HISTORIA: International Journal of History Education, Vol. XIII, No. 2 (December 2012)

THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE: A CASE STUDY IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THE ALLIED FORCES IN 1945-1946

Sulasman1

ABSTRACT

The revolution of Sukabumi is closely related to the role of many kyai, ulama and pesantren’s leaders in its process. They had great power to encourage people’s spirit and emotion. This success was gained by using their religious language to communicate. They used the concept of jihad fi sabilillah. The climax of the revolution is the battle against the invader’s alliance along the road of Cigombong– Ciranjang that was followed by a series of battle,such as Bojongkokosan battle,causing the bombing of Cibadak by Alliance air force; Gekbrong battle; and general attack involving army force, ulama, people’s organization and the students of pesantrens.

Key Words: revolution, strategy, tactic, battle, diplomacy

1Sulasman is lecture lecturer of Islamic History and Civilization Departement at Adab and Humanities Faculty at State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Gunung Djati . For academic interest, the author can be contacted at E-mail: [email protected].

247 SULASMAN, The Role of Civil Society in the War of Indonesia Independence: A Case Study in the Battle Against the Allied Forces in Sukabumi 1945-1946.

Introduction Cut Nyak Dien (Ruyatna Jaya, 2002: 30), Mohammad Hatta, (Mohammad Hatta, In the beginning, Sukabumi was 1982: 383–386), Tjipto Mangoenkoesoemo, part of Kabupaten Cianjur. In 1776, (R.Z. Leirissa, 1992: 120) and Sutan Syahrir the Sukabumi region was changed into (Sutan Syahrir, 1990: 247). Kepatihan through name of Kepatihan Cikole by the Bupati of Cianjur the sixth Taking Over the Authority in named Raden Noh or Aria Wiratanoedatar Sukabumi VI. Later, the name of Cikole was changed into Sukabumi by Andries de Wilde. There Revolution in Sukabumi began through were two government sites in Sukabumi the taking over of the authority from Japan. region;they were Kotamadya Sukabumi and In the process of preparing that matter, the Kabupaten Sukabumi. In the beginning, National Committee of Local Indonesian administratively both of the governments (Komite Nasional Indonesia Daerah) had were part of Karesidenan Priangan, where been established led by Dr. Abu Hanifah West Priangan consisted of Sukabumi and (Abu Hanifah, 1972) and the Agency of Cianjur, then based onBesluit Number 16 People Security (Badan Keamanan Rakyat) dated on October 15th 1931,both region led K.H. Atjoen Basoeni also established. became part of Keresidenan .(Nina The member of BKR in Sukabumi mainly Herlina Lubis,1998:34). consisted of the former soldiers of PETA. After K.H. Atjoen Basoeni disappeared Sukabumi, like on the Memoreis van and never returned to Sukabumi (Eddie Oveegave Residen L. de Steurs (1921) Soekardi, interviewed on April 4th 2004), had high economical position in the his position was succeeded by Eddie plantation sector, and became one of the Soekardi (Soebarna, interviewed on March most financial mainstay of the Netherland 17th 2004). Indies Government to bail out the financial bankruptcy caused by the “Perang Jawa” Besides BKR, there were also (Haryoto Kunto, 1991: 21). In the Japanese organizations in Sukabumi such as Pesindo Era, plantation in Sukabumi became the led by Waluyo, Barisan Islam Indonesia by holder of economic for war programs (Aiko K.H. Ahmad Sanoesi, Hizbullah by K.H. Kurasawa, 1993: 49-53). In the revolution Damanhoeri,Sabilillah by A. Basarah, age, the plantation became the source of Barisan Banteng by Lunadi, Lasykar Rakyat the fund, especially when facing the Allies by Sambik, Digulis by Basuki (Panitia troops. Pembangunan Monumen Perjuangan 45 Kabupaten Sukabumi, 1986: 8). The government of Netherland Indies made the city of Sukabumi as Gemeente on In the process of taking over the April 1st 1914. Its status later was increased authority, there were the view’s differences to become Stadgemeente on Mei 1st 1926. among all. Pemuda (young) wanted to take The city of Sukabumi was made as a place over the authority done as fast as possible, for political excommunication by the whereas kelompok tua (old) supported by the Netherland Indies Colonial Government former PETA soldiers and HEIHO soldiers (Ruyatna Jaya, 2002: 30). The political wanted to take over the authority through figures excommunicated to Sukabumi were peace and negotiation (Abu Hanifah, 1972:

