The Commander-in-Chief's Politics
He was bound by the oath that troops never surrender, which is why Sudirman turned down Sukarno's plea that he remain in Yogyakarta while it was being bombarded from the air. He chose instead to wage guerrilla war, the people's battle against the second Dutch military aggression. Sudirman's political stance, which often placed him opposite figures like Sjahrir, Amir Sjarifoedin and even Sukarno and Hatta, was formed when Indonesia proclaimed its independence. He was once even close to Tan Malaka.
November 13, 2012
At the Crossroads
Sudirman's close relations with Tan Malaka and anti-diplomacy figures led him to be accused of planning a coup.
The letter was received in the daytime when Sudirman was preparing to leave his house at Loji Gandrung in Solo, Central Java. Delivered by a special escort from Yogyakarta to Solo by Brigade 29 led by Col. Dahlan, the letter was signed by Defense Minister Amir Sjarifoeddin.
The courier asked Gen. Sudirman to respond immed
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