Page 578 - Le Operazioni Interforze e Multinazionali nella Storia Militare - ACTA Tomo I

578 XXXIX Congresso della CommIssIone InternazIonale dI storIa mIlItare • CIHm

based on the Staff Review from the Committee, GKS suggested the President about the
military operation planning by seizing and keeping the entire territory of West Irian in
the shortest possible time to obtain de-facto authority in West Irian. Diplomatic struggle
was still continued together with the pressure from military operation results.
The phases of operation campaigns were run as follows:
a. Infiltration Phase.
This phase was planned to be done until the end of 1962 and conducted by
infiltrating operation within 10 months. Ten main force companies were expected
to infiltrate and formed Indonesian defense posts in West Irian.
b. Exploitation Phase.
This phase was estimated to conduct in the beginning of 1963. The purpose of
exploitation phase was demolished the main military power of the enemy hence
the entire territory of West Irian could be going to the Republic of Indonesia.
c. Last phase was Consolidation Phase.
This phase was a consolidation of authority of Indonesian Republic in the entire
territory of West Irian. The specific task for components of Mandala Command
was divided according to the schedule phases. On the other hand, the planning,
preparing, and organizing infiltration operations were conducted together whereas
each component of army, navy, and air force were supported each other.

The time planning of starting and finishing each phase as follows:
a. In the beginning of 1962, infiltration phase began and prepared for next phase.
b. In the end of 1962, prepared for exploitation phase and should finished minimum.
c. In the beginning of 1963, the exploitation phase began if it decided politically by
continuing infiltration and preparing for the last phase.
d. The end of 1963 was the end of exploitation phase and the beginning of the last
phase.

5. The Forming of Mandala Command for West Irian Liberation.
Based on the discussion results of DEPERTAN in Bogor on December 31 1961, the
st
nd
President issued a Presidential Decree No. 1 year 1962 on January 2 1962 about the
forming of Mandala Command.
The term “Mandala” mean “Theatre” or a part area of war square included area of
mainland, oceans, and aerial which needed for military operations. An area of “Mandala”
was determined by the Highest Commander in Chief after hearing suggestion from Joint
Chief of Staff. Therefore, the Mandala Command for West Irian Liberation was a joint
and combine forces under Commander in Chief of united Army, Navy, and Air Force,
and other national components whose have been tasked.
The Headquarter of Mandala Command was in Makassar city, South Sulawesi. On
January 11 1962, the position of Commander in Chief of Mandala Command was given
th
to Brigadier General Soeharto who at once promoted to the rank of Major General.