248 HISTORIA: International Journal of History Education, Vol. XIII, No. 2 (December 2012)

176). Beside the age factor, the condition the positioning of new official governor like was also based on the place of meeting Mr. Syamsudin as city mayor of Sukabumi, like Kelompok Cikiray (Cikiray Group) Mr. Harun as Bupati of Sukabumi (Abu 10 B ((Panitia Pembangunan Monumen Hanifah, 1972: 180). The taking over of the Perjuangan 45 Kabupaten Sukabumi, authority moved continuously to kecamatan 1986: 11) includes Edeng Abdullah, (district) even to the villages, and also with Waluyo, Djakaria, A.M. Sipahutar, Adang its substitution of the office holder. The new Trenggana, Bainun, and Ading Rifa’i and official governors and office holders mainly kelompok Asrama Nogyo Gakko (Asrama came from pesantren (kind of monastery Nogyo Gakko Group) which consist of in Islamic culture) like wedana of Cicurug Dr. Abu Hanifah, Mr. Syamsudin, Gatot by Ajengan Ansori, wedana of Cibadak by Mangkupradja, Soebarna, Suradiradja, Ajengan Syafe’i, wedana of Pelabuhan Setiaatmadja, R. Didi Soekardi, Iskandar, Ratu by Ajengan Hafid, and wedana of Sukatma, M. Barnas. Jampang by Ajengan Hulaemi, Camat In avoiding conflict, there were (Head of Kecamatan) of Parungkuda by meeting conducted among the figures. The H.Toha, also Camat of Cikidang by R.A. agreement resulted was that before the Rifa’i, Camat of Cikidang, Yunus as Camat taking over the authority there should be a of Cicurug, Mualim Sabana as Camat of delegation headed by K.H. Atjoen Basoeni Pelabuhan Ratu, Mualim Totong as Camat to meet the Shuchokan in Bogor to hand of Sukaraja, R. Koedi Suriadiharja as over the authority. The other decision of the Camat of Cikembar, H. Solihin as Camat agreement was forcing to take over of the of Lengkong, Soma as Camat of Jampang authority if the mission led by K.H. Atjoen Tengah, Jani as Camat of Jampang Kulon, Basoeni failed. The leader of that movement Suyuti as Camat of Ciemas and Utom was S. Waluyo, K.H. Damanhoeri, Edeng Bustomi as Camat of Sukabumi (A. Rifa’i, Abdullah, and BKR. interviewed on March 20th 1999). On October 1st 1945, K.H. Atjoen The investiture of local official governor Basoeni announced his fail to get the from pesantren was more emphasized on authority handover from Japan. That the political decision not the bureaucracy information made people of Sukabumi who aspect, in order to maintain the security gathered in front of Societet Soekamanah after the taking over of the authority Soekaboemi hall angry. The anger of (Dadun Abdul Qohar, interviewed on people could not be stopped, the revolution March 12th 2004). Kyai and alim ulama flame was lightened and the spirit of as honored and charismatic religious revolution was established, they moved figure was assumed as the most suitable to every directions aimed to take over the figure to hold the head of bureaucracy in authority, and it was begun by taking over the lower level which directly interact with the headquarter Kempeitai and also freeing the people. They were assumed having an the prisoners. After that, they seized the ability to guide the revolution especially in government offices and so on. halting the side effect appeared from those who oppose the revolution (Eddie Soekardi, Besides seizing the symbol of authority, interviewed on January 9th 2004). If there revolution in Sukabumi was also marked by

249 SULASMAN, The Role of Civil Society in the War of Indonesia Independence: A Case Study in the Battle Against the Allied Forces in Sukabumi 1945-1946. was a contra-revolution movement in the led by Mayor Abdurahmanplaced along local area, they would be facing directly to the street between the eastern part of the the kyai or alim ulama which automatically city of Sukabumi until Gekbrong street. triggered them to face the people. Whereas Battalion 3 led by Kapten Anwar, After the substitution of the office placed along Gekbrong street to Ciranjang holder, it was also done the handover of the street. economical assets like Kina manufacture in Based on those troops dislocation, the Panjang and Gedurahayu, porcelain convoy attack line measured as 81 km long manufacture in Cirenghas, tile manfacture was divided into four battle lines including the in Tegal Panjang, tea manufacture in Goal Commander of Battalion 1 supervising the 12 Para, and Swarga dairy manufacture. km battle line led by Mayor Yahya Bahram After controlling the authority with its Rangkuticommanded four Commander economical assets, the people of Sukabumi Companythey were Company I led by was directed into a new problem, it was Captain Tedjasukmanalocated in Cimalati, facing the allied troops. Company II led by Captain Kusbinilocated in Cikembang village, company III led by Troops Dislocation Captain Murad Idruslocated in Kompa In order to attack and hold the Allies, village, and Company IV led by Captain the commander of the regiment of TKR Mukhtar Kosasihlocated in Cikukulu Sukabumi Lieutenant Colonel Eddie (Saleh As’ad Djamhari, 1974).They hold the Soekardi assembled the power which dislocation between Cigombong-Cibadak. involving the soldiers, war patrons, and The offensive posts were placed in Cicurug, also pesantren led by kyai dan alim ulama. Bojongkokosan, Parungkudaand Ongkrak. Beside that, the commander of the regiment Battalion 2 led by Mayor Harry had also arranged the troops’ placement, Soekardisupervised 18 km battle line. This then arranged strategy and tactic in Battalion organized 4 Companyesthey attacking Allies convoy (Harry Soekardi, were Company I led byCaptain Madsachri, interviewed on March 25th1999). Company II led by Captain Husein Alexsyah, In the matter of troops dislocation Company III led by Captain Juanda, and led by commander regimentof TKR Company IV led by Captain Dasuki. The Sukabumilieutenant Eddie Soekardi, troop dislocation from Battalion 2 was troops from four Battalion Resimen TKR placed in offensive posts like a post in Sukabumi spread equally, placed in the Cikukulu, Cisaat, Situ Awi, Cipelang, and same important location (Eddie Soekardi, Benteng. interviewed on February 9th2004). Battalion 4 supervised the battle It was also on the troops dislocation, line along 15 KM. This Battalion led Battalion 1 led by Mayor Yahya Bahram 4 Commander Companythey are the Rangkutiwas placed to patrol along the Commander Company I Captain Djahidi, way of Cigombong–Cibadak Street. Commander Company II Captain Sabir, Battalion 2 led by Mayor Harry Soekardi, Commander Company III Captain Madsari, placed along the Cibadak to western part Commander Company IV Captain Kabul the city of Sukabumi street. Battalion 4 Sirodz. These troops of Battalion III settled

