The Chameleon Tactics of an Independence Diplomat
Sumitro Djojohadikusumo played an active role in Indonesia’s diplomatic struggles at the United Nations. He once clashed with Mohammad Hatta.
Febriyan
June 1, 2026
UPON receiving news of the Dutch assault on Yogyakarta, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo rushed to Washington, D.C., on December 19, 1948. At the time, he had been in New York. He traveled some 364 kilometers carrying a document he called a memorandum.
Yogyakarta was then serving as Indonesia’s temporary capital. Sumitro headed to Washington to meet United States Secretary of State Robert A. Lovett.
Meeting Lovett the following day, Sumitro verbal
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