Bandung as Sea of Fire: A Tragic Event in Indonesian History
Bandung as Sea of Fire was a devastating fire that occurred in the city of Bandung on March 24, 1946. Within a span of seven hours, approximately 200,000 residents of Bandung lost their homes as the city was engulfed in flames. This tragic event was a result of a deliberate act by the Dutch and local militias, who sought to destroy the city and its infrastructure. The fire started after the British Army, under the command of Brigade MacDonald, arrived in Bandung on October 12, 1945. The British forces were met with resistance from the Indonesian independence fighters, known as Barisan Nakayor Indonesia. Unable to match the strength of the British forces and the Dutch-controlled NICA (Netherlands Indies Civil Administration), the Indonesian fighters resorted to a strategy of burning the city. The battle between the Indonesian fighters and the British forces reached its peak in the village of Dayeuh Kolot in South Bandung. This village was home to a large ammunition depot belonging to the British. In a daring move, the Barisan Nakayor Indonesia successfully destroyed the ammunition depot, causing a massive explosion that further fueled the fire. The decision to set Bandung on fire was a desperate measure taken by the Indonesian fighters. They knew that they were outnumbered and outgunned, and burning the city was seen as a way to disrupt the British forces and gain international attention for their cause. The black smoke billowing high into the sky served as a symbol of resistance and defiance against the colonial powers. The aftermath of the fire was devastating. The once vibrant and bustling city of Bandung was reduced to ashes. Thousands of families were left homeless, and the city's infrastructure was severely damaged. However, the spirit of the Bandung people remained unbroken. They rebuilt their homes and their lives, and the city eventually rose from the ashes to become a symbol of resilience and determination. The tragic events of Bandung as Sea of Fire inspired the creation of the famous song "Halo, Halo Bandung." This song, which translates to "Hello, Hello Bandung," became an anthem of hope and unity for the people of Bandung, reminding them of their strength and the power of community. In conclusion, Bandung as Sea of Fire was a tragic event in Indonesian history. It was a result of the desperate measures taken by the Indonesian fighters to resist the colonial powers. Despite the devastation, the people of Bandung showed remarkable resilience and rebuilt their city. The events of Bandung as Sea of Fire serve as a reminder of the strength and determination of the Indonesian people in their fight for independence.