250 HISTORIA: International Journal of History Education, Vol. XIII, No. 2 (December 2012) the offense posts which filled by the troops the poisoned snake) through placing troops from Battalion 4 such as Gekbrong post, into offense posts equally; the purpose Sukaraja post, and Eastern Gate the City of it was to avoid the centered battle on of Sukabumi post (Yoseph Iskandar, 1997: one location and also to avoid the frontal 157). battle. If the frontal battle happened, This Battalion 3 Led by the senior therefore high risk happened which were captainAnwar supervised the battle line many troops died, and also running out of along 35 KM. This Battalion led four ammunition (Eddie Soekardi,interviewed companies, they were Company I led by on June 20th1999). Captain Saleh Opo, Company II led by The attack to the Allies was using hit Captain Musa Natakusumah, and Company and run tactic,and Kirikumi. On hit and IV directly led by the commander of the run, the enemy will be ambushed together, battalion. Battalion 3 settled along the then the troops withdrew to the posts they Gekbrong-Ciranjang street. The troops of belong back. Through this way, the troops this Battalion 3 was placed in a strategic can secure their power and ammunition place for the offense posts like offense post safely (A.H. Nasution, 1980: 1-65). In in Cisokan, Cikijing, Belendung, Sabandar, operating the night attack, the troops Warungkondang, and Gekbrong. used Kirikumitactic (Eddie Soekardi, Every battalion had a tactical place on interviewed on June 20th1999) which is an strategy to become the center of the offense. offense tactic to the Allies convoy settled in Like in Battalion 1, the offense was centered the heart of the city of Sukabumi, where in Bojongkokosan, Battalion 2 centered in it was done in close range attack by three Cikukulu, Battalion 4 centered in Gekbrong, of four troops armed with grenades. In Battalion 3 centered in Ciranjang Bridge each company there should be ten skilled (Eddie Soekardi, 1999: 6). grenade throwers. For the bigger Allies convoys, the attack was added by ranged The city of Sukabumi was divided into frontal attack. Whereas for the spread lesser two sectors,they were the western sector convoys, it was using melee weapons done for Battalion 2 and the eastern sector by TKR members cooperated with Barisan for Battalion IV. The roads between the Hizbullah, Sabilillah, Banteng, and other centers of offense emplaced of the people organizations (Soebarna, interviewed on organization led by TKR soldiers aimed August 27th1999 and April 27th2004). to do Operasi Sniper(Sniper Operation). Practically, the battle line along 81 KM was Troops Consolidation Sniper Line. In attacking the Allies’ power that would Strategy and Tactic be entered the city of Sukabumi, there was consolidation done withthe organizations, After the troops dislocation had made, civil government, enterprises, Kyaiand then it was arranged the strategy and tactic Alim Ulamafrom pesantrens dan etcetera in implementing the offensive operation (Mukhtar kosasih interviewed on August in the field. And when halting the convoy 27th1999). For the arm division, there of Allied troops, they used kind of code was the effort to increase the productivity named mengepung ular berbisa(sieging

251 SULASMAN, The Role of Civil Society in the War of Indonesia Independence: A Case Study in the Battle Against the Allied Forces in Sukabumi 1945-1946.

BarataWeapon Manufacture led by Captain Cicurug area, like Pesantren of Babakan Saleh Norman, and to repair the broken Cicurug, Cipanengah, Pangkalan, Tapos, weapons, and also to make handy grenade Pakuwonand other pesantrens in the as many as possible (Yoseph Iskandar, 1997: battle area, its santriswere busy to provide 240).The logistic division was ordered to all kinds of traditional melee weapon such attempt the uniform, shoes, dan other as bow, spear, machete, slingshot, all main logistics need. The transportation were provided to help the struggle against division was ordered to attempt the vehicles the Allies (Sanukri, interviewed on June availability such as used Japanese trucks 13th1999).The Kyais were busy to read and plantation trucks. This division also the particular spell to every weapon used. provided motorcycles such as BSA, Norton, Even, the santris were bathed through Davidson, which were very supporting the spelled water by the Kyais. They went to couriers’ job. battle as Hizbullah fighter. For handling the wounded people, Halting Allies Convoys Dr. Hasan Sadikin was ordered to use the city hospital of Sukabumi andthe hospital In facing the arrival of Allies of Sekarwangi Cibadak maximally. The convoy, all battalion commander and facility for nursing the TKR members and companycommander in the TKR regiment also other organization members who of Sukabumi were at the ready to attack sick or injured and also red cross troops (Eddie Soekardi, interviewed on June provided by Dr. Hasan Sadikin (Eddie 20th1999). According to the commander Soekardi, interviewed on June 20th1999). of Battalion I - Yahya Bahram Rangkuti,in The communication division cooperated halting the Allies convoy, the operation with PTT led by Captain Mu’in oredered began in Bojongkokosan area (Yoseph to complete the telephone unit to make Iskandar, 1997: 152).Based on the troops the communication among battalions’ dislocation led by the commander of headquarters easier. The financial division Battalion I, the center of the troops’ power ordered to attempt the source of fund was on the left and right side of the bend to help the Sukabumi Regiment of TKR road of Bojongkokosan Street, it was members’ families who will go to battle. because it was strategically purposive. On The fund was gathered from the donation the left and right side of the bend road of of the city mayor of Sukabumi Mr. Bojongkokosan street, there was high cliff Samsudin, plantation holder, and from and irrigation crossing the road, therefore people donation. those can be used as a place for cover, with The consolidation did continuously the height of approximately 10 meters by the commander of TKR regiment highand the cliff was full of shrubs, that of Sukabumi LieutenantColonel Eddie place was a perfect place for hiding for the Soekardiwith the leader of pondok Republican’s troops (H. Hudri, interviewed pesantrenknown as the former of on February 7th2005). Chudanchoand Shodancolike K. H. Hafid, Facing the Allies arrival, sergeant K. H. Syafe’I, M. Sadeli, H. Abdullah and Sahnan, the commander of section IV by many more. Pesantrensin Parungkudaand the commander of Company II captain

