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.

Politics & Government

Founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

August 8th, 1967 57 years ago

Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand established the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a move aimed at promoting regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange. The founding declaration emphasized cooperation among nations to prevent conflicts and enhance their collective strength. The founding countries were motivated by political unrest and the need for mutual support in a rapidly changing global landscape, leading to the formation of a formal regional organization that could address shared challenges.

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Politics & Government

Suharto Becomes Acting President of Indonesia

March 12th, 1967 58 years ago

After intense political turmoil, Suharto was inaugurated as Acting President of Indonesia by the People’s Consultative Assembly. This marked a significant shift in power from Sukarno, who had been sidelined following a failed coup attempt that led to widespread violence. Suharto's rise to leadership was encouraged by military backing and a desire for stability amidst national chaos.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Indonesian Army Generals

September 30th, 1965 59 years ago

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.

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Natural Disasters

Mount Agung Erupts, Causing Widespread Devastation

March 17th, 1963 61 years ago

Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali, erupted violently, leading to significant loss of life and destruction of property. The eruption began in March and culminated on March 17, resulting in pyroclastic flows and ash clouds threatening nearby villages. More than 1,100 people lost their lives, and tens of thousands were displaced, creating a humanitarian crisis. The disaster caught global attention and prompted action by local and international organizations to assist the affected communities.

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Military & Warfare

Sinking of Indonesian Navy's RI Macan Tutul

January 15th, 1962 63 years ago

The Indonesian Navy fast patrol boat RI Macan Tutul, commanded by Commodore Yos Sudarso, was sunk by the Dutch Navy in the Arafura Sea. This incident came amid rising tensions over the sovereignty of Netherlands New Guinea, reflecting the broader geopolitical struggles in Southeast Asia during the decolonization period. The sinking represented a significant military engagement in the Indo-Dutch conflict over the control of this territory.

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Politics & Government

Sukarno Dissolves Indonesian Parliament for DPR-GR

March 5th, 1960 65 years ago

Indonesian President Sukarno dismissed the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat, the democratically elected parliament established in 1955, and replaced it with the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Gotong Royong (DPR-GR). This new parliament was composed of members specifically appointed by Sukarno, marking a significant shift in Indonesia's political landscape. The change aimed to consolidate power and facilitate his guided democracy concept, reflecting Sukarno's desire for greater control over the government and its policies.

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Accidents & Tragedies

KLM Flight 844 crashes near Schouten Islands

July 16th, 1957 67 years ago

KLM Flight 844 was a scheduled passenger flight from Amsterdam to Sydney. On July 16, 1957, the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation aircraft crashed into the ocean off the Schouten Islands, which are located in present-day Indonesia, while en route. All 58 people aboard, including passengers and crew, were lost tragically. The cause of the crash was attributed to adverse weather conditions, which severely impacted visibility and flying conditions.

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Politics & Government

Non-Aligned Nations unite at Bandung

April 24th, 1955 69 years ago

Twenty-nine non-aligned nations gathered in Bandung, Indonesia, to discuss and promote solidarity among Asian and African countries. The conference served as a platform for leaders to condemn colonialism, racism, and the escalating tensions of the Cold War. Prominent figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Sukarno of Indonesia played key roles in the discussions. This gathering marked a significant step towards fostering cooperation and asserting independence from colonial rule and global power struggles.

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Politics & Government

First Asian-African Conference in Bandung

April 18th, 1955 69 years ago

Twenty-nine nations gathered in Bandung, Indonesia, to discuss cooperation and solidarity among Asian and African countries. The conference was significant for promoting mutual economic and political support, self-determination, and non-alignment during the Cold War. It set the stage for future discussions on decolonization and development in a changing world. The leaders aimed to establish a platform for addressing common issues faced by the nations and signaled a united stand against imperialism.

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