INDONESIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A000600010056-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 10, 2002
• Sequence Number: 56
• Publication Date: June 29, 1955
• Content Type: BRIEF

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NSC BRIEFING
INDONESIA
1. Last week, in Indonesia, a resurgence of long-
standing tensions between the Army and the
Government brought about a crisis which may
result in collapse of the PNI-led coalition
cabinet,
A. Anti Iwa-Chief-of-Staff resigned and government
selected a new Army Chief-of-Staff - -Gen.
Utoyo -- and installed him in office on 27 June.
However, the Deputy (and formerly acting)
Chief-of-Staff (Col. Lubis) together with
all six territorial commanders has refused
to recognize Gen. Utoyo.
B. Col. Lubis suspended by Government but
29 June 1955
refuses to recognize his suspension and
claims the support of the territorial
commanders.
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serritorisl commanders, four of whom
are strongly anti-Communist, boycotted ' toyo's
installation ceremony.
day (29 June) a motion of non-confidence
in pro-Communist Defense Minister Iwa was made
by independent Chairman of Parliament's Military
Coranai;ttee,
, the motion will require soft
rom among II parties presently forming the
Government coalition.
be needed) is not unusual in Indonesia.
Such a sudden switch of votes ~(30 would
B. In view of currently low PNI prestige, (as result
of Army troubles, and economic deterioratio )
as well an increasing conviction amore
Parliament members that opposition will v
elections, passage of motion is quite
possible.
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III. Real target of territorial commanders is defense
minister Iwa.
IV. Collapse of entire Cabinet remains possibility,
however.
A. Should coalition fall, opposition would prefer
"presidential cabinet" in its place rather than
itself taking on government responsibility in
pre-election period when economic woes are
causing widespread criticism.
V. President Sukarno, for the first time, finds
himself challenged by Army and Parliament.
A. Sukarno is believed to have selected Utoyo,
(himself a territorial commander -- South
Sumatra) for Chief-of-Staff post.
Sukarno continues efforts to maintain official
status as "above" all parties.
1. Wants to keep himself available for
cooperation with Masjumi if they should
win elections.
3
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He has refused National Party request
that his name be used on National Party
election list.
C. Also significant is fact that National Police
(70, 000, with 17, 000 in mobile brigade, all
under Prime Minister) for first time abandoned
parliamentary elections (nations first) not
is, Prime Minister Ali and other cabinet
held as scheduled.
VIL Ali said insecure and isolated areas
A. Army known to want elections hel
schedule.
During past two weeks and
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to be bypassed -- representatives appointed.
A. These delegates will acco',int for approcma
15 percent of parliamentary strength.