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Kusbiniwas ordered to mobilize his soldiers area to move to the battle frontline. Before to make the holes and barricades along the moving to the battle field, they were bathed road of Ongkrak Street. On that holes were by the kyai in the spelled pond (dijiad). placed 4 tons land mines. That assignment Also the weapons wished to use such as was finished by the favor of the fighter machete, bamboo pike, and otherweapons organization like Sabilillah, Hizbullah, were bathed. After they had bathed, they and Pesindo (Saleh As’ad Djamhari, 1974: seemed having power and courage. Along 12).In Bojongkokosan, the commander of with the takbir,santris and people walked to Company III Captain Murad Idrusordered the battlefield (H. Daud interviewed on June the commander of section I the second 20th2004). lieutenant Muhammad Muchtar located At 16.00,Allied soldiers convoy entered in northern cliff of Bojongkokosan and the the halting area of Bojongkokosan (Berita commander of section II second lieutenant Indonesiadated on December 12th1945). Djadjang Kusnadilocated in southern When the position of the convoy entered cliff in order to make the trap holes and the effective attack range, the offense barricades along the Bojongkokosan began after a code of three shots from street. The other sectionsspread along the commander of Company III Captain the highway of Cigombong-Cibadak Murad Idruswho were responsible (Mohammad Mukhtar, interviewed on for the Bojongkokosan offense post. October 1st1996). While shouting takbir, all santris from The weapons used in the Battle of pesantrenand local people organized as Bojongkokosan were riffle likes Steyer, Hizbullahand Sabilillah attacked (The Karabyn, Beaumont, Kierop, Sten Gun, History Division of Kodam III Siliwangi, Lewis, Keiki, Cuplis, Pistol Parabellum, 1985: 2). Colt, long riffle and Molotov Coctailwell As the result of the Republican attack known as Keimbing. As well as those in Bojongkokosan, the Allies troops halted weapons, it was also used the traditional for approximately two hours(Saleh As’ad weapons such as spears, machete, bamboo Djamhari, 1974: 12). According to A.E. pike, slingshot, which used by the youth Kawilarang (Ramadhan KH, 1986: 59),to enrolled as Barisan Hizbullah dan Sabilillah face the fighter in Bojongkokosan, Allies (Ramadhan KH, 1986: 59). asked its air power. Toward Maghribtime The other power on the Battle of (dusk), the Allies air reinforcement came, Bojongkokosancame from pesantrenlocated the Allies’ planes skillfully attacked around the battle such as pesantren led by the fighter (Bisri, interviewed on June K. H. Jaswadi, K. H. Akhyar, K. H. Hasan 9th1999). The loss of Allies from the Basri, and pesantren led by K. H. Akbar. The battle of Bojongkokosan was 18 destroyed kyaischarismatically encourage their santris vehicles, died drivers, and 100 died Gurkha and the local people around Bojongkokosan soldiers (Berita Indonesia, 12 December such as from Parungkuda, Kompa, Kembang 1945). Kuning, Cicurug, , Tapos, Bojong, Under the shadow of the guerilla fighter, Cipanengah, Nangela, Pasirmuncang, the Allies convoy attempted to enter the Pondok Kaso, Pasir Doton and also others city of Sukabumi. Hardly, they reached the

