The September 30 Movement (G30S/PKI) and Its Aftermath in Indonesia

One-Sentence Summary

This film documents the Indonesian Communist Party's (PKI) failed coup attempt on September 30, 1965, known as the September 30 Movement (Gerakan 30 September), depicting the planning, execution, and military response that led to the movement's collapse and the deaths of six generals and a lieutenant.

Key Takeaways

• [7:18] The PKI conducted systematic unilateral actions against Islamic organizations and farmers in various Indonesian regions throughout 1965, including violent attacks in Kediri, North Sumatra, and other areas to consolidate power and eliminate opposition.

• [9:24] The PKI leadership, under DN Aidit, established a special bureau in 1964 led by Sam Kamaruzaman to infiltrate the military and organize the September 30 movement, which received covert support from China in the form of weapons.

• [30:15] PKI leaders strategized to seize state power before October 5, 1965, when they feared anti-communist military officers would conduct their own coup, making the timing of their action critical to their survival.

• [33:53] The movement was led by Lieutenant Colonel Untung and organized three military task forces (Pasopati, Bimasakti, and Priyayi) with the primary objective of kidnapping and eliminating seven anti-communist generals perceived as threats to President Sukarno and the communist party.

• [1:34:37] During the execution of the coup attempt, six generals and one lieutenant were kidnapped and murdered, with their bodies disposed of in a well in Lubang Buaya (Crocodile Hole), a location that later became a symbol of communist brutality.

• [1:46:02] General Soemitro and other military leaders successfully mobilized Kostrad forces to retake key installations including Radio Republic Indonesia and the Halim air base, effectively crushing the movement within hours.

• [2:44:48] President Sukarno survived the coup attempt and remained in control, while the failed uprising resulted in widespread anti-communist sentiment and the military's ascension to political power under General Soemitro.

Suggested Category Tags

• History
• Indonesia
• Military Coup
• Cold War Politics
• Documentary Drama