Battle of Kumai
Part of the Indonesian National Revolution
Date14 January 1946
Location
Kumai, Central Kalimantan
Result Indonesian victory
Belligerents
Dutch East Indies  Indonesia
Strength
250 Unknown
Casualties and losses
50 killed 21 killed

Battle of Kumai (Indonesian: Pertempuran Kumai) or also known locally as Battle of 14 January (Indonesian: Pertempuran 14 Januari) was a clash between Netherlands Indies Civil Administration and Royal Netherlands East Indies Army against Indonesian militias in town of Kumai, Central Kalimantan.[1] Indonesian militias, consisted of mostly pemuda (youths), newly formed Indonesian Army, and armed Islamic cleric militia; known as Barisan Ulama (Ulema Front) or Barisan Berjenggot (Bearded Front), confronted Dutch armed convoys that tried to land in the port.[1][2]

The convoy with strength of around 250, was shot from harbour by militias before made a landing, preventing them to do so.[3] As the result, 50 Dutch soldiers died while 21 recorded also died from Republican side, and the convoy was diverted away from the town.[3]

The battle was reported by delegation of Indonesian nationalist from Borneo in militia commander meeting in Yogyakarta, 21 February 1946. From those delegations are from Laskar Kalimantan (lit: Kalimantan Troops) and also from Barisan Ulema.[3]

Legacy

The battle is commemorated every year by local government and locals from the town.[4] A road in the town is named Jalan Gerilya, means "Guerilla Street", commemorating the battle.[2][5] A monument, named Monumen Merah Putih (Red and White Monument) was built in the town with mural depicting soldiers on walls surrounding it.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Gunawan, Hendri (15 January 2019). "Peringati pertempuran 14 Januari 1946, berharap pengakuan pemerintah pusat". Antara News Kalteng. Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  2. ^ a b Hakim, Lukman (1 October 2021). "Jalan Gerilya, Saksi Bisu Perjuangan TKR di Kotawaringin Barat". kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  3. ^ a b c Isnaeni, Hendri (2017-01-20). "Barisan Jenggot Berbahaya". Historia - Majalah Sejarah Populer Pertama di Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  4. ^ Dzakwan, Sigit (17 January 2021). "Napak Tilas Pertempuran 14 Januari 1946, AMPP Kumai Tanam Mangrove". SINDOnews.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  5. ^ "Kenang Jasa Pahlawan, Warga Kumai Peringati Hari Pertempuran". KaltengEkspres (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  6. ^ "Sambut HUT Kemerdekaan RI ke-75, Dinas Dikbud Lakukan Perawatan Monumen Merah Putih". MMC Kobar. Retrieved 2021-10-22.

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