The science of war from Tan Malaka*
Book review of Gerpolek (2011)
Human history is filled with war events. Names such as Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, and Napoleon have admired figures in the history of war. They have a unique way of defeating opponents. Tan Malaka said they had one understanding: calm in attacking to gain victory.
War was born before the science of war itself. Ancient war guides are only based on ancestral guidance which contains advice and advice. At that time there was no systematic military science. This knowledge was born in German hands. Although, thousands of years ago China had given birth to a character like Luan Yu.
But it was only in the midst of the German people that the science of warfare (Kriegwissenchaft) emerged and grew in the real sense of science, namely systematic (arranged), logical (according to the laws of thought) and consistent (still holding the basis).
page. 56
Science of war was considered important by Tan Malaka, considering that the struggle through diplomatic channels (until 1948) was unsatisfactory. Several times he said negotiations such as Linggarjati and Renville only reduced the spirit of independence 100%. The independence that Tan meant was freedom from capitalism-imperialism. According to Tan, the negotiations carried out for two years after the proclamation of independence only opened a second gate for the enemy to control Indonesia again.
The Gerpolek book came amidst Tan’s doubts to the Indonesian delegation at that time. They prefer to negotiate rather than compete physically. In fact, at that time the enemy was weak. They were criticized by the international community and expelled by Indonesian troops. The British were even afraid that this spirit of Indonesia would spread to its colonies. England must leave, but the Netherlands is not ready to replace. Indonesia carried out a truce.
For this reason, the Republican then entered into a truce of war which was welcomed by the Dutch and British with a long breath, smiles and gratitude.
page. 93
Choosing a guerrilla path
The science of warfare referred to here is guerrilla warfare. Tan explained the history of war tactics in general in advance, then narrowed the discussion down to guerrilla warfare. He saw that this war was suitable for the Indonesian nation. This is due to the limited supply of modern weapons and several other factors.
Why dare to physical war? Where was Indonesia’s advantage over the Netherlands at that time? First, superior population (Netherlands 7 million, Indonesia 70 million); second, the battlefield accordingly is one’s hometown, so that it is easy to adapt to natural conditions; third, Indonesian logistics were stronger (at that time the Dutch were already battered because they were blackmailed by the Germans, while Indonesia, although blackmailed and seized by foreigners, was still able to supply food for the “Laskar” a.k.a guerrillas); fourth, the morale of war in Indonesia is higher than the enemy because it wants to free itself from oppression. Fifth, Indonesia is ready with the organization and tactics of war.
It should be noted that the knowledge of warfare developed by Tan Malaka refers to multi-aspect warfare. Not only the physical one. He called the spirit of war the People’s War.
People’s war is war in all fields of life, namely in (1) military, (2) political, (3) economic and others.
page. 76
From the point of view of the fundamentals of warfare, Guerrilla War is included in the Forward and Backward War. Tan viewed that the Indonesian nation at that time was not suitable for trench warfare and rapid action war. Indonesia is more able to fulfil the requirements to carry out the Forward and Backward strategy. The purpose of this strategy is to move forward to destroy the enemy and retreat so that the enemy will not destroy it.
Guerrilla warfare tactics vary. Tan himself noted eight tactics. One of the tactics that Aceh had successfully carried out in 1872–1908 was the tactic of luring the enemy into a trap.
Hungry enemy soldiers may be lured into the traps of the guerrilla warriors (guerrilla warriors) who pretend to carry food items such as vegetables, rice, chicken, buffalo and others in front of the enemy.
page. 87
Guerilla actors
There is no term actor of the guerrilla in this book. Tan called the actor of that warfare as guerrilla as well. For the guerrilla, warfare practitioners were divided into two: soldiers and guerrillas. The People’s Army was allowed to do politics in a revolutionary way. He must carry out the political program of the Early People. Meanwhile, Laskar is a small unit or a combination of several small units that are at the forefront of guerrilla warfare tactics.
The military bureaucracy was formed democratically. Arrangements are made to separate work positions, not create elitist institutions.
…. Laskar Guerrilla can be accepted as part of the people’s army. Likewise, the People’s Army may prioritize guerrilla tactics on a large scale.
page. 130
We do not find this concept in reality. The history of the formation of the Indonesian military bureaucracy has created many divisions. The tail even now. At that time there was chaos between the army soldiers (who were PETA alumni) and the former KNIL soldiers. The polemic revolves around power in the army. Not a strategy to build strength to face the enemy.
How is it now?
Note:
- Tan Malaka is one of the important figures in the history of Indonesia struggle. However, his legacies were buried by the Soeharto regime over the decades.
Indonesian version, click here
