Battle of Kumai (Indonesian: Pertempuran Kumai) or also known locally as Battle of 14 January (Indonesian: Pertempuran 14 Januari) was a clash between Netherlands Indies Civil Administration and Royal Netherlands East Indies Army against Indonesian militias in town of Kumai, Central Kalimantan.[1] Indonesian militias, consisted of mostly pemuda (youths), newly formed Indonesian Army, and armed Islamic cleric militia; known as Barisan Ulama (Ulema Front) or Barisan Berjenggot (Bearded Front), confronted Dutch armed convoys that tried to land in the port.[1][2]
The convoy with strength of around 250, was shot from harbour by militias before made a landing, preventing them to do so.[3] As the result, 50 Dutch soldiers died while 21 recorded also died from Republican side, and the convoy was diverted away from the town.[3]
The battle was reported by delegation of Indonesian nationalist from Borneo in militia commander meeting in Yogyakarta, 21 February 1946. From those delegations are from Laskar Kalimantan (lit: Kalimantan Troops) and also from Barisan Ulema.[3]
Legacy
The battle is commemorated every year by local government and locals from the town.[4] A road in the town is named Jalan Gerilya, means "Guerilla Street", commemorating the battle.[2][5] A monument, named Monumen Merah Putih (Red and White Monument) was built in the town with mural depicting soldiers on walls surrounding it.[6]
^ abcIsnaeni, Hendri (2017-01-20). "Barisan Jenggot Berbahaya". Historia - Majalah Sejarah Populer Pertama di Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2021-10-22.
