Operation Kraai

Operatie Kraai ("Operation Crow") was the code name for a Dutch military offensive against the newly-formed Republic of Indonesia in December 1948 - January 1949. During this attack, the Dutch managed to capture the Indonesian Republic's temporary capital, Yogyakarta, and seized Indonesian leaders such as Republican President Sukarno.

Referred to by the Dutch as the second of two "Politionele acties" ("Police Actions"), it is known in Indonesia as Agresi Militer Belanda II ("Dutch military aggression II").

Background

The second Politionele Actie was aimed at forcing the Republic to cooperate with the Dutch government in the implementation of the federalist policy as stipulated in the Linggadjati Agreement. The purpose was to organize the new Indonesia as a federal state that would remain closely associated with the Netherlands. Alleged breaches of the armistice by the Indonesians was also a motivator.

At 18 December, radio broadcasts in Jakarta reported that the Dutch High Representative Dr. Beel was going to give an important speech the next day. This news did not reach Jogja because the Dutch had already cut down the communication line. Meanwhile General Simon Spoor, the Dutch military leader in Indonesia, gave an instruction to begin a full-scale surprise attack against the republic. The operation was codenamed Operation Kraai (Kraai = Dutch: crow).

First attack

The first attack began in the early hours of 19 December. At 4.30 Dutch aircraft took off from Bandung, heading for Yogyakarta via the Indian Ocean. Dr. Beel announced that the Dutch were no longer bound by the Renville agreement. The operation began as the Dutch attacked major Indonesian cities. At 5.30 Maguwo airport at Yogyakarta was bombed by the Dutch air force. Poorly armed airport guards could not do anything (at the beginning some anti-aircraft machine guns fired at the attackers, but were soon overwhelmed by Dutch P-40s and P-51s), and at 6.45 Dutch paratroopers were dropped by C-34 Dakotas at Maguwo Airport (now Adisucipto Airport). The skirmish lasted for 25 minutes before the Dutch took over Maguwo, killing 128 Republicans while suffering no casualties themselves. Landings and attacks were also reported in large cities throughout Java and Sumatra.

The main aim of the Kraai Operation was to quickly destroy the Indonesian army (TNI - Indonesian National Army) which General Spoor thought would desperately defend their capital. Thus, with Dutch superiority both in the air and on land, the Dutch army would easily make a final blow and decisive victory in Indonesian army. However, most of the TNI had left Yogyakarta, defending west Yogyakarta's border from another Dutch military campaign. The air attack found the Indonesian unprepared and within hours, the advancing Dutch army had quickly taken the airport, main road, bridge and strategic locations. General Sudirman's strategy was to avoid any major contact with the Dutch main army, thus preventing the Indonesians from total defeat. He would prefer lost territory but gain extra time to consolidate his army.

The capture of Jogjakarta

After hearing the surprise attack, Indonesian military commander General Sudirman broadcasted Perintah kilat (quick command) via radios. He also requested Sukarno and other leaders to evacuate from Jogja, and join his guerrilla army. After a cabinet meeting, they refused and decided to stay in Jogjakarta, and keep communicating with UN and KTN envoys. Sukarno also announced the plan of "emergency government" in Sumatra, in case something happens to Indonesian leaderships in Jogjakarta. Meanwhile 2,600 fully-armed Dutch troops (infantry and paratroopers) led by Colonel had gathered in Maguwo, ready to capture Jogjakarta. At the same day most of Jogjakarta fell into the Dutch. Indonesian President Sukarno, Vice-President Mohammad Hatta, and ex prime minister Sutan Sjahrir was seized by the Dutch and subsequently exiled at Bangka. They let themselves captured hoping it would outrage international support. Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX stayed at his palace in Jogja and did not leave during the entire occupation.

"Emergency Government" and Guerrilla warfare

As planned before, emergency government was declared at 19 December. This was named Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Pemerintah Darurat Republik Indonesia), based on Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, led by Sjafruddin Prawiranegara. Sudirman radioed his immediate support for this government.

At 20 December, all remaining republican troops in Jogja had been withdrawn. All part of Indonesia except Aceh and some cantons in Sumatra fell into Dutch control. Sudirman, who was suffering from tubercolosis led guerrilla from his sickbed. Then-Colonel A. H. Nasution, military commander of Java territories declared military government in Java, arranged a guerrilla tactic Pertahanan Keamanan Rakyat Semesta (Nation in Arms), transforming the whole of Java Island into a guerrilla front. One famous implication of this tactic occurred to the Siliwangi Division. They had to march from Central Java to guerrilla cantons established in West Java. This is often called Long March Siliwangi. After a tiresome long march, in West Java they had to fight both the Dutch and the rebellious DI/TII.

International reaction and ceasefire

This attack was known by the international communities. On 20 December, many newspapers including those in the United States condemned Dutch aggression on their editorials. Soon UN was involved and many countries enforced embargo and boycott against the Dutch. United States partially suspended Marshall plan aid to the Dutch. On 24 December, UN Security Council called for the end of hostilities. On 31 December Dutch announced ceasefire in Java and 5 January in Sumatra. However, the Dutch still controlled most of Indonesian territories and the guerrilla war continued. The hostilities eventually ended on 7 May (Roem-Royen Agreement).

See also

• Sudirman
• Operatie Product