Vital New Moves
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
In Indonesia
The move against the Soekarno Government by Central Sumatran Army Officers on February 9 may yet be checked. But it does mean the early collapse of the “Republic of Indonesia’’.
Economically, the former Dutch East Indies Empire of 83 millions is falling to pieces. Such orderly gov ernment as remains cannot last much longer. A series of “rebellions” in Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes and Moluccas—is likely.
The situation—of vital interest to the South Pacific—could develop eventually as a fight for control of Indonesia between the Communist party, directed from Asia, and the Moslem sections, led by Dr. Hatta.
Australia, maintaining armed forces in Malaya and probably in North Borneo, can scarcely escape involvement.
Meanwhile, a very large proportion of the world’s copra supply is “frozen” in Indonesia by lack of marketing and shipping facilities.