253 SULASMAN, The Role of Civil Society in the War of Indonesia Independence: A Case Study in the Battle Against the Allied Forces in Sukabumi 1945-1946. downtown at 24.00 (Soebarna, interviewed Gekbrong high street. The commander of on March 17th1999 and April 20th2004). Battalion III emplaced Companytroops of After arriving in the city of Sukabumi, they Captain Musa Natakusumah, fully steady were rested in front of the Hotel of Victoria on the left and right side of the Gekbrong, (Yoseph Iskandar, 1997: 191). Although Warung Kondang, Leuwi Goong streets they had arrived in downtown, the death until the bridge of Cikaret. The company of was still haunted. Along with military Captain Dasoeni Zahidplaced in Cikijing to operation plan, in the downtown was done Cisokan’sbridge in Ciranjang. The company troops dislocation. The troop spread in of Captain Saleh Opo was fully steady along every corner of the city. They were at the the Pacet highway to secure the way from ready to attack the arriving convoy. the possibility of the Allies troops taking the In the next day after the battle in Puncak way. The commander of Battalion Bojongkokosan, there was happened a III Captain Anwar directly led a platoon of bombing attack to the city of Cibadak troop assisted by the Second Lieutenant (A.J.F. Doulton, 1951: 284)by the Royal Air Abubakar (Aboebakar, interviewed on Forcebegan at 08.30. That bombing attack August 27th1999 and March 17th2004). happened as the Allies counter attack for In order to help the troops halted in the Republican attack to the Allies convoy Sukabumi, the Allies main headquarter between Bojongkokosan and Sukabumi. in ordered Allies headquarter in The reason why Cibadak was bombed Cimahi Bandungto reinforce consists of because that city was assumed by the Allies Battalion 3/3 Gurkha Rifles. The troop from as the main defense place of the troops in Cimahi was departed to Sukabumi to help Sukabumi (Eddie Soekardi, interviewed on Allies troop halted in the city of Sukabumi February 9th2004). The result caused by on December 11th1945. Thi reinforcement that bombing attack was the destroying of troop armed with several Shermantank as a Cibadak city (Berita Indonesia, December troop guar, Panser Wagon, Brencarier, and 14th1945). The war victims were evacuated troop’s trucks empowered by the stealth to the Sekarwangi Hospital by the Red air plane. Cross groups led by Dr. Hasan Sadikin The fate of Battalion 5/9 Jats troops (Isak, interviewed on June 3rd1999), which was halted and attacked fully by and died victims were buried behind the the fighters in Cigombong-Sukabumi hospital. way, also experienced by the Battalion After the Allies convoy had arrived 3/3 Gurkha Riflestroops from Bandung. in the heart of Sukabumi city, the Pasukan Battalion 3/3 Gurkha Riflesfrom commander of Sukabumi TKR regiment Cimahiwhich is ruined continuously ordered the commander of Battalion III attempting to reach the city of Sukabumi. captain Anwar who responsible for the They struggled in order to assembly with Gekbrong-Ciranjang area, to increase the other Allies troops hated on that the steadiness of his troops. Proper with city. After having a rest, with the rest of the order from the commander of the power, they continued to leave the city of regiment, captain Anwar strengthened Sukabumi, to continue their journey to the trops placement along the Ciranjang- Bandung. Before leaving Sukabumi, they

254 HISTORIA: International Journal of History Education, Vol. XIII, No. 2 (December 2012) contacted with Regiment of Sukabumi TKR 27th2004). Battle in Sukabumi made and asked guarantee that the Republican the Allies troops from Patiala Battalion troops would not distract the journey distressed (A.J.F. Doulton, 1951: 295). (Eddie Soekardi, interviewed on June 20 On Sunday night March 11th1946 at 1999, and February 9th2004). 20.00, all lamps in Sukabumicity suddenly According to Doulton (A.J.F. Doulton, shut by PLN (name of the electricity 1951: 294),this second convoy of Allies company in Indonesia). After the city dark, troops was led by Lieutenant Colonel Bikram company from TRI regiment of Sukabumi Dev Singh Gill successfully entered to the along with barisan perjuangan rakyat Sukabumi city. That convoy was guided by began to rotate to siege the Allies convoy Sherman tanks followed by panser wagon from Patiala Battalionwhich is located in and Brencarier (Isak, interviewed on June the center of Sukabumi city. The trap attack 13th1999). The journey of that convoy was done by Hizbullah, Sabilillah, Pesindo, was very slow,it was because they had Banteng, organized the Companyof Captain interruption from the guerillas (Yoseph Kabul Sirodzfrom Battalion 4 which moved Iskandar, 1997: 254). from square northern area. The Allies convoy which successfully From every Allies vehicle, the lights entered the city of Sukabumi was net given were lit pointing to north. The Patiala a chance to rest. They directly attacked by Battalionformation was concentrated to 3 platoons of troops from the company of face the attack possibility from the south. Captain Madsachriassisted by two platoons Instead, the Allies trop concentration was of troops of Company of Captain Mochtar broken because beyond their prediction, Kosasih and two troops platoons of Kirikumitroops from the Companyof Captain company of Captain Djahidi which directly Mukhtar Kosasihmoved in parallel from the led by the commander of the Battalion western downtown area. The little companies named Mayor Abdurahman. The attack to of grenade thrower which consist of three to Allies troops in the heart of Sukabumi city four soldiers without using shoes sneaked was supported by the troops from Company crawled behind. Kirikumi company led by of Captain Kabul Sirodzwho organized Captain Dasuki from Battalion 2 moved attack from Hizbullah, Sabilillah, Banteng, from south west then continue attacking Pesindo, and others. The battle in that city’s the Patiala soldiers. Exactly at 23.00, the heart was at 21:30, begun by attacking the attack was altogether stopped. The result of Allies convoy in Benteng Street (Gelora that battle in Sukabumi causing at least 40 Rakyat, March 12th1946). Along the night Allies soldiers died (Gelora Rakyat, March on March 10th and 11th1946 there was 14th1946). happened battle almost in eery corner of The reaction towards that battle came the Sukabumi city. The grenade thrower from the Main Allies Headquarter in Jakarta. special troops from the company of Captain By the airplane, Allies spread the pamphlet Madsachri continuously hitting the Allies contains the ultimatum that the fighter must trucks stayed around the Kabupaten, stop attacking the Allies convoy. If it is not Victoria Hotel, and Selabintana (Soebarna, stopped, therefore Allies will attack through wawancara March 17th1999 and April air force, artilleryand others machine gun

