MENGUNGKAP MISTERI PENDIRI BADAN INTELIJEN INDONESIA | ZULKIFLI LUBIS

Summary

Zulkifli Lubis was a pivotal, yet mysterious figure in Indonesia's early history, renowned as the first shadow master and founder of the nation's intelligence agency. A highly skilled military strategist, he played a key role in covert operations during Indonesia's struggle for independence. Despite his early trust with President Soekarno, his later involvement in controversial events like the Cikini assassination attempt led to his fall from grace. Lubis’ rivalry with Abdul Haris Nasution, alongside his leadership in the PRRI rebellion, marked a significant chapter in Indonesia's military history. Ultimately, he faded into obscurity, his legacy largely forgotten despite his immense contributions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zulkifli Lubis was a key figure in Indonesia's early independence, known as the first shadow master and founder of Indonesia's intelligence agency.
• 😀 He played a critical role in training and leading intelligence operations but became a fugitive due to political shifts in the country.
• 😀 Lubis was highly regarded for his military and intelligence expertise, even being called the best student of the Japanese military instructor, Peta.
• 😀 He was a trusted confidant of President Sukarno in the early years of Indonesia's independence, contributing to national intelligence and security operations.
• 😀 Zulkifli Lubis had a complex relationship with his rival Abdul Haris Nasution, marked by both personal and professional tensions, despite being cousins.
• 😀 Lubis trained and mentored notable figures in Indonesia's military, including future President Soeharto, at the Peta military academy.
• 😀 Born in 1923 in Aceh, Zulkifli Lubis had a strong academic background, excelling in history and mathematics from an early age.
• 😀 During the Japanese occupation, Lubis joined the Peta militia and was trained in military tactics, intelligence, and espionage, which shaped his future role as an intelligence officer.
• 😀 Lubis founded Indonesia's first intelligence agency, known as the Badan Istimewa, which played a pivotal role in espionage and national security during the early stages of independence.
• 😀 The rivalry between Lubis and Nasution reached its peak during the PRRI rebellion, positioning them as opposing military leaders in a significant internal conflict within Indonesia.
• 😀 Despite his later opposition to Soekarno's regime, Zulkifli Lubis was captured after the PRRI defeat and later released under the New Order government, where he shifted away from military life and explored business ventures.

Q & A

Who was Zulkifli Lubis and what was his role in Indonesia's early independence?

Zulkifli Lubis was a key figure in Indonesia's early independence, serving as the first shadow master and the founder of Indonesia's first intelligence agency. He played a crucial role in many secret operations during the early days of Indonesia's independence.

What was the relationship between Zulkifli Lubis and Abdul Haris Nasution?

Zulkifli Lubis and Abdul Haris Nasution were both high-ranking military officers and cousins. Despite their close family ties, they had a competitive and often antagonistic relationship, frequently clashing over political and military issues, especially during the 1950s.

What significant event led to Zulkifli Lubis becoming a wanted figure?

Zulkifli Lubis became a wanted figure after being accused of being involved in the Cikini incident, an attempted assassination of President Soekarno, and later being associated with the PRRI (Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia) rebellion.

How did Zulkifli Lubis contribute to Indonesia’s intelligence operations during the early independence period?

Zulkifli Lubis was instrumental in establishing Indonesia's first intelligence agency, known as the Badan Istimewa. He trained the first generation of Indonesian intelligence officers and played a crucial role in counterintelligence, sabotage, and psychological warfare against colonial forces.

What were Zulkifli Lubis's early academic and military achievements?

Zulkifli Lubis was an exceptionally bright student, excelling in history and mathematics from a young age. He later attended the PETA military training program, where he became one of the most promising and capable officers, even assisting in training future leaders such as Soeharto.

Why did Zulkifli Lubis and Abdul Haris Nasution have frequent conflicts despite their shared military values?

The conflicts between Lubis and Nasution arose from their differing political views, military strategies, and leadership styles. While both were devout Muslims and anti-communists, their rivalry deepened due to their competing roles in Indonesia's military and politics, particularly after Lubis’s intelligence operations were seen as problematic by some military leaders.

What role did Zulkifli Lubis play in the PRRI rebellion, and what was the outcome?

Zulkifli Lubis played a key role in the PRRI rebellion as a military leader and the deputy minister of defense. The rebellion aimed to challenge the central government, which Lubis believed was becoming authoritarian. However, the PRRI forces were ultimately defeated by the government under Nasution's leadership.

What happened to Zulkifli Lubis after the PRRI rebellion?

After the defeat of the PRRI rebellion, Zulkifli Lubis went into hiding and continued to lead resistance efforts in the forests of Sumatra. He was eventually captured in 1961 and later released in 1966 after the fall of Soekarno's regime, though he never resumed his military career.

How did Zulkifli Lubis contribute to the intelligence and military strategies in Indonesia before the PRRI rebellion?

Before the PRRI rebellion, Zulkifli Lubis played a significant role in organizing intelligence operations, including setting up the Badan Istimewa and training intelligence officers. His expertise in covert operations, counterintelligence, and psychological warfare made him a key figure in Indonesia’s resistance against the Dutch and later, in political struggles within the military.

What did Zulkifli Lubis do after his military career ended?

After his military career ended, Zulkifli Lubis shifted focus to the business world. He traveled internationally, learning about intelligence techniques from various countries, and eventually founded a successful business, PT Riau Timas, in Jakarta.