BRANDAN BUMI HANGUS - INDONESIA PERNAH JADI PENGHASIL MINYAK TERBESAR NOMOR DUA DI DUNIA!

Summary

This video recounts the dramatic *Bumi Hangus* (scorched earth) event at Pangkalan Brandan during Indonesia's fight for independence in 1947. When Dutch forces threatened the region’s vital oil refinery, Indonesian fighters, facing overwhelming odds, chose to destroy the refinery rather than let it fall into Dutch hands. The strategic decision resulted in a massive fire that led to Dutch forces retreating. Despite extensive damage, the refinery was later rebuilt, though it never fully recovered. The event remains a symbol of Indonesian resilience and is commemorated annually in Langkat.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Bumi Hangus operation in Pangkalan Brandan was a key event during the Indonesian National Revolution against Dutch colonial forces.
• 😀 The Indonesian fighters feared that the Dutch would take control of the Pangkalan Brandan oil fields, using it for war purposes and financial gain.
• 😀 The location of the oil fields made it vulnerable to attack by land, air, and sea, prompting the need for strategic defense.
• 😀 The Indonesian intelligence discovered the Dutch plan to capture Pangkalan Brandan, leading to counterattacks in the Gebang region.
• 😀 Gebang was a crucial area that acted as a gateway to Pangkalan Brandan, where fierce fighting occurred to prevent Dutch forces from advancing.
• 😀 The local population was evacuated in preparation for the Bumi Hangus operation, which aimed to destroy the oil facilities before the Dutch could capture them.
• 😀 Mayor Nazaruddin, an Indonesian military leader, played a critical role in ensuring the evacuation of civilians and uncovering pro-Dutch sympathizers among the locals.
• 😀 The Bumi Hangus operation culminated in the burning of the oil facilities at Pangkalan Brandan, with massive fires that burned for over a week, preventing the Dutch from capturing the oil fields.
• 😀 Despite the destruction, the local community felt a sense of pride, knowing that they had prevented the Dutch from taking control of their oil resources.
• 😀 The event remains an important historical milestone, and efforts are being made to ensure it is taught in schools, particularly in Langkat and North Sumatra, to preserve its legacy.

Q & A

What was the main concern of the Indonesian fighters regarding the Dutch forces at Pangkalan Brandan?

The Indonesian fighters were concerned that if the Dutch forces took control of Pangkalan Brandan, they would use the oil from the refinery as war fuel and financial resources, potentially strengthening their position in the war.

Why did the Dutch forces begin to target Pangkalan Brandan?

The Dutch forces began targeting Pangkalan Brandan due to its strategic value as an oil-producing region, which could fuel their war efforts and provide financial support.

What role did the Gebang region play in the defense of Pangkalan Brandan?

Gebang served as a key defensive area for Pangkalan Brandan. It was the gateway through which the Dutch forces would have to pass to reach Pangkalan Brandan, so it was fiercely defended by Indonesian fighters.

How did the Indonesian fighters respond to the heavy Dutch artillery and attacks on civilians?

In response to the Dutch attacks, including artillery fire and the shooting of civilians, the Indonesian fighters launched counterattacks to defend the area and prevent the Dutch from advancing further into Pangkalan Brandan.

What was the strategic decision made by the Indonesian forces to prevent Dutch control of Pangkalan Brandan?

The strategic decision made by the Indonesian forces was to implement a scorched earth policy, which involved destroying the oil refinery and related facilities to prevent the Dutch from taking advantage of the oil resources.

How did the Indonesian fighters prepare for the scorched earth action?

The Indonesian fighters evacuated the civilian population within a 3-kilometer radius around Pangkalan Brandan and began preparing to destroy the refinery, ensuring that it would be impossible for the Dutch to use the facilities even if they advanced.

What was the reaction of the local community to the call for evacuation before the scorched earth action?

While many locals evacuated as instructed, one group remained behind, hoping to prevent the destruction of the refinery by offering money to the Indonesian fighters. However, their true allegiance to the Dutch was uncovered when Dutch flags were found at their location.

What was the outcome of the scorched earth action at Pangkalan Brandan?

The scorched earth action was successfully carried out on August 13, 1947. The Indonesian fighters set fire to the oil tanks and facilities, causing massive fires that lasted for more than a week. This severely hindered the Dutch forces' ability to take control of Pangkalan Brandan.

What was the impact of the scorched earth action on the Dutch forces?

The scorched earth action demoralized the Dutch forces, who realized that they could not capture Pangkalan Brandan. They ultimately withdrew, and the event marked a significant victory for the Indonesian fighters in their struggle for independence.

What was the long-term impact of the Pangkalan Brandan refinery after the scorched earth action?

Despite the destruction, the refinery was later rebuilt and operated under local management. However, it never returned to its previous capacity, and by 2007, the Pangkalan Brandan refinery was closed permanently after over 100 years of oil extraction.