Indonesia Prepares To ‘Crush Malaysia’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30982, 11 February 1966, Page 11

Indonesia Prepares To ‘Crush Malaysia’

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright)

DJAKARTA, Feb. 10.

Speculation that President Sukarno’s confrontation policy was on the wane received a setback last night with the announcement that Indonesia’s Supreme Operations Command is to he reorganised and geared for the crushing of Malaysia.

The Information Minister, Major Genera] A c h m a d i, announced the move after a full session of the command presided over by President Sukarno. A new airborne division is to be formed from crack paracommandos and elements

from the Army. Navy, Marines and Air Force. The new airborne division will be placed under the direct control of the Supreme Operations Command, the highest policy-making body in Indonesia. A spokesman said the meeting had heard a report from the Army Minister and Chief of Staff. General Suharto, on Indonesia’s confrontation against Malaysia.

I He also reported on the internal security situation with regard to the forthcoming military tribunal to try those concerned in the abortive coup last October. The tribunal will start proceedings against the leader of the coup. Colonel Untang, and the Communist leader, Mr Njono, next Monday. President Sukarno conferred with the chief of the armed forces. General Nasution, yesterday on his “political solution” to the coup. A spokesman for General Nasution later told students that no solution would be announced until peace and order was restored in Indonesia. STUDENTS DEFIANT Djakarta students affiliated to the Student Action Front have resolved to continue their boycott of classes as a gesture of “popular dissatisfaction.” Leaders of the front said the boycott would continue until the organisation’s threepoint demand—for the lowering of prices, a Cabinet reshuffle and the banning of the Communist Party—was met.