Historical Events tagged with "indonesia"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Volcanic Ash Clouds Cause Engine Failure

June 24th, 1982 42 years ago

British Airways Flight 009 encountered severe turbulence while flying through volcanic ash from Mount Galunggung. All four engines failed, leading pilots to perform an emergency descent. Fortunately, they managed to glide and safely land on a nearby airport in Jakarta. The aircraft experienced a total loss of power but no injuries were reported among the 246 passengers and crew aboard, showcasing the pilots' exceptional skill under pressure.

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Natural Disasters

Landslide on Iliwerung Volcano Triggers Tsunami

July 18th, 1979 45 years ago

A landslide occurred on the Iliwerung volcano in Indonesia, leading to a tsunami that devastated coastal areas. The event resulted in over 530 confirmed deaths and left approximately 700 individuals missing. The combination of volcanic activity and geographical features created conditions ripe for the tsunami, affecting several nearby communities. Rescue operations were launched to assist those affected and search for survivors.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Eruption of Mount Marapi

April 30th, 1979 45 years ago

Mount Marapi, a complex volcano located on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, erupted violently, resulting in the tragic deaths of 80 to 100 people. The eruption sent ash plumes into the atmosphere and triggered pyroclastic flows, devastating nearby communities. Local residents who had lived in the shadow of the volcano faced the sudden catastrophic event, which was exacerbated by limited preparedness for volcanic eruptions. The urgency to respond to such natural disasters became evident afterward, highlighting the need for improved warning systems in the region.

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Natural Disasters

Sinila Crater Gas Release Causes Villager Deaths

February 20th, 1979 46 years ago

An earthquake cracked open the Sinila volcanic crater in Central Java, Indonesia, releasing toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. This lethal gas spread into surrounding villages, affecting many locals. The aftermath saw 149 villagers perish due to the exposure to the poisonous fumes, highlighting the dangers of volcanic activity in populated areas.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Inauguration of Jagorawi Toll Road by Soeharto

March 9th, 1978 47 years ago

The Jagorawi Toll Road was inaugurated to enhance connectivity between Jakarta, Bogor, and Ciawi. This marked a significant advancement in Indonesia’s transportation infrastructure, aimed at promoting economic growth and easing traffic congestion in the densely populated region of West Java. The project reflects the commitment of President Soeharto's administration to develop the country's infrastructure, facilitating smoother trade and travel routes.

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Politics & Government

East Timor Becomes Indonesia's 27th Province

July 17th, 1976 48 years ago

In 1976, East Timor was officially annexed by Indonesia, becoming its 27th province. This followed a period of conflict and civil unrest after East Timor's declaration of independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975. Indonesia, aiming to prevent the establishment of a communist state, integrated East Timor despite widespread international condemnation. The annexation marked a significant turning point in Indonesia's territorial expansion and affected the region's political landscape.

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Military & Warfare

Indonesian Troops Kill Five Australian Journalists

October 16th, 1975 49 years ago

In 1975, Indonesian troops killed five Australian journalists in Balibo, Portuguese Timor, during the Indonesian invasion of East Timor. The journalists, known as the Balibo Five, were reporting on Indonesia's military actions and the political situation ahead of the invasion. They were captured by Indonesian forces while trying to document the violence and were subsequently executed. Their deaths raised international concerns over press freedom and human rights abuses occurring during the conflict in East Timor.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Pan Am Flight 812 crashes near Bali

April 22nd, 1974 50 years ago

Pan American World Airways Flight 812 was a scheduled passenger flight from Tokyo to Sydney that crashed on approach to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, killing all 107 people on board. The aircraft, a Boeing 727, encountered adverse weather conditions, which contributed to the pilot's inability to maintain proper altitude during the approach. This incident remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents to occur in Indonesia.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Merpati Nusantara Airlines Flight Disaster

November 10th, 1971 53 years ago

A Vickers Viscount operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines crashed into the Indian Ocean near Padang, West Sumatra, killing all 69 people on board. The aircraft was on a domestic flight from Jakarta to Padang when it encountered difficulties and ultimately went down over the water. The tragic loss of life marked a significant aviation accident in Indonesia's history.

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