Army defy the State
This report describes Raymond Westerling's demand that the newly formed United States of Indonesia recognise his 20,000-strong APRA militia as Pasundan's official army. It highlights the political tensions surrounding his challenge to the Republican government and fears that his force could spark renewed conflict in West Java.
DJAKARTA, Thurs. (AAP-Reuter).—Former Dutch commando Captain "Turco" Westerling, who claims to command a 20,000-strong private army in West Java, today demanded that the United States of Indonesia recognise his force as the official armed force of the autonomous province of Pasundan.
In a written declaration sent to the USI Government, Westerling said that unless he received a favourable reply by midnight he "might be unable to control" his force, which bears the title "Army of Heavenly Hosts."
He said that he did not seek civil war, "only justice for West Java and freedom for Pasundan."
He claimed as allies "certain influential elements" among West Java's Darul Islam guerrillas, who recently stepped up operations against Indonesian Army outposts. The estimated combat strength of these guerrillas is 10,000.
An official spokesman for the Dutch High Commissioner admitted that the Dutch Army in Bandoeng, the capital of Pasundan, had been alerted in case of a clash between Westerling's army and Indonesian forces.
Indonesian Premier Hatta yesterday described Westerling as a "dangerous man" and said: "If he appears in Djakarta the Dutch Army will take care of him."
Last night Westerling openly visited a Djakarta nightclub. The Dutch took no action because, they said, he was no longer a serving officer and they had no authority to intervene in internal affairs.
Westerling is 30 years old and is of mixed Dutch, Greek and Turkish parentage. His colourful wartime career included a period as personal bodyguard to Lord Louis Mountbatten.