Influence of the United States Army on the Development of the Indonesian Army

摘要

This thesis is about the influence of the United States Army on the development of the Indonesian Army during the period 1954-1964. This is an unusual statement, because generally when one considers US influence on other nations, it is in the form of a 'package' comprised of both military and non-military assistance from several agencies. This is the major difference in the Indonesian situation. The military in Indonesia, specifically the Army, was assuming such a prominent role in the political life of the country during this time period, that it became an alternate source of power an influence in the country. The army-to-army relationship was very unusual in that it developed through a series of personal relations revolving around one American officer, and was sustained and strengthened through US military assistance. Precisely how this relationship formed, what it eventually became and how it affected the development of the Indonesian Army are the questions to be answered in the following chapters. First, the composition of the officer corps of the Indonesian Army will be examined, in order to show the basis from which developed the politicization of the Army. Second, the historical events that shaped the officer corps are analysed. This is extremely important, for these experiences shaped the development of the Army's ideology and doctrine, which sanctified its dominant position in Indonesian society. Finally, the impact of US military aid, both through the Civic Action Program and training in US Army schools, on the development of the Indonesian Army's ideology and doctrine is assessed.