ANNIVERSARY OF UPRISING

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28776, 23 December 1958, Page 11

ANNIVERSARY OF UPRISING

Reason For Unrest Seen

(Rec. 10 p.m.) December 22.

Government sources in Singapore today attributed the reported tension in North Sumatra to the fact that today is the anniversary of Colonel Maluddin Simbolon’s defection to forces opposed to the Indonesian Central Government Colonel Simbolon, a prominent figure in the fighting against the Dutch, was formerly Commander of North Sumatra. Two years ago. on December 22, he turned against the Government and proclaimed North Sumatra a semiautonomous State. Later he was driven out of Medan by the Chief of Staff (Lieu-tenant-Colonel Djamin Gintings*. who is now Commander of the province. Colonel Simoolon was one of the leaders of the “Revolutionary Republic” set up in Sumatra earlier this year. His present whereabouts are not known. British sources said the anniversary of Colonel Simbolon’s defection caused a certain amount of “jumpiness” in Medan. Government forces in the city had been strengthened and house-to-house searches were being conducted. Britons returning to Malaya from Medan reported considerable rebel activity in North Sumatra. One businessman said wellarmed and well-clad bands in company strength, which appeared to be operating under orders from a central agency, had come quite close to the city. These bands are believed to be the remnants of the army of the “Revolutionary Republic” which was broken up by troops six months ago. The Indonesian Government’s ban against any of its citizens coming to Singapore still stands The ban was imposed last week In a statement today the Indonesian Consulate in Singapore said: “We have tor long enough been annoyed by certain actions of the rebel leaders in Singapore “These rebels continue to enjoy the support of certain irresponsible elements here. This causes the Indonesian Government grave concern because it endangers good relations existing between Singapore and Indonesia. “Temporary suspension of permission for Indonesians to visit Singapore is in the interests of the security of the Indonesian State and is part of the Indonesian Government’s efforts to stop rebel activities in Singapore.” it said.

Apartment Buildings On Fire. — Firemen in Union City today found the charred body of a 10-months-old girl, Debbie Annillo, who was burned to death when fire swept three apartment buildings last night. The police estimated that more than 125 persons were left homeless by the fire.—Union City (New Jersey). December 22.

The correspondent said that recently the revolutionary movement had gone through a drastic reorganisation and had made peace with the tanatical Darul Islam (Army of God) group. This group had controlled most of north-west Sumatra since the Dutch were evicted in 1948. The Darul Islam had a strong, well-armed army. Its aim was to make Indonesia into a theocratic, anti-Communist State. The report said that nearly every city, town and village in Sumatra was surrounded by rebels The country surrounding Medan was completely controlled by . rebels

Last week the Government instituted a house search in Medan for arms and in an effort to break a rebel link—which it believes exists between Sumatra and Malaya—imposed a travel ban. Tn another effort to prevent rebels from obtaining arms and support, the Indonesian Government last week offered to help Singapore regain its trade with Indonesia, which has been cut by half since the middle of this year. if rebel activity in the colony was stopped.

The report said next year would be a difficult one for the young Republic as its economy was in a precarious position.

Gold backing for the currency was down to 785 per cent., although the legal minimum was supposed to be 20 per cent. Industry Hampered

Industries were operating at scarcely 60 per cent, of capacity because the lack of foreign exchange prevented the purchase of raw materials and spare parts. With growing rebel control of Sumatra, which provides 72 per cent, of the national income, mainly from oil, the position might become desperate, said the correspondent. Western diplomats in Jakarta weu awaiting with interest the forthcoming State visit of President Tito of Jugoslavia. So far the Indonesian Communist Party had not indicated its attitude to the visit.

Thu report said that in the past the Moscow-Peking line had been rigidly followed. But as there appeared to be differences now about Jugoslavia between Russia and Chinn, the situation was being closely watched to see which had the greater influence.

Troops Kill 105

Rebels

(Rec. 10 p.m.) JAKARTA, Dec. 22.

A total of 105 Sumatran rebels were killed and a rebel lieutenant captured during the week-end in a three-day mopping-up operation by Government troops in Djambi Province, East Sumatra, according to press reports today from Sumatra.

Government forces chasing the rebels forced them back from the region of the rubber-prpducing centres and Djambi, the reports said. The rebels were retreating towards the mountains of Central Sumatra. They were intercepted when crossing the Central Sumatra border.