Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Southeast Asia, Volume XXII

203. Telegram From the Embassy in Indonesia to the Department of State¹

Djakarta, January 18, 1957—1 p.m.

1770. At his request I met Subandrio at Foreign Office today who outlined to me Sukarno’s conception substantially along lines press release sent mytel 1765.² Stressing that Advisory Council³ to be set up will not be “revolutionary”, Subandrio said it would be temporary stop-gap while Parliament develops realization its power and responsibilities and in evolutionary way comes into its own. Obviously out to sell Sukarno’s new line (one source told Embassy officer Subandrio will participate in Advisory Council and it is likely that he had hand in drafting release on President’s concept) Subandrio said Indonesia’s present difficulties could have been prevented had political parties and Parliament attended to things rather than bickering among themselves. He stressed Sukarno’s belief in democratic nature of people at village level and Sukarno’s conviction Parliamentary democracy only possible when necessary prerequisites of literacy, economic satisfaction and some traditions Parliamentary democracy are acquired.

It was difficult at times determine whether Subandrio was speaking of Sukarno’s or Subandrio’s convictions as he warmed to his subject. He condemned party heads (he named Sjahrir, Suwirjo, Mangunsarkoro, Aidit⁴ and whole roster NU leaders) stating it impossible now for younger men to rise to positions leadership in parties which are in grip of older leaders. Latter, he declared, are still under influence Dutch times when Wolksraad was advisory body without real powers and responsibilities. He said party leaders prefer to sit back and run their parties and let second-raters run government thus putting party interests above country’s.

Subandrio said President, in discussing his concept with correspondents, had pointed out that he has influence in political life of Indonesia and that his power must be recognized with purpose establishing orderly system of government. Sukarno not committed to concept and if it does not work he is willing try something else. According to Subandrio, Sukarno asked “what other answer is there?” Subandrio repeated assertion made to me our last meeting (mytel 1675⁵) that unless something done halt present trend country will be in vital danger (a) communist-directed general strike, (b) disaffection among lower ranks in army, (c) military junta.

I asked Subandrio whether PKI would be represented in Advisory Council. He replied affirmatively stating Sukarno felt it preferable to have them in Advisory Council where they could be out-voted but not be in Cabinet and that without majority in Parliament could also be controlled there.

Subandrio said Sukarno consulting political party heads whose reactions thus far not entirely approving, in fact replies largely negative. He commented this not surprising since one purpose Sukarno’s concept is to eliminate present party leadership. He said none of party leaders had been able to suggest another way out. He said younger party people long discontent tending to welcome President’s concept.

In concluding plea for my understanding Sukarno’s plan, Subandrio said that unless Indonesian leaders do something along these lines using institutions based on Indonesian society he feared present trend events would lead either to communism or to military junta, neither of which Sukarno wants.

Comment: I will have half hour with Sukarno this evening prior to escorting him to opening USIS sponsored exhibit Asian artists in crystal at which time I will seek further clarification President’s plans. I am still of opinion that however much he may dress up concept in other colors Army is key to its success or failure. Army’s legal control further extended West Java (mytel 1764⁶) only one numerous pieces evidence quiet trend toward military dominance here.

Cumming

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.00/1–1857. Confidential.
2. Dated January 17, not printed. (Ibid., 756D.00/1–1757)
3. Telegram 1743 from Djakarta, January 16, reported that a Foreign Ministry spokesman had on January 14 explained to American journalists Sukarno’s concept of a 14-member advisory council, to be headed by Sukarno and representing youth, labor, political, and social groups. (Ibid., 756D.00/1–1657)
4. Soetan Sjahrir of the Socialist Party, Suwirjo and Sarmidi Mangunsarkoro of the Nationalist Party, and D.N. Aidit of the Communist Party.
5. Document 201.
6. Telegram 1764, January 18, reported that a “state of siege” had been declared in West Java. (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.00/1–1857)