255 SULASMAN, The Role of Civil Society in the War of Indonesia Independence: A Case Study in the Battle Against the Allied Forces in Sukabumi 1945-1946.

(Gelora Rakyat, March 16th1946). That Every commander of battalion ordered to ultimatum did not decrease the faith of do consolidation of power in their camps. Sukabumi’s fighters to face the Allies attack. Battalion I in Cikukulu, Battalion II in Cisaat, In order to resolve the battle crisis Battalion IV in Cipoho. Close to dusk time, all in Sukabumi, the Main Headquarter of special troops of Kirikumi of TRI Regiment Allies in Jakarta ordered Brigadier N.D. Sukabumi had spread in the attack base Wingrove, an English high officer settled in such as in Situ Awi, Gunung Puyuh, Bunut, Bandung to move toward Sukabumi (A.J.F. Kebon Jati, Ciaul, Cipelang, Nanggeleng, Doulton, 1951: 296). That High Officer Tipar, Cipoho, Nyomplong, Benteng, and departure brought a convoy of Brigade other bases (Harry Soekardi, interviewed on I troops consists of 2 companies of genie January 21st 1999). All citizens of Sukabumi troops, includes its guards. whose house were close to the Allies troops’ posts secured. The civilian helped the The information of reinforcement sent fighters’ moral and material (Eddie Soekardi by Allies from Bandung accepted by the Soekardi, interviewed on August 27th 1999 Commander of Battalion 3 Captain Anwar. and February 9th 2004). In facing the Allies troops, Captain Anwar concentrate his troops in Cisokan bridge (Abu Allies troops’ power in Sukabumi Bakar, interviewed on April 10th 1999). Some consists of four large companies’ soldiers of troops placed in Karang Tengah, Sabandar, they were Patiala Battalion, Rajputama Belendung, and Cikijing were withdrew to the Rifles, Squadruan 13 Lancer, and Grenadier. front line to join with the company of Dasoeni They were supported by several supporting Zahid. The battle in Cisokan was led directly power consists of several Sherman tanks, by Captain Anwar (Abu Bakar, interviewed on panser wagons, Brencariers, and hundreds April 10th 1999). transporter trucks. Those were emplaced all city corners (A.J.F. Doulton, 1951: 296). Brigadier N.D. Wingrove was not be able to continue his journey, he was halted To expel Allies from Sukabumi, the only in front of the Office of Kewedanaan of one way was attacking massive attack to Ciranjang (Yoseph Iskandar, 1997: 302). Sukabumi city which was become the Alies Brigadier N. D. Wingrove informed that post. The massive attack began at 20.00 the troops’ convoy which should reinforce WIB (abbrev from Waktu Indnonesia actually halted and attacked in 30 kilometer Bagian Barat/West Indonesia Time), when position before Sukabumi instead (A.J.F. the electricity was shut down in all city to Doulton, 1951: 296). The commanders help the fighter doin night attack. That who were halted in Sukabumi suggested thing made the Allies troops keep busy. that Brigadier N. D. Wingrove does not The frenzy happened in all streets in the continue his journey. city. They kept patrolling steadily, waiting the offensive attack by the guerilla fighters. Sukabumi Under Full Attack They wait the attack; nevertheless there was no sign that there will be an offense Preparing Allies’ full attack toward attack from Repubican fighters. Sukabumi city, the commander of Sukabumi regiment of TRI lieutenant colonel Eddie The Republican Soldiers from all Soekardi did the troops re-dislocation. companies of Sukabumi TRI regimen of

