Central Sulawesi Youth Movement
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- Asa Bungkudapu
| Central Sulawesi Youth Movement | |
|---|---|
| Gerakan Pemuda Sulawesi Tengah | |
| |
| Leaders |
|
| Foundation | 5 December 1957 |
| Dates of operation | 1957–1960 |
| Allegiance | Republic of Indonesia |
| Headquarters | Poso (until 1960) |
| Active regions | |
| Ideology | Pancasila Indonesian nationalism Regionalism |
| Status | Defunct by 1963 |
| Battles and wars | Permesta Rebellion Darul Islam rebellion |
The Central Sulawesi Youth Movement (Indonesian: Gerakan Pemuda Sulawesi Tengah) often abbreviated GPST, was a pro-government militia movement formed to counter the Permesta and Darul Islam rebellions in the eastern region of Central Sulawesi, particularly in Poso, Morowali, and Banggai, in the period 1957 to 1960. The GPST itself was established on 5 December 1957.
On 2 March 1957 in North Sulawesi, Permesta was proclaimed. The struggle was a rebellious movement that wanted greater autonomy and representations to the for the local regions in eastern Indonesia. The conflict escalated significantly due to the involvement of high-ranking officials from the Indonesian National Army (TNI) within the jurisdiction of Pangdam VII/Wirabuana. Among the notable figures during this period were Alex Kawilarang and Ventje Sumual, both associated with the TNI in Sulawesi before deserting for Permesta.[1][2] Compounding the severity of the situation was the alleged support provided by the United States. The influential alliance possessed a fleet of 15 B-26 Invader bombers.[3] The year 1957 witnessed TNI members across North and Central Sulawesi regions operating under the leadership of Permesta Commander, Alex Kawilarang. This collaboration resulted in a notable absence of TNI troops aligned with the Republic of Indonesia during that period, as loyalties appeared to shift within the military ranks.
On April 13, 1958, Permesta, under the command of TNI officials, executed aerial bombings on Makassar's Mandaidi Slash Field, causing extensive damage. Furthermore, the port of Donggala suffered significant destruction, resulting in the sinking of several ships anchored at Donggala Harbour. Permesta's control extended to the Morotai Airfield in Maluku, precipitating intense confrontations between TNI forces and Permesta splinter groups.
Formation
The Christian population of the Lake Poso region was initially happy with the presence of Permesta's Christian troops who drove the Darul Islam army out of the Poso region. This did not last long, as the Permesta troops began to abuse the local population, which drove most of the Poso population to go into the jungles and highlands of Sulawesi.[4]
Recognizing the imminent threat posed, on December 5, 1957, the youth bands of Central Sulawesi's highlands took decisive action by establishing an organization known as the Central Sulawesi Youth Movement. Initially an informal militia, the GPST grew into an organization formed by the Poso middle class. The chairman of the GPST, Asa Bungkundapu, is an employee of the tax office in Poso Regency and there are soldiers such as Masialo Tonigi, as well as Pastor Mogente Awusi. Likewise, many GPST members come from teachers such as Nico Pelima and Albert Bajaji. Under the leadership of Asa Bungkudapu in Poso City, the youth organized themselves to counteract the challenges presented by Permesta.[5] Recruitment of GPST members was carried out in several areas such as Tentena, Kelei, Taripa, and others.[6]
The story of the formation of GPST in Luwuk Banggai is different. The leader of the GPST for the Luwuk Banggai region is Eddy Martono. It started with the Batui sub-district head or Batui district head named Badru Salam who refused and disobeyed Permesta when Permesta broke off ties with Jakarta. Badru Salam is the one who built the relationship with GPST from Poso. GPST Luwuk started to carry out the movement when Robert M. Tengkow organized and held meetings with young people to prevent the confiscation or theft of weapons at the Permesta Dormitory.[6] The movement then spread across educated Poso communities and reached all levels of society, including the upper, middle, and lower classes. It extended across Poso, Tentena, Mori, Tojo, Ampana, Luwuk, Kolonodale, and Bungku.
