Page 584 - Le Operazioni Interforze e Multinazionali nella Storia Militare - ACTA Tomo I

584 XXXIX Congresso della CommIssIone InternazIonale dI storIa mIlItare • CIHm

11. The Infiltration Operation through the Air.
The operations which conducted by Mandala Air Forces were jumping operations
such as:
a. Banteng Operation.
Banteng operation was jumping operation which used 3 C-47 Dakota aircrafts to
Fak-fak Peninsula by Banteng Putih and Kaimana by Banteng Merah troops. The
whole command of this jumping operation was led directly by Commodore Leo
Wattimena because it was the first jumping operation in West Irian. This operation
was not easy because the plane might avoid the enemy’s radar and attack, as well
as found a good dropping zone. Nevertheless, all troops with their equipments and
logistics could be dropped well.
b. Garuda Operation.
KT Baladewa took important role in the departure of planes from Pattimura Airbase
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(Ambon). On the first jumping day on May 15 1962, 3 C-47 aircrafts, 1 B-25
aircraft, and 1 Catalina aircraft were deployed to the areas of Sorong and Kaimana,
while 3 P-15 Mustang aircrafts were deployed to Fak-Fak area. At the next day,
they could not deliver the paratroops as the bad weather and depleted fuel.
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On May 17 1962, Garuda Operation was continued to Sorong and Kaimana and
successfully grounded the paratroops. At the return time, T-440 Dakota aircraft
suddenly got attack from Dutch Neptune aircraft. Dakota could not make counter-
attack as not armored and it was shot and then ditching in the east of Batu Belah
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Islands. The paratroops jumping on May 19 1962 by Garuda Merah troops and
on May 25 1962 by Garuda Putih troops could be run well.
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c. Serigala Operation.
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In Serigala Operation on May 17 1962, Dakota aircraft had grounded 39 soldiers
at the top of Dutch army dormitory. The battle soon happened and after several
days, the troops succeeded to hoist the Red and White flag there. This incident
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became a symbol of establishment of Indonesian Republic at that area on May 21
1962. Then on May 19 1962, the Hercules aircraft had grounded 81 paratroops at
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Sansapor.
d. Kancil Operation.
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According to the plan, Kancil operation would be conducted on May 15 , 16 , and
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17 1962 and divided to three objectives of Sorong, Fak-Fak and Kaimana. The
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goals of this operation were reconnaissance and photo shoot. But as the weather
was not good, this operation was delayed for several times.
e. Naga Operation.
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This operation was conducted on June 23 1962 by 3 Hercules aircrafts. The
jumping was successfully conducted and they soon formed guerilla posts.
f. Rajawali Operation.
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Rajawali operation was conducted on July 31 1962 with the task of adding troop
power and logistic supplies at the dropping area of Merauke and Kaimana.
g. Lumbung Operation.
Lumbung operation had a duty to increase the supply of the soldiers who have