Seven shadows linger. They are etched in bronze at the heart of Pol Sub Sektor Lubang Buaya. This Jakarta police station stands guard over a place steeped in tragedy. A place forever marked by the events of 1 October 1965.
Pol Sub Sektor Lubang Buaya isn’t just a police station. It’s a sentinel. It overlooks a site of immense historical significance. A place where seven Indonesian army officers met their end. Their story is woven into the very fabric of this land. Their names echo here. Ahmad Yani. Soeprapto. Haryono. Parman. Pandjaitan. Siswomiharjo. And Tendean.
The story begins with a coup attempt. The 30 September Movement. This movement sought to seize power. It ended in a brutal massacre. The officers were kidnapped. They were tortured. Then they were killed. Their bodies were thrown into a well. A well now sheltered by a pavilion. A small plaque tells a story of defiance. A story of dreams that refuse to die.
The New Order regime built a monument. The Sacred Pancasila Monument. It showcases life-sized bronze statues of the fallen officers. Behind them stands a Garuda. This majestic bird symbolizes Indonesia. The monument speaks of a government version of the events. A version that has been debated even until this day.
Nearby stand museums. The Museum of PKI Treason tells a story of alleged communist acts. The Sacred Pancasila Museum shows dioramas of the coup attempt. These relics and exhibits provide a glimpse into the past. They remind visitors of the violence. They remind visitors of the loss. They stand as solemn warnings.
You see General Yani’s car here. You see the jeep Suharto used. A truck used by the kidnappers is displayed. An armored car is there too. These are more than just vehicles. They are time capsules. They transport us back to that fateful night. To a time of political turmoil and violent upheaval.
Pol Sub Sektor Lubang Buaya isn’t just a building. It’s a memorial. It’s a place of reflection. It’s a place where history whispers its secrets. It stands as a reminder. A reminder of a dark chapter in Indonesian history. A chapter that shaped the nation. A chapter that we must never forget.