Fleeing into the jungle
Permesta's strength in Poso Regency is evident on the GPST map, indicating its potential to target the area. The power formation of Permesta is marked by 11 strategic points: Kolonodale, Pendolo, Bada, Besoa, Tentena, Pamona, Pebato, Poso, Uekuli, and Ampana. Notably, Permesta strategically positioned leaders in key locations. Major Jan Willem Gerungan led Permesta in the Central Sulawesi Region, including Poso Regency, with over 800 members. In Poso, Major Lukas J. Palar commanded 900 soldiers. By 1959, Major Gerungan had signed an official agreement for military cooperation with DI/TII and was appointed deputy commander of the joint staff for military defense cooperation.[7]
Asa Bangkundapu, an employee of the tax office in Poso Regency, sent letters to his friends, who sought to create discussions and strategic planning to actualize his aspirations of freeing Poso from Permesta. Contact after contact with friends, they agreed to flee inland into the jungles of central Sulawesi, intending to draw governmental attention and subsequently articulate their demands. The youth movement that migrated to the jungle soon became a subject of suspicion by Permesta.[7] After discussion, they then concluded that the next step was to inform the government that the local sons (native population) had agreed to organise a "flash broadcast" so that the public would know what the movement was really about.[6]
As a result of the GPST's flash broadcasts, the Permesta took action starting with the arrests of GPST members who at that time did not have adequate legal protection. Permesta saw that the people of Poso and Tentena did not support Permesta. Thus, the Permesta considered that the GPST was committing insubordination and resistance and regarded Permesta as an enemy. 7 December 1957 was the beginning of the dissemination of the GPST flash broadcast and since then the Permesta began arresting suspected figures including Tentena community leaders.[6] In their attacks on GPST, Permesta said that those who did not come out of the forest were intimidated through their families. If they did not come out, their parents would be killed.[6][7]
Elsewhere, the GPST sent Asa Bungkundapu, Herman Parimo and Mogadi to Jakarta for a direct meeting with President Sukarno. In the context of Jakarta, PRRI/Permesta were perceived as rebels and permesta, being deemed an adversary of the State, was targeted for suppression. Subsequently, the GPST delegation received a favorable reception from individuals at the Army Headquarters. The government acknowledged their commitment to defending the State, marking the initiation of recognition for the GPST by the central authorities. Efforts to secure a meeting with General Nasution proved unsuccessful, as they were only permitted to meet his deputy due to Nasution's preoccupation. Mogadi remained in Makassar and proceeded directly to Poso. Providing an explanation of their mission, they obtained a recommendation to meet Colonel Maraden Panggabean, who held authority over Palopo. Following their return, they were directed to organize a brief military training program for GPST members. This training took place among troops brought by Maraden Panggabean, supervised by Lieutenant Colonel Soetadji in Koroncia.[6] Venturing to the small village of Korontjia (pronounced Koroncia) in Palopo Regency, South Sulawesi, they strategized and devised a plan of resistance against the impending Permesta.[8]
On April 30, 1958, in the village of Korontjia, the youth of Central Sulawesi made a historic declaration of loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia and a resolute determination to confront Permesta. This proclamation, known as the "Naskah Korontjia," was formally endorsed by Asa Bungkudapu, acting on behalf of GPST as its General Chairman. The document also bore the signature of Alex Soetadji, the deputy KDO of RTP-16 Brawidjaja.[8] Then it was read out in Korontjia Field, Kalaena District, Malili Kewedanaan, Palopo Regency, South Sulawesi.
With the signing of the Korontjia Manuscript, the youth of Central Sulawesi affiliated with GPST unified their resolve to combat the splinter factions aligned with Permesta. During this period, GPST operated as an armed civilian force, receiving support from military authorities in Jakarta. Reinforcements from the Indonesian National Army (TNI) in Java of Yon 501 Brawijaya Troops. and Kamantan's Yon 601 Tanjungpura Troops were swiftly deployed to Central Sulawesi in collaboration with GPST to counter the emerging threat.[8][6]