The Tragic Fall of D.I. Panjaitan, a G30S Revolutionary Hero

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Major General Donald Isaac Panjaitan, known as D.I. Panjaitan, was one of the Indonesian Army officers who was killed in the 30 September Movement, known as G30S, in 1965. He was later declared a Revolutionary Hero by the Indonesian government.

D.I. Panjaitan was born in Balige, North Sumatra, on 19 June 1925. He began his military career during Indonesia’s National Revolution and later took part in various military operations following independence to defend the country’s sovereignty.

His military career continued to advance as he gained experience and pursued military education. In the early 1960s, Panjaitan was appointed Assistant III to the Minister/Commander of the Army in charge of logistics, a key position within the Indonesian Army’s structure at the time.

From the night of 30 September to the early hours of 1 October 1965, D.I. Panjaitan was among the senior Indonesian Army officers targeted by a group calling itself the 30 September Movement. At the time, Panjaitan was at his residence in Jakarta.

According to historical records published in the Journal of Education and Culture by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture, Panjaitan was praying when the troops arrived at his residence. He then left the house wearing his full military uniform before being shot and killed in front of his family.

Panjaitan’s body was subsequently taken, along with the bodies of several other officers, to the Lubang Buaya area in East Jakarta. The bodies of the officers were found in an old well several days after the G30S incident.

D.I. Panjaitan was later posthumously awarded the title of Revolutionary Hero by the Indonesian government, along with six other officers who died in the tragedy. The honor became part of the state’s efforts to commemorate their sacrifice in Indonesian history.

Today, D.I. Panjaitan is remembered as one of the notable figures in Indonesia’s military history. His life and sacrifice also form part of the country’s historical education, including lessons on Indonesia’s national journey and the values embodied in Pancasila.