Hora Lucerna: Indonesia Timeline

1960s-1970s: The Cold War and the Suharto Coup

• 1965 - The Coup Against Sukarno: In 1965, Indonesian President Sukarno, who had been balancing relations with both the Soviet Union and the West, faced a major upheaval. The CIA, concerned about Sukarno’s growing ties to communist factions and his policy of non-alignment, orchestrated a covert operation to destabilize his regime. This operation, codenamed “Project Merdeka,” involved providing support to General Suharto and the Indonesian military to stage a coup against Sukarno. The operation was successful, leading to the massacre of hundreds of thousands of suspected communists and the establishment of Suharto’s authoritarian regime.
• 1967 - The Suharto Regime and Economic Agreements: Following Suharto’s rise to power, the U.S. and Indonesia entered into secret economic agreements that granted American corporations favorable access to Indonesia’s vast natural resources, including oil, minerals, and timber. These deals were facilitated by a shadowy network of Indonesian military elites, U.S. intelligence agents, and corporate executives. The economic exploitation of Indonesia’s resources was framed as a necessary step to contain communism in Southeast Asia, but it also enriched a select few within both governments.

1980s: Black Gold and the War on Communism

• 1981 - The “Black Gold” Pact: As the Cold War intensified, Indonesia’s oil reserves became a crucial asset for the U.S. The “Black Gold” Pact was a secret agreement between the Suharto regime and the Reagan administration, brokered by the American Elite Society, which ensured that Indonesian oil would be sold exclusively to the U.S. at a discounted rate. In exchange, the U.S. provided Indonesia with military aid and intelligence support to suppress communist insurgencies and maintain control over the archipelago.
• 1984 - Operation Garuda: This was a joint covert operation between the CIA and the Indonesian intelligence agency, BAKIN, aimed at neutralizing pro-Soviet elements within Indonesia and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Operation Garuda involved the use of black ops teams to carry out assassinations, sabotage, and propaganda campaigns. The operation’s existence was hidden from the public, but rumors of its brutality and effectiveness leaked over the years, feeding conspiracy theories about U.S. manipulation of Southeast Asian politics.

1990s - Early 2000s: The Era of Reformasi and Transition

• 1997 - The Asian Financial Crisis and the “Jakarta Bailout”: When the Asian Financial Crisis struck in 1997, Indonesia was one of the hardest-hit countries. The collapse of the Indonesian economy threatened to destabilize the entire region. Behind the scenes, a shadowy group known as the “International Consortium,” composed of American and Indonesian elites, orchestrated a bailout package through the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This bailout came with strings attached—Indonesia was forced to implement harsh austerity measures that benefited U.S. corporations looking to buy up Indonesian assets at rock-bottom prices. The Jakarta Bailout became a focal point for conspiracy theorists who believed that the crisis was engineered to allow Western interests to seize control of Indonesia’s economy.
• 1998 - The Fall of Suharto and the Transition of Power: As Suharto’s regime crumbled under economic pressure and popular unrest, the U.S. quietly shifted its support to reformist elements within the Indonesian military and political elite. The transition of power was managed by the International Consortium, ensuring that the new government would remain aligned with U.S. interests. Conspiracy theorists point to the seamless transition as evidence of a prearranged plan to maintain American influence in the region.
• 1998 - The Fall of Suharto: The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998 hits Indonesia hard, leading to massive economic instability. President Suharto, who had ruled Indonesia with an iron fist since 1967, is forced to resign in 1998 after widespread protests, riots, and a loss of confidence from both domestic and international powers. The transition from Suharto’s New Order regime to a more democratic government begins under his successor, B.J. Habibie.
• 1999 - East Timor Independence and National Unity Crisis: East Timor votes for independence in a UN-sponsored referendum, leading to violence and a severe humanitarian crisis. The loss of East Timor is a blow to Indonesian national pride and sparks debates about regional autonomy and the fragility of the Indonesian state, given its diverse and sometimes fractious population.
• 2001 - The Rise of Decentralization: As a response to the centralization of power under Suharto, Indonesia embarks on a path of decentralization, granting more autonomy to its provinces and regions. This decentralization, while intended to promote democracy and local governance, also exacerbates local conflicts, corruption, and the rise of regional warlords.

