The Dutch Strategic and Operational Approach in the Indonesian War of Independence, 1945-1949

Abstract

The Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949) and the Dutch attempt to combat the insurgency campaign by the Indonesian nationalists provides an excellent case study of how not to conduct a counter-insurgency war. In this article, it is reasoned that the Dutch security strategic objective-a smokescreen of autonomy while keeping hold of political power-was unrealistic. Their military strategic approach was very deficient. They approached the war with a conventional war mindset, thinking that if they could merely reoccupy the whole archipelago and take the nationalist leaders prisoner, that it would guarantee victory. They also mistreated the indigenous population badly, including several mass murders and other war crimes, and ensured that the population turned against them. There was little coordination between the civilian and military authorities. Two conventional mobile operations, while conducted professionally, actually enlarged the territory to be pacified and weakened the Dutch hold on the country. By early 1949, it was clear that the Dutch had lost the war, mainly because the Dutch made a series of crucial mistakes, such as not attempting to win the hearts and minds of the local population. In addition, the implacable opposition by the United States made their war effort futile.

Potensi Muatan Sejarah Lokal Perjuangan Abdul Manan Wijaya Dalam Mempertahankan Kemerdekaan Di Malang 1945-1948 Pada Pembelajaran Sejarah Kurikulum Merdeka

“…Data yang diperoleh dari artikel, arsip, surat kabar lama, dan buku-buku terkait. Buku yang digunakan dalam penelitian kali ini diantaranya Nasution (1978) yang berjudul Sekitar Perang Kemerdekaan Indonesia Jilid 5, buku karya Sutopo dkk, (1997) Batu-Pujon East Java 1947-1948, penelitian milik Scagliola (2007 yang berjudul The Silences And Myths Of A 'Dirty War': Coming To Terms With The Dutch-Indonesian Decolonisation War (1945-1949 dan penelitian milik Scholtz (2018) dengan judul The Dutch Strategic And Operational Approach In The Indonesian War Of Independence, 1945-1949 Selain itu untuk memperoleh data tambahan peneliti juga melakukan wawancara kepada narasumber yang pernah mengetahui perjuangan Abdul Manan Wijaya, yakni wawancara kepada salah satu tetangga yang juga merupakan istri veteran yakni Ibu Cipto Handoyo (87). Kemudian setelah Vol 6, No.…”

“…Pada saat itu pasukan Belanda yang dikerahkan sebanyak 93.000 tentara yang meliputi angkatan laut, angkatan darat, dan angkatan udara. Pasukan mereka terdiri dari wajib militer pertama yang dilatih setelah perang, sukarelawan dan sisa-sisa KNIL (Scholtz, 2018).…”