Seminar by Anton Aliabbas | ‘Military Politics during Indonesia’s Dwikora Operation (Konfrontasi, 1963-67)’

Konfrontasi aimed to oppose the extension of the Federation of Malayia to embrace Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. On 3 May 1964, President Soekarno announced the “People’s Twofold Command Operation” (Dwikora Operation) to “crush” the Malaysia Federation. However, the Indonesian military (Tentara Nasional Indonesia/TNI) did not support it wholeheartedly. Within Indonesia, Dwikora was not solely an action to oppose the creation of Malaysia Federation. The complex and turbulent domestic situation damaged TNI cohesion.

This seminar will examine how politicisation of the TNI affected its performance in the Dwikora Operation during Konfrontasi.

Anton Aliabbas is a KITLV visiting fellow. He is writing his PhD dissertation at Cranfield University (UK) on management within the Indonesian military.

Please register if you wish to attend: [email protected].