radio stations.

What was the role of Soeharto during the Serangan Umum 1 Maret, according to Abdul Latif's testimony?

According to Abdul Latif's testimony, Soeharto, who was then a lieutenant colonel, was not directly involved in the frontline combat. Instead, he was reportedly relaxing and eating soto babat while his troops were fighting, which contrasts with the image of him as the main leader of the operation.

What discrepancy exists between Soeharto's historical image and Abdul Latif's account of the Serangan Umum 1 Maret?

Historical accounts from the New Order era depicted Soeharto as the primary leader of the Serangan Umum 1 Maret, but Abdul Latif’s testimony suggests that Soeharto was largely detached from the battle and was instead dining during the operation, raising questions about the accuracy of official historical narratives.

How did the Serangan Umum 1 Maret influence the negotiations for Indonesia's independence?

The success of the Serangan Umum 1 Maret played a significant role in the bargaining position of Indonesia during the subsequent Round Table Conference (KMB) in 1949. The operation demonstrated Indonesia's continued military strength and resilience, making it a key factor in the Dutch agreeing to Indonesia's independence.