Daniel Alexander Maukar

Daniel Alexander Maukar (20 April 1932 ‒ 16 April 2007) was a pilot in the Republic of Indonesia Air Force (AURI) known for shooting at the State Palace on 9 March 1960. Although initially brought before a military court and threatened with the death penalty, Maukar received a pardon from then President Sukarno. Instead of the original death sentence, he was sentenced to 8 years' imprisonment. At the beginning of the New Order, Maukar was released by Suharto, who had just taken office as the second President of Indonesia.

Early life Daniel Maukar (middle) discussing with his fellow pilots at Kemayoran airfield, Jakarta. Daniel was born in Bandung on 20 April 1932 to Karel Herman Maukar and Enna Talumepa, and he was of Minahasan descent. He later grew up in Menteng, Jakarta. Not much personal information exists about his private life prior to the incident. While studying to become a pilot at AURI, Daniel was mentored by Heru Atmodjo, a senior pilot at AURI. He was known as an intelligent young pilot with high potential as a prospective fighter pilot. To his mentor, he was considered one of the best members of his generation, earning him the nickname "The Tiger." This trust in his abilities led to his role as an Air Force fighter pilot in the 11th Air Squadron,

Incident

Recruitment to Manguni A year prior to the incident, Daniel and his brother Herman Maukar were approached by Samuel Karundeng, a close colleague since the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. In a vague offer, Sam invited both of them to take part in a conspiracy, which Daniel refused. It wasn't until February 1960 in Bandung that Herman explained the goals of the movement to Daniel, revealing that Samuel was part of a group called "Manguni," which aimed to "demand national peace." Previously, Sam had attempted to carry out economic sabotage, collect intelligence data for Permesta, provoke clashes between groups, and conduct military operations. After landing in Java, he recruited Herman.

Upon Daniel's return from Egypt, where he had been training to fly a MiG-17 fighter jet, Herman actively tried to convince him to join the Manguni group, openly expressing his intention to sabotage vital objects belonging to the Republican government. Originally planned to be carried out on 2 or 3 March, the plan was postponed. The plan was that the shooting would be followed by troops moving to Jakarta. On 8 March they gathered again. If the shooting was carried out on the 8th, then on the 9th there would be a troop movement, and by then the kidnappings would happen as agreed prior. At 11:45 am, with the call sign "Tiger," Daniel entered the cockpit of the MiG-17 jet numbered 1112. Daniel's MiG was armed with three cannons, though one of them was damaged. From an altitude of 600 meters, Daniel dived and aimed at the room where Sam had told him that every working day, President Sukarno was usually in the room to the right of the palace. Alarmed, members of the National Council were stirred by the sound of the low-flying jet, prompting President Sukarno to calm them down in Dutch.

Capture and trial With limited fuel only intended to be used for a practice flight, There is a strong opinion that these targets were purposefully chosen to hit and miss as a way terrorize Sukarno. This affected him so deeply that he dedicated himself to theology and became a priest for the rest of his life. Living a simple and quiet life, Daniel died on 16 April 2007, at Cikini Hospital.