Asal Usul Bandung Lautan Api | ASAL USUL

Summary

On March 23, 1946, a significant event known as the 'Bandung Sea of Fire' occurred, marking a tragic episode in Indonesian history. The British allied forces, led by Brigadier McDonald, arrived in Indonesia on October 12, 1945, with intentions to re-colonize the country. Tensions escalated as the British demanded the Indonesian government surrender all war spoils and release European prisoners of war. Post-release, the prisoners caused unrest, leading to a covert attack by the Indonesian military on the allied headquarters. In response, McDonald issued an ultimatum to evacuate Bandung city. Despite resistance from Indonesian leaders like Jenderal Nasution and Jenderal Sudirman, Sutan Syahrir chose compliance to avoid bloodshed. The city was evacuated and set ablaze by Indonesian forces to prevent British control. A fierce battle ensued, with a significant ammunition depot in Dayeuh Kolot village being targeted and destroyed by Indonesian fighters, resulting in the 'Sea of Fire' that engulfed Bandung.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire) incident on March 23, 1946, was a significant event involving a massive fire in Bandung, West Java.
• 🏰 The British allied forces, led by Brigadier McDonald, arrived in Indonesia on October 12, 1945, with intentions to re-colonize the country and control key offices.
• 🛡️ McDonald demanded the Indonesian government to surrender all war spoils and release European prisoners of war, which led to unrest among the freed prisoners.
• 🗓️ On November 21, 1945, the Indonesian military conducted a surprise attack on the allied headquarters, including the Homann and Preanger hotels.
• ⚔️ In response to the attack, McDonald issued an ultimatum to the Indonesian Prime Minister, Sutan Syahrir, demanding the evacuation of Bandung city within a 10 km radius by March 24, 1946.
• 🚫 Indonesian leaders, including General Nasution and General Sudirman, rejected the ultimatum, with Syahrir advocating for non-compliance to maintain independence.
• 🏠 As a result of a consultation, it was decided to evacuate the city of Bandung and set it on fire on the night of March 24, 1946, to prevent it from being occupied by the allies.
• 🔥 The Indonesian Republican forces burned down buildings and houses in Bandung to ensure the city would not fall into the hands of the allies.
• 💥 A significant battle occurred in the village of Dayeuh Kolot, where the largest allied ammunition depot was located, and Muhammad Toha was tasked with detonating the weapons.
• 🎖️ Two Indonesian fighters sacrificed their lives by successfully infiltrating and destroying the ammunition depot during the battle.
• 🌆 The city of Bandung was engulfed in flames, earning the name 'Bandung Lautan Api' or 'Bandung Sea of Fire'.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in Bandung on March 23, 1946?

A major fire incident took place in Bandung, West Java, known as the 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire).

What was the background of the fire incident in Bandung?

The incident was preceded by the arrival of British allies in Indonesia on October 12, 1945, who intended to re-colonize the country and control important offices and establish a large military base.

What was Brigadier McDonald's demand from the Indonesian government?

Brigadier McDonald demanded that the Indonesian government surrender all war spoils and release European prisoners of war.

What event led to the continuous unrest after the release of the prisoners?

After the prisoners were released, they caused continuous disturbances, which angered the Indonesian people, particularly on November 21, 1945.

What action did the Indonesian military take on November 21, 1945?

The Indonesian military conducted a surprise attack on the allied headquarters, including the Homann and Preanger hotels, which were the main bases of the allies.

What was the content of the ultimatum issued by McDonald to the then Prime Minister of Indonesia, Sutan Syahrir?

The ultimatum demanded that the Indonesian people evacuate Bandung city to a distance of more than 10 km from the city center by March 24, 1946, or face military sanctions.

How did General Nasution and General Sudirman respond to the ultimatum?

General Nasution and General Sudirman rejected the ultimatum, while Sutan Syahrir wanted to comply to avoid further bloodshed, acknowledging that Indonesia did not have adequate weapons to fight.

What was the outcome of the consultation between General Nasution and the Indonesian military leaders and city officials?

The consultation resulted in the decision to evacuate Bandung city on the night of March 24, 1946, and set the city on fire to prevent it from being occupied by the allies.

What significant event occurred at the ammunition depot in Dayeuh Kolot, south of Bandung city?

A major battle took place at the largest allied ammunition depot, where Muhammad Toha was tasked with detonating the ammunition. The depot was successfully infiltrated and destroyed during the battle.

What was the final outcome of the 'Bandung Lautan Api' incident?

The entire city of Bandung was engulfed in flames, hence the name 'Bandung Sea of Fire,' after the Indonesian military set the city on fire to prevent it from being occupied by the allies.