APRA's Insurgency Leader And Raymond Westerling's Role In The 1950 Bandung Coup

YOGYAKARTA - The figure of the APRA (War Force Ratu Adil) rebellion became an important part of Indonesia's post-independence history. This rebellion took place in Bandung on January 23, 1950 and was led by Captain Raymond Westerling, a former KNIL officer (Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indisch Leger).

APRA's rebellion was carried out by KNIL forces who did not agree with the results of the Round Table Conference (KMB) because it was considered detrimental to them. The following will be discussed behind, key figures, and the impact of this rebellion on the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.

APRA's rebellion began with the dissatisfaction of the KNIL troops against the decision of the Round Table Conference. In that decision, the KNIL soldiers had to be disbanded and merged into the TNI, while the Dutch troops were withdrawn from Indonesia.

Many KNIL soldiers rejected this decision for fear of losing power and their privileges. Captain Raymond Westerling, known for the Westerling Massacre in South Sulawesi in 1946 '1947, took advantage of this situation to form the APRA.

Westerling recruited about 2,000 troops, mostly from former KNIL soldiers and members of the Speciale Troepen Register. The name APRA itself is taken from the term 'Queen Adil' which comes from the Jayabaya prediction.

On January 5, 1950, Westerling sent an ultimatum to the government of the Republic of Indonesia (RIS). He demanded that the government recognize and appreciate the state, including Pasundan State, and recognize APRA as the Pasundan army.

Otherwise, Westerling threatens to wage a major war. However, the government rejected the charges and Mohammad Hatta ordered the arrest of Westerling.

The peak of the APRA rebellion occurred on January 23, 1950, when about 800 APRA troops invaded Bandung City. They opened fire on TNI members who were met on the road, causing 79 soldiers to fall, including Lieutenant Colonel Lembong.

This sudden attack occurred when the TNI was complying with orders to remove weapons according to the results of the KMB. Apart from Westerling, several other figures were involved in this incident. One of them, Sultan Hamid II from Pontianak.

Sultan Hamid II, who at that time served as Minister of State Zonder Portfolio in the RIS Cabinet. He turned out to be a pro-federalism figure and opposed the form of a unitary state.

Other figures involved are Pasundan State Prime Minister Anwar Tjokroaminoto, Police Commissioner R. Jusuf, Police Commissioner Djanakum, and Male Wiranatakusumah. They were arrested after the coup failed and were interrogated by the Indonesian government.

APRA's rebellion was finally successfully eradicated through military operations launched by the TNI.

After the uprising failed, Raymond Westerling fled abroad to avoid arrests. Some historical records state that he was arrested by Dutch police, but was later released and alive in exile.

Meanwhile, Sultan Hamid II was arrested by the Indonesian government on April 5, 1950 because he was proven to be working with Westerling in a coup attempt.

The government then strengthened the TNI's position and confirmed the form of a unitary state to prevent similar rebellions from forming. In addition, the fighters who died in the event are remembered as heroes.

As a form of respect, the government established the Dwikora Monument and Trikora at the TNI Jakarta Headquarters Complex in memory of the victims of the APRA rebellion.

This rebellion serves as a reminder that the struggle to defend independence is not only against foreign colonialists, but also faces threats from within the country. The spirit of unity and loyalty to Indonesia must be maintained so that a dark history like APRA does not happen again.