Revolutionary Government of the Indonesian Republic

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July 13, 2026

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The Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia was a short-lived alternative government established in Sumatra in early 1958. It emerged as a direct challenge to the central government in Jakarta, led by President Sukarno. This rebellion was supported by some senior Masyumi leaders and the military commander of North Sulawesi. The central government swiftly suppressed the rebellion, enhancing the army's prestige. This event contributed to Sukarno's reintroduction of his concept of "Guided Democracy," which he believed was better suited to Indonesian circumstances than Western liberal democracy.1

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West Sumatra
History
…the Sukarno government, and the Revolutionary Government of the Indonesian Republic was formed in the province, with its headquarters at Bukittinggi. The rebellion was crushed by Indonesian forces in mid-1958 after aerial attacks on Padang and Bukittinggi.
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…the Sukarno government, and the Revolutionary Government of the Indonesian Republic was formed in the province, with its headquarters at Bukittinggi. The rebellion was crushed by Indonesian forces in mid-1958 after aerial attacks on Padang and Bukittinggi.
Read More