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Kirikumi sneaked tried to reach Allies are Moslem, commonly they were from convoy formation located on the side Pakistan and shouting takbir when fleeing of the Sukabumi city’s streets. In their from battlefield (Misbah, interviewed on movement, the Kirikumi soldiers were June 18th 2004, and January 5th 2005). organized by the commander each of Arrounf 21.30 WIB, the combination their Company Commander. It was done between attacking and ambushing by the until 19.58, all Allies convoy settled in the fighter which consists of regular soldiers, downtown had been in the siege radius of Hizbullah, Sabilillah, Barisan Banteng, or Kirikumi soldiers. Captain Madsachri from local people became more effective and Battalion 2 along with his Kirikumi troops aggressive. The sharpness of machete, and had been spread tidily around the location thrown grenades, arch bolt, marble bullet, of Schuttervaer Bakery Shop. On that or even stones became a combination place, the commander officers from Patiala ruining the defense of of the Allies lines Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, Squadron 13 settled in Sukabumi. It made the situation Lancer, and Grenadier were gathered. in the heart of Sukabumi city became The battle began through grenade hysteric and spooky. The light of flame from attack targeting the Allies Commander, the various Allies’ machine gun blew like continued by rapid attack by spread fireworks (Mukhtar Kosasih, interviewed Kirikumi soldiers. The Allies’ companies on August 27th 1999). When the attack to were ambushed by Captain Madsachri Allies convoy was assumed fairly enough, and his men (Madsachri, interviewed on the commander of battalions withdrew July 13th 1999). The Allies troops which their troops to return to their posts. At got sudden attack was losing control. They 23.00 WIB the battle was almost finished. had not given the counter attack, they The battle was finished at 23.30 WIB were died slashed and chopped by the The massive attack toward the city of sharp Kirikumi’s machete. On every dark Sukabumi held on that night made the night corner, barisan pejuang rakyat swing Allies moral dropped. They had not used marble bullet through their slingshot hit cannon, war machine, and other heavy the forehead, nose, eyes, and so on. artilleries. It was just because there was The Kirikumi attack ran for long time. no time to use those all; therefore those The Allies counter attacked the fighter by machines lied useless in Allies posts. The shooting them. TRI just countered the Allies officers using the radio was busy Allies attack through throwing grenades. to call the Allies main headquarter. They On that night battle, attacking by using reported the casualties they had. They machete was assumed more efficient in assumed that the city of Sukabumi was killing the Allies soldiers. The Allies troops terrible city spreading the death. who tried to flee to the housing area was just like hunted animal, they were hunted, War Strategy and Negotiation and then murdered (Soebarna, interviewed The Allies bombing on Cibadak was not on April 27th 2004). But there were also affecting the Sukabumi fighters’ courage. the Alies soldiers who saved by the civilian They even did the counter movement by after knowing that the Allies soldiers attacking the Allies convoy marching to

257 SULASMAN, The Role of Civil Society in the War of Indonesia Independence: A Case Study in the Battle Against the Allied Forces in Sukabumi 1945-1946.

Bandung. Considering the safety, Allies they have, the blockade and attack toward decided not to continue the journey, and the Allies troops which bring the logistic stayed in the heart of Sukabumi city (Edie supply to APWI in Bandung would not be Soekardi, interviewed on February 9th happened. The the City Mayor Samsudin’s 2004). message on that meeting was understood by In handling the trapped Allies troops Mayor Rawin Singh, and he will report it to in Sukabumi, the Allies called the Prime the Allies main headquarter in Jakarta. On Minister Sutan Syahrir. The Prime that occasion, the Allies delegation asked to Minister said emphasizing the Indonesian the City Mayor to persuade the Republican government act, that principally wuld troops led by Sukabumi TKR Regiment help the international task. Sutan Syahrir to let the Allies convoy left Sukabumi and mentioned that if the Allies convoys continue the journey to Bandung (Eddie deserved not to be disturbed by the Soekardi, interviewed on February 9th Sukabumi fighters, therefore the Allies 2004). should consequently toward the pact The City Mayor of Sukabumi’s moderate which has been agreed that the securing attitude in facing the Allies delegation was task would be given to TKR. different with the Bupati of Sukabumi Mr. In solving this terrible situation in Harun who acts confronted. Mr. Harun Sukabumi, the Allies Main Headquarter rejected to do negotiation with the Allies sent Mayor Rawin Singh from the as well did bye the Prime Minister Sutan headquarter of English Brigade in Bogor Syahrir. In facing the Allies, the Bupati of to supervise the location of Allies troops Sukabumi Mr. Harun tended to face them and should meet the local government of by war relied on people, especially Pesindo Sukabumi to discuss about negotiation such as the offense attack in Cicurug, (Yoseph Iskandar, 1997: 203). Escorted by although there were many casualties in the Jats Battalion officers, that Allies delegation people side caused the incoordination with arrived at 02.30 WIB meeting the city the TKR. Mayor of Sukabumi. In the Mayor’s place, The disputation between City Mayor of they were also arrived Dr. Abu Hanifah, Sukabumi Mr. Samsudin and the Bupati R. Didi Soekardi, and Bupati of Sukabumi of Sukabumi Mr. Harun regarding the Mr. Harun. Allies convoy problem could be neutralized The negotiation between the Allies after the city mayor telling that the convoy delegation and the Republican Delegation problem is not the civil government affair. held in Mayor’s place. The negotiation Mr. Samsudin assumed that the convoy was opened by Mr. Samsudin as the host. problem is the military affair; therefore According to Mr. Samsudin, he as the it should be discussed with the TKR. Civil Government principally was still After being called by the City Mayor, the consequent toward the pact between Commander of Sukabumi TKR Regiment Indonesian and Allies. Nevertheless, the Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Soekardi fact in the field should be thought by the assisted by Mayor Abdurahman arrived Allies why does it happen. If the Allies in the meeting place. On that meeting, the consequent toward the International task commander stated his view regarding the

