The Indonesian Air Force

The Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, on March 8, 1942, initiated the final stage in Indonesia's search for independence. With Japanese support, the popular Ir. Sukarno formed a large militia ready to fight the Dutch on their return after the war. On August 17, 1945, Sukarno ended 350 years of Dutch colonial rule by proclaiming the free REPUBLIK INDONESIA. On April 9, 1946, the fledgling state, at war with the Dutch, formed its own Air Force, named ANGKATAN UDARA REPUBLIK INDONESIA, or AURI. Aircraft used from 1945 until 1950 were mainly of Japanese Army and Navy origin and reclaimed from large dumps all over Java. The AURI order of battle in 1945/46 included some 100 aircraft of many different types, including the Ki51 Guntai , Ki43 Hayabusha , Ki36/55 Cukiu, K5Y1 Curen and Ki79B Nishikoren. No more than 30 to 50 aircraft were ever operational, and they were mostly used for pilot training. Two strong Dutch offensives against the Indonesian Republic in July 1947 and December 1948, completely destroyed the small air arm. Although the Republic was facing a military defeat, international outcry and pressure prevailed, and on December 27, 1949, the Republic of Indonesia gained its sovereignty from The Netherlands.