Assassination of Indonesian Army Generals
September 30th, 1965
September 30th, 1965
How Long Ago?
59 years, 5 months, 15 days ago
Location
Jakarta, Indonesia
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Sukarno
- Suharto
- General Ahmed Yani
Links & References
- Indonesian National Armed Forces
- 30 September Movement
- Communist Party of Indonesia
- Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66
Tags
Assassination of Indonesian Army Generals
In 1965, six Indonesian Army generals were assassinated by the September 30 Movement, a group that aimed to seize power. The killings were blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), which led to widespread violence against suspected leftists. This event became a pivotal moment in Indonesia's political history, resulting in a violent anti-communist purge throughout the country.
Six generals were assassinated in Jakarta.
The September 30 Movement was responsible.
The Indonesian Communist Party was blamed.
Mass anti-communist purges followed nationwide.
What Happened?
The September 30 Movement, a group of army officers, orchestrated the assassination of six Indonesian Army generals, including General Ahmed Yani, in Jakarta. The coup attempt was aimed at preventing a supposed coup by influential generals who were opposed to President Sukarno's rule, who they believed were moving towards a rightist position. Following the assassinations, the movement attempted to take control of the Indonesian government, but the coup failed within days due to the swift response from loyalist forces. The PKI, which had significant influence under Sukarno, was quickly blamed for the actions of the September 30 Movement. In the aftermath, a massive anti-communist purge was launched across Indonesia, leading to the deaths of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people associated with the PKI or suspected leftist sympathies, creating a climate of fear and repression in the country. The political landscape of Indonesia dramatically shifted away from a politically progressive vision towards a more conservative military-led regime led by General Suharto.
Why Does it Matter?
This event is particularly significant as it marked the transition of Indonesia from a period of fluctuating governance under Sukarno to a long-standing authoritarian regime under Suharto. The mass killings and repression that followed the coup deeply scarred Indonesian society and had lasting implications for political dissent. The coup and its repercussions fundamentally altered the balance of power in Indonesia, suppressing leftist ideologies and paving the way for decades of military rule.
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