Mengenang 76 Tahun Bandung Lautan Api

Summary

On March 23, 1946, Bandung, Indonesia, was set ablaze in an act of scorched earth defense against Allied forces. This event, known as 'Bandung Lautan Api' or 'Bandung Sea of Fire', followed the arrival of Allied troops in October 1945 demanding the surrender of all weapons. Tensions escalated, leading to a battle between the Allied forces and the Indonesian National Revolution Army (TKR). After an ultimatum from the Allies, Indonesian forces, led by General AH Nasution, chose to burn down Bandung to prevent it from being used as a military base, resulting in a city engulfed in flames.

Takeaways

• 🔥 On March 23, 1946, Bandung was set ablaze in an event known as 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire).
• 🗓️ The incident occurred 76 years ago, marking a significant historical event in Indonesian history.
• 🏰 The burning was a form of defense against the Allies, who demanded the surrender of all weapons except those belonging to the People's Security Army (TKR), police, and the Indonesian National Army.
• 🛡️ The conflict escalated when the TKR and other resistance groups attacked the Allied headquarters in Bandung, including the Homann and Preanger hotels on November 24, 1945.
• 💥 The Allies issued an ultimatum to the Governor of West Java to evacuate North Bandung of all Indonesian residents and armed forces by noon on November 24, 1945.
• 🏙️ The city of Bandung was divided into two zones of control: North Bandung for the Allies and South Bandung for the Indonesian government.
• 🔁 Sporadic fighting continued into early 1946, with some Indian soldiers from the Allies defecting to join the Indonesian forces.
• ⏳ The Allies issued another ultimatum on March 23, 1946, demanding the Indonesian forces to withdraw 10-11 km from South Bandung by midnight on March 24, 1946.
• 🚫 The Indonesian government rejected the ultimatum, stating it was impossible to relocate thousands of troops in such a short time.
• 🔥 In response to the ultimatum, a decision was made to burn down Bandung to prevent the Allies from using it as a military base, resulting in the 'Bandung Sea of Fire'.

Q & A

What significant event happened in Bandung 76 years ago according to the script?

76 years ago, Bandung was set on fire as a form of defense against the Allies, marking a significant event in Indonesian history.

Why did the Allies demand the surrender of all weapons in Bandung?

The Allies demanded the surrender of all weapons in Bandung, except those belonging to the People's Security Army (TKR) and the police, as a measure to control the situation and maintain security.

When did the conflict between the Allies and TKR in Bandung begin?

The conflict between the Allies and TKR in Bandung began on the night of November 24, 1945, when TKR and other resistance groups attacked the Allies' headquarters in Bandung Utara.

What ultimatum did the Allies give to the Governor of West Java?

The Allies gave an ultimatum to the Governor of West Java to evacuate all Indonesian residents, including armed forces, from Bandung Utara by noon on November 24, 1945.

How did the Indonesian forces respond to the Allies' ultimatum?

The Indonesian forces responded to the Allies' ultimatum by setting up guerrilla posts in various places and refusing to surrender their positions.

What was the outcome of the Allies' attempt to take control of Balai Besar and the train station?

The Allies' attempt to take control of Balai Besar and the train station failed, as the Indonesian forces resisted their efforts.

Why did some Indian soldiers desert the Allies and join the Indonesian forces?

Some Indian soldiers deserted the Allies and joined the Indonesian forces, possibly due to ideological reasons or a reluctance to fight against the newly independent nation.

What ultimatum did the Allies issue to Sutan Syahrir, the Prime Minister of Indonesia?

The Allies issued an ultimatum to Sutan Syahrir, demanding that Indonesian forces vacate Bandung Selatan by 10-11 KM, no later than midnight on March 24, 1946.

What was the Indonesian government's response to the Allies' ultimatum?

The Indonesian government rejected the Allies' ultimatum, stating that it was impossible to move thousands of troops in such a short time.

Why did the Indonesian forces decide to burn down Bandung?

The Indonesian forces decided to burn down Bandung to prevent the Allies from using it as a military base, thus denying them a strategic advantage.

What was the result of the burning of Bandung, and how did it affect the conflict?

The burning of Bandung resulted in the city being filled with fire, creating a 'sea of fire' and making it difficult for the Allies to establish a military presence there. It also allowed the Indonesian forces to continue their guerrilla warfare.