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Allies convoy problem. Lieutenant Colonel From that meeting between Allies and the Eddie Soekardi assumed that the one who Republic of Indonesia Government, it was has the military charge is not the civil submitted an agreement. In the other side, government. Basically, the TKR obeyed upon the battle between the Allies and the TKR the pact between the central government and Indonesian fighters was still continue. and the Allies, but it was depended on the This condition mde the Allies confused, no Allies consequence toward the pact. If the war no peace (Eddie Soekardi, interviewed Allies in implementing the APWI problem on February 9th 2004). does not involve the TKR regarding the The momentum of Bojongkokosan supply sending and escorting, there will battle which happened on December 9th be blockading and attacking toward the 1945 was an important event which starting convoy (Eddie Soekardi, interviewed on the glorious victory of TKR war strategy, February 9th 2004). and also the triumph of International Moral In facing the Allies, the leader commander Diplomacy for de facto of the Republic of Commandment I of TKR in West of Indonesian Government. The battle Mayor General Didi Kartasasmita used the happened on March 10th to 14th 1946 along strategy combination between negotiation the Cogombong – Sukabumi - Ciranjang to attack and attack to negotiate (Eddie high way and the event of Bandung Lautan Soekardi, interviewed on February 9th Api on March 24th 1946 had forced the 2004), that is attempting the diplomacy task Allies to persuade the Republic of Indonesia between Republic of Indonesia Government Government to negotiate in Jogjakarta on with the Allies run successfully, whereas April 2nd 1946. Theat meeting discussed in the other side giving the trust to TKR the operation of APWI evacuation. Based on Regiment of Sukabumi to attack the Allies the negotiation result known as (Ramadhan, 1986: 1). Agreement, it was established an executor The meeting between Allies and agency named as POPDA. This agency Indonesian delegation was held on consists of the government instances, December 24th 1945, continued on January cored with TRI which firstly led by Mayor 9th to 10th 1946, and later on January 17th General Soedibjo who later succeeded by to 18th 1946 in The Allies Headquarter Mayor General Abdoel Kadir. in Jakarta. The discussion was about the Conclusion evaluation of the aid assistance from the Indonesian Government to the Allies in The revolution in Sukabumi was a zenith attempting the Japanese troops and APWI of the insatisfaction and the disappointing evacuation APWI. On that meeting, the expression toward the olonial government Indonesian government was delegated policy whether it was on political, social, by Mayor General Soedibjo and ieutenat econmical and cultural that make the Colonel Latief Hendraningrat. Whereas people of Indonesia suffering, especially from the Allies, delegated to the Head the people of Sukabumi. The political, of AFNEI staff Brigadier N.D. Wingrove economical, social, or cultural colonization, and Officer Staff Lieutenant Colonel van and the Proclaim of Republic of Indonesia Der Post (Yoseph Iskandar, 1997: 93). ‘s independence, and also the nationalism

259 SULASMAN, The Role of Civil Society in the War of Indonesia Independence: A Case Study in the Battle Against the Allied Forces in Sukabumi 1945-1946. encouraged by the kyai or ulama as a toward the city of Sukabumi which involving leader of pondok pesantren and also by the the soldiers, organizations, alim ulama and nationalists whether it is local nationalists santri from pesantren. and or the nationaist from came from Revolution in Sukabumi could not be Jakarta, were the supporting factors of the separated from the role of kyai and ulama revolution birth Sukabumi. as the leader of pondok pesantren. They The revolution in Sukabumi was had the ability to encourage the revolution influenced by Ideology of Islam, Socialist, spirit burning the mass emotion. The Communist and Nationalist. The dynamical success of kyai in mass mobilizing was revolution in Sukabumi ran fast after there because they used the religion’s language. was interaction between the local elites Kyai and ulama burnt the nationalism and in Sukabumi and the movement group patriotism spirit of the santri and local especially the nationalist group who came people around pesantren using the concept to Sukabumi. of jihad fi sabill Allah or war in the name Revolution in Sukabumi began with of Allah. the mmass mobilization which involved all The success of revolution in Sukabumi the revolution power whether it was from was because there was the synergy between the pondok pesantren, the youth grouped kyai rolled as the mass mobilizer and the as Hisbullah, Sabilillah, Pesindo, Badan ini Sukabumi Regiment of TKR soldiers led Keamanan Rakyat, political figures, and by Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Soekardi who many others. rolled as coordinator and executor in the Revolution in signed with the taking field. over of authority and colonial authority Revolution in Sukabumi which was symbols from the Japanese hand, followed involving all peoples had given impact to by the succession of the government the Revolution of Indonesia. It was proved officer on the kabupaten level, kotamadya by the solving through diplomacy between (municipal city) until kecamatan (district). the Republic of Indonesia delegation Then it was continued by taking over the represented by Haji Agus Salim as a economical assets such as enterprises minister of international affair and I. C. A. and plantations, for example Cikotok Lauder which was attempting to solve the Gold Mining Enterprise, the Electricity problem in Sukabumi through diplomacy. Enterprise, Tegalpanjang, Gedurahayu, The Allies problem solving in Cireunghas, Cirohani Plantation and etc. Sukabumiwas finished through politik The zenith of Sukabumi revolutionagainst dua kaki, which means solved through the Alies along the Cigombong-Ciranjang diplomacy, and solved through war in the high way track triggered several battles such field. It was just because the Allies disobey as the Battle of Bojongkokosan which caused the pact to uninvolved Dutch in submitting the Allies air force bombing of Cibadak, the its task to evacuate APWI. Battle of Gekbrong, and the Massive Attack

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