Battle of Karangresik

The Battle of Karang Resik was a battle in Karang Resik, Tasikmalaya, West Java. It was a fierce engagement that resulted in the loss of many lives, but overall an Indonesian victory, despite Indonesia's far weaker military. The battle remains, to this day, a testament to the Indonesian fighting spirit.

Battle of Karang Resik (1947)
Part of Indonesian National Revolution
Karang Resik Bridge
Date 7 August 1947 Location Karang Resik, Tasikmalaya, West Java Result Indonesian victory The bridge was destroyed Blockade of Dutch forces
Belligerents
Indonesia	Netherlands
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Unknown
Strength
One division	One battalion with armored vehicles and heavy weapons
Casualties and losses
Heavy	Hundreds were killed, Many weapons captured

Background

On the 10th of August, 1947, Dutch forces launched an attack on West Java. The Dutch used the strategic and vital bridge in Tasikmalaya to gain access into the town of Ciamis. At the time, the Dutch were struggling to regain control over Indonesia after the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence in August, 1947, thus the bridge provided a perfect opportunity, as it was located in a strategically beneficial location, which allowed the movement of troops and supplies.

Battle

At 9 A.M, the Dutch forces arrived from Ciamis in Tasikmalaya, in an attempt to defeat the Indonesian forces. Once in Tasikmalaya the Dutch, supported by heavy weapons and armored vehicles, moved to strike at the Karang Resik Bridge.

By the time the Dutch forces arrived, however, the bridge was destroyed because the Indonesian military sabotaged the bridge. The Indonesian fighters then proceeded to ambush them, bombarding the Dutch with mortar fire. The Dutch convoy could not move past the attackers and thus suffered many casualties, after that the Dutch forces retreated from the bridge with many of them killed and traumatized by the ambush.

Despite the fact the Indonesians had far less advanced weapons, with no tanks or armored vehicles, they succeeded in defeating the Dutch, forcing them to retreat into Sindangkasih.

Bombing of Tasikmalaya

After the Indonesian forces ambushed the Dutch at Karang Resik Bridge, the Dutch planned to bombarded Tasikmalaya and make the Indonesian forces retreat into another regency.

Dutch forces bombarded Tasikmalaya the following day using P-51 Mustang aircraft. This air raid caused extensive destruction and civilian casualties, highlighting the intense struggle and sacrifices made by the local population during the revolution.

See also

List of wars involving Indonesia

Proclamation of Indonesian Independence

Indonesian National Revolution