Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66

Quick Facts: Who was Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66?

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Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66

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Mass killings and civil unrest in Indonesia targeting communists (1965–1966).

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

From October 1965 to March 1966, a series of large-scale killings and civil unrest primarily targeting members and supposed sympathizers of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) took place in Indonesia. Other affected groups included alleged communist sympathisers, Gerwani women, trade unionists, ethnic Javanese Abangan, ethnic Chinese, atheists and other non-Muslims, and leftists in general. According to the most widely published estimates, at least 500,000 to 1 million people were killed. Some of the higher estimates reach figures as much as 2 to 3 million people killed. The killings, sometimes described as a politicide and occasionally as a genocide, were instigated by the Indonesian Army under Suharto.

Career & Major Achievements

Research and declassified documents demonstrate the Indonesian authorities received support from foreign countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The killings began as an anti-communist purge following an attempted coup d'état by the 30 September Movement, which they self-proclaimed over media and communication outlets. It was a pivotal event in the transition to the "New Order" and the elimination of the PKI as a political force, with impacts on the global Cold War. The Army, after banning all independent news sources from publishing for a week, almost immediately pinned the abortive coup attempt to the PKI. Concurrently, the intelligence agencies of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia engaged in black propaganda campaigns against Indonesian communists.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

During the Cold War, the U.S. government and its Western allies had the goal of halting the spread of communism in addition to bringing countries into the sphere of Western Bloc influence. Separately, Britain had reasons for seeking Sukarno's removal, as his non-communist government was involved in an undeclared war with neighboring Malaysia, a Commonwealth federation of former British colonies. Communists were purged from political, social, and military life in Indonesia, and the PKI itself was disbanded and banned. Mass killings began in October 1965, in the weeks following the coup attempt, and reached their peak over the remainder of the year before subsiding in the early months of 1966. They started in the capital, Jakarta, and spread to Central and East Java, and later Bali.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1965: 1965 Milestone — From October 1965 to March 1966, a series of large-scale killings and civil unrest primarily targeting members and supposed sympathizers of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) took place in Indonesia.

Notable Quotes by Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66

“I am a friend of the Communists because the Communists are revolutionary people.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66

True or False: “The mass killings were solely instigated by internal Indonesian political disputes without foreign involvement.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Declassified U.S. documents reveal the U.S. government had detailed knowledge of the mass killings and was supportive of the actions of the Indonesian Army.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aamir Khan — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Aaron Kwok — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Hong Kong performer, celebrated singer, dancer, and actor.
• A. O. Scott — Historical peer (Born in 1966) (1966): American journalist and cultural critic specializing in film and literary analysis.
• A. R. Rahman — Historical peer (Born in 1966) (1966): Visionary Indian composer celebrated for blending global sounds with cinematic emotion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66