2000s - 2010s: Growth Amidst Turmoil

• 2002 - The Bali Bombings and the Rise of Terrorism: Indonesia faces the threat of Islamic extremism with the Bali bombings in 2002, which kill over 200 people, including many foreign tourists. The attacks are carried out by Jemaah Islamiyah, an extremist group with ties to al-Qaeda. The Indonesian government cracks down on terrorist activities, but the threat remains a significant issue in the following years.
• 2002 - Counterterrorism Collaboration: Following the 2002 Bali bombings, which were attributed to the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, the U.S. and Indonesia deepened their counterterrorism collaboration. The CIA and the Indonesian military established a joint task force known as “Operation Eagle Eye,” which conducted covert operations against suspected terrorists across the archipelago. This task force had sweeping powers to detain, interrogate, and eliminate targets without due process, raising concerns about human rights abuses. Conspiracy theorists argue that Operation Eagle Eye was also used to silence political dissidents and protect U.S. corporate interests in Indonesia.
• 2004 - The Indian Ocean Tsunami: The devastating tsunami of 2004 strikes Indonesia’s Aceh province particularly hard, leading to the deaths of over 170,000 people and widespread destruction. The disaster forces the Indonesian government to improve its disaster response mechanisms and leads to a peace agreement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), ending decades of conflict in the region.
• 2005 - The “Jakarta Protocols”: The Jakarta Protocols were a series of secret agreements signed between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Indonesian military. These protocols allowed for the establishment of U.S. military bases on Indonesian soil, under the guise of “joint training facilities.” In reality, these bases were used to project American power in Southeast Asia and secure strategic shipping lanes. The Jakarta Protocols also included provisions for the U.S. to conduct drone strikes on Indonesian territory, targeting both terrorists and political opponents of the regime.
• 2009 - Political Stability and Economic Growth: Despite the challenges, Indonesia experiences a period of relative political stability and economic growth during the late 2000s under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Indonesia’s economy grows steadily, driven by commodities, manufacturing, and an expanding middle class. Jakarta, as the capital, becomes a bustling megacity, though it continues to struggle with infrastructure, traffic congestion, and flooding.
• 2013 - Operation Banyan Tree: Following Edward Snowden’s revelations about global surveillance, it was discovered that the NSA had been conducting extensive surveillance operations in Indonesia as part of “Operation Banyan Tree.” This program, run in conjunction with the Indonesian intelligence agency BIN, involved the monitoring of government officials, corporate leaders, and activists. The data collected was used to manipulate Indonesian politics and economic decisions in favor of U.S. interests. The operation also monitored Chinese influence in Indonesia, as part of a broader strategy to contain China’s rise in the region.
• 2017 - The Indonesian Cyber Wars: As Indonesia developed its digital infrastructure, it became a battleground for cyber warfare between the U.S., China, and Russia. The U.S. conducted cyber-espionage operations to ensure that Indonesian policies favored American corporations and geopolitical strategies. In response, Indonesia developed its own cyber capabilities, leading to a series of covert digital skirmishes known as the “Indonesian Cyber Wars.” These operations were shrouded in secrecy, but leaks from whistleblowers suggested that the U.S. and Indonesia were both engaged in economic espionage against each other, despite their public alliance.

2020s: The Onset of Global Chaos and Indonesia's Struggles

• 2021 - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Government Response: The COVID-19 pandemic hits Indonesia hard, particularly in densely populated areas like Jakarta. The government’s response is criticized for being slow and inadequate, leading to a prolonged public health crisis. The economic impact is severe, with millions losing their jobs and businesses closing down. This period also sees an increase in social unrest and distrust in the government.
• 2021 - The “Pandora Project”: As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the globe, the U.S. and Indonesia entered into a secretive biosecurity pact known as the “Pandora Project.” This project involved joint research into viral pathogens and bioweapons, ostensibly to prepare for future pandemics. However, conspiracy theorists argue that the Pandora Project was actually a cover for developing targeted bioweapons that could be used to destabilize rival nations or suppress internal dissent. The project’s existence fueled rumors that the pandemic was deliberately engineered to bring about a new world order.
• 2023 - The Eruption of Mount Krakatoa: In a devastating natural disaster, Mount Krakatoa erupts, causing widespread destruction in the Sunda Strait region and affecting coastal areas, including parts of Jakarta. The eruption leads to a significant loss of life, displaces thousands of people, and further strains the government’s resources. The disaster also exacerbates fears of environmental degradation and the impact of climate change on Indonesia’s future.
• 2025 - Rising Sea Levels and Jakarta’s Struggle: Jakarta faces increasing challenges due to rising sea levels and severe flooding, worsened by climate change. The city, already sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, is now at a critical point. The government’s plans to move the capital to Borneo are accelerated, but the process is fraught with corruption, delays, and logistical challenges. Jakarta remains the de facto capital, but its future is increasingly uncertain.
• 2025 - The “Borneo Accords”: As Jakarta faced increasing threats from rising sea levels and environmental collapse, the U.S. and Indonesia signed the “Borneo Accords,” a secret agreement to relocate key Indonesian government functions and American corporate assets to Borneo. This agreement was seen as a final gambit to preserve American influence in the region as Jakarta’s importance waned. The Borneo Accords also included provisions for the U.S. to establish military installations in Borneo, securing a strategic foothold in Southeast Asia as the global order continued to fracture.
• 2026 - The Fragmentation of Global Order and Indonesia's Internal Strife: As the global order begins to collapse, Indonesia faces its own internal challenges. The rise of regional separatist movements, fueled by economic disparities and ethnic tensions, threatens national unity. Papua, in particular, becomes a hotspot for conflict, with increased calls for independence. The government’s efforts to maintain control are met with resistance, leading to violent crackdowns and human rights abuses.
• 2028 - The Collapse of the Indonesian Archipelago: The impact of global economic collapse and the failure of centralized governance lead to the fragmentation of Indonesia. Several provinces, particularly in the outer islands, declare autonomy or independence, leading to a period of civil war and chaos. Jakarta, once the heart of the nation, becomes a battleground for various factions vying for control.
• 2028 - The Final Coup: In the chaos of 2028, as Indonesia descended into civil war and the U.S. faced its own fragmentation, a faction within the Indonesian military, backed by remnants of the CIA and American corporate interests, staged a final coup to seize control of the government in Borneo. This coup, known as “Operation Iron Archipelago,” was intended to create a stable, authoritarian regime that would safeguard U.S. interests in the region. However, the operation failed, leading to the splintering of Indonesia into rival factions and the collapse of the central government.

