Bitter Release

Just two months after he became justice minister in 1951, Muhammad Yamin decreed that 950 political prisoners be released. Many of those inmates had been members of Laskar Bambu Runcing (Sharp Bamboo Army), a paramilitary group, and Gerakan Rakyat Revolusioner (People's Revolutionary Movement). The latter was headed by Chaerul Saleh. Both were considered a threat by then-President Sukarno, and their members were locked up.

Yamin's arbitrary action drew harsh criticism from civilians, the opposition and the press. The army, particularly the Siliwangi Division, also staged protests, pushing the Sukiman-Suwirjo cabinet into crisis. "But Yamin was a gentleman. He resigned when the crisis occurred," historian Restu Gunawan told Tempo.

August 19, 2014