A first joint military operation in Indonesia was held to subdue the restive regional commanders. Do not escape from foreign intervention.
Troops Raiders Bulls in PRRI crushing. Source
The Joint Special Operations Command (Koopsusgab) will be reactivated to combat acts of terror. The deployment of super-elite troops from these three dimensions has been approved by Commission I of the House of Representatives. According to TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Thajanto, his side is still waiting for the Government Regulation (PP) as the legal umbrella of Koopsusgab existence. Previously, the United States government (US) through its deputy ambassador, Erin Mckee offers help to uncover the mastermind of acts of terrorism.
The exact same condition also happened in the past. At that time the Indonesian government was troubled with the PRRI opposition movement. PRRI involves several regional commander in Sumatra who oppose central government policy. They include Colonel Maludin Simbolon, commander in North Sumatra, Colonel Ahmad Husein, commander in West Sumatra, and Colonel Barlian in South Sumatra. To crack down on it, the TNI held a military operation under the "Firm" code covering the operation area in Riau in March 1958.
"Firm operation to seize Riau's oil region, which is a calculated target for US 'intentions," said Abdul Haris Nasution in his memoir Fulfilling Task Volume 4: The Second Transition Period. In Operation Firm, Nasution who held the rank of lieutenant general is head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (GKS).
Although PRRI has the strongest base in West Sumatera and North Sumatra, Riau's appointment as the target is considered appropriate. Because the position of Riau is quite strategic because it borders the international sea traffic. Mastering Riau will shut the possibility of the rebels escaping through the Strait of Malacca. In addition Caltex (a multi-national giant oil company from the United States), has long been operating in Riau.
US Ambassador Howard Jones was accompanied by high-ranking Caltex officials to meet Prime Minister Juanda in Jakarta. Both of these guests worried about the safety of citizens and American investment in Riau. They signaled a threat. US-based Pacific Fleet and British military unity in Singapore are on alert in Riau waters. US marines will be deployed if the Indonesian government is unable to secure its territory.
Early morning, March 12, 1958, Operation Firm was launched. This operation is large-scale because it involves the core strength of all forces: AD, AL, AU, including the Police. Most of the fleets and aircraft are deployed. The commander of operations is Lieutenant Colonel (AD) Kaharudin Nasution, First Deputy Lieutenant Colonel (AU) Wiriadinata, and Major Representative II (AL) Indra Subagyo.
Nasution illustrates the enormous strength of the combined military operation. "I have never seen a plane gather so much. Dakota-Dakota GIA lined the meeting along the field along with AURI Mustang, B-25 fighter aircraft and others, "recalled Nas.
In addition to regular troops, each elite troop is deployed. One company of RPKAD (now Kopassus), two companies of the Rapid Movement Forces (PGT, now Paskhas AU), and the AL Corps of Command (KKO). In operations in Riau, Brimob units were included under the leadership of Police Commissioner Sutjipto Danukusumo. The jumping and landing of troops departed from Tanjung Pinang, the capital of Riau Islands.
Uniquely, during flight operations commonly used, the English is abolished. All the talks are done in Javanese. The reason for preventing British troops in Singapore and the US fleet tapping into the codes of the Indonesian forces movement.
Kangaroo Command consisting of troops PGT and RPKAD to jump to occupy the airfield and the city of Pekanbaru. In the Joint Operations of PRRI-Permesta, Makmun Salim recorded at 07.00 Simpangtiga air field can be fully controlled by TNI. Following then the city of Pekanbaru which has been in control of the TNI in a short time.
"The rebels even surrendered with all their weapons. Before, during or after briefly against the invasion of ABRI troops, "Julius Pour wrote in Benny Moerdani: Profile of Warrior Statesman.
RPKAD troops from the command of Kangaroo led by Lieutenant II Benny Moerdani, seized approximately 80 trucks abandoned at the airport runway. After being ransacked, the trucks made logistical needs in the form of weapons and money. The foreign supplies consisted of long-barreled Garand, Springfield, Recoilless, and American-made Bazooka rifles. It was known then that these latest weapons came from the US through CIA agents.
An intermediate enemy captain captured by captain Benny. According to the captain's admission, the rebel forces were unaware that they thought the TNI troop was a series of logistics submissions to support the uprising. Originally estimated, if Pekanbaru could no longer be maintained, the rebels had to blow up some of Caltex's local oil fields.
"Action charred earth is expected to soon provoke the arrival of foreign intervention. This grandiose hope was not realized, "wrote Julius Pour. read more here