Lubang Buaya, Jakarta Overview

Translating to "crocodile's pit", Lubang Buaya is located in the suburban region of Jakarta where seven Indonesian army officers were murdered during the 1 October coup attempt and their bodies were dumped in the unused pit. Now the place is converted to a tourist destination of a monument with the statues of the seven soldiers and their clothes, serving as a reminder of Indonesia's dark past.

Luban Buaya marks the site where a coup was attempted by members of the Indonesian Communist Party, PKI, in 1965. Seven high ranking officials are believed to have been tortured to death. A ceremony is held every year to honour these seven Army generals and is attended by the President and all senior officials.

Things to Do at Lubang Buaya

Visitors get to see monuments and museums that commemorate the seven army officials who were murdered on this spot during the 30 September Movement. The Sacred Pancasila Monument was opened to the public in 1969. It consists of life-size bronze statues of the seven Indonesian army officers who were murdered on this spot. There is a 17m high bronze structure of a Garuda standing tall behind them.