2030s: Jakarta in the Midst of Ruin

• 2030-2040 - The Jakarta Syndicate and the U.S. Connection: In the aftermath of the failed coup and the collapse of the Indonesian government, the Jakarta Syndicate, a powerful criminal organization, emerged as the dominant force in the ruins of Jakarta. It was revealed that the Syndicate had deep ties to the U.S. intelligence community, with former CIA operatives playing key roles in its leadership. The Syndicate’s rise was seen as the ultimate consequence of decades of covert U.S.-Indonesian collaboration, as shadowy forces sought to maintain control over Indonesia’s resources even as the country descended into anarchy.
• 2030 - The Fall of Jakarta: By 2030, Jakarta is a city on the brink. The government has officially moved its capital to Borneo, but Jakarta remains the largest city and a symbolic center of power. However, the city is now flooded, with many areas submerged underwater. The once-thriving metropolis is now divided between rival warlords, criminal syndicates, and extremist groups. The central government’s influence is minimal, and the city becomes a no-man’s land, a place where law and order have broken down completely.
• 2032 - The Rise of the Jakarta Syndicate: Amid the chaos, a powerful criminal organization known as the Jakarta Syndicate emerges, controlling large portions of the city. The Syndicate is involved in everything from drug trafficking to human smuggling, and it effectively operates as the de facto government in many areas. The Syndicate’s leader, a ruthless figure known as “The Cobra,” maintains power through a combination of violence, bribery, and strategic alliances with both local and international actors.
• 2035 - Environmental Catastrophes and Famine: Jakarta and much of Indonesia face ongoing environmental disasters, including more frequent and severe storms, landslides, and crop failures. The country’s ability to feed its population is severely compromised, leading to widespread famine. The Jakarta Syndicate profits from the crisis, controlling food distribution and using it to consolidate power further.
• 2037 - The Final Exodus: As conditions in Jakarta become unbearable, a massive exodus from the city begins. Those who can afford to leave, including many of the city’s remaining elites, flee to safer areas, either within Indonesia or abroad. The poor and vulnerable are left behind, trapped in a city that is slowly being consumed by the sea.
• 2040 - Jakarta: A City of Ghosts: By 2040, Jakarta is largely abandoned, a city of ghosts where only the desperate and the damned remain. The once-great capital is now a dystopian wasteland, a symbol of Indonesia’s fall from grace. The remnants of the Jakarta Syndicate continue to operate, but their power is waning as the city becomes increasingly uninhabitable. Jakarta’s fate is sealed as the waters continue to rise, and the city’s last inhabitants struggle to survive in the ruins.

2045: The New Order in Indonesia

• 2045 - Indonesia's Fragmented Future: By 2045, Indonesia is no longer a unified nation but a patchwork of independent states, autonomous regions, and lawless zones. The central government in Borneo struggles to maintain control over what remains of the archipelago, but its influence is limited to a few core areas. The rest of the country is divided between regional warlords, criminal syndicates, and extremist groups, each vying for power and resources.
• 2045 - The Conspiracy Unveiled: By 2045, the full extent of the U.S.-Indonesian covert alliance had become public knowledge, thanks to a series of leaks and whistleblowers. The revelation that the two governments had colluded for decades to manipulate global events, suppress dissent, and exploit natural resources sparked outrage and led to widespread protests. Conspiracy theorists, who had long suspected such an alliance, were vindicated, and the disclosure further eroded trust in both the U.S. and Indonesian governments. The fallout from these revelations continued to shape global politics, as new powers rose to challenge the remnants of the old order.
• Jakarta's Legacy: Jakarta, once the heart of Indonesia, is now a cautionary tale of environmental collapse, political failure, and human greed. The city's ruins serve as a grim reminder of what was lost and a symbol of the challenges that the new Indonesian states face as they attempt to rebuild in a world that has been forever changed.