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Indonesian Communist Party

political party, Indonesia
Also known as: Indies Social Democratic Association, PKI, Partai Komunis Indonesia(Show More)

Quick Summary

The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) emerged from earlier nationalist movements in Indonesia. It was officially reestablished in 1945 after World War II, following earlier uprisings in 1926-27 that led to its illegality under Dutch rule. The PKI's roots can be traced back to the Indies Social Democratic Association, founded in 1914, which later became the Indonesian Communist Party in 1924.12

The party gained prominence and participated in the new Indonesian government. However, internal conflicts and political shifts led to its opposition to the government's policies, particularly regarding demobilization of communist-controlled guerrilla units and concessions to the Dutch. In 1948, a rebellion initiated by a local communist commander in Madiun was suppressed by the government, resulting in the deaths or imprisonment of most PKI leaders. Later, in 1965, the PKI was blamed for a coup attempt, leading to a widespread purge and slaughter of communists and alleged communists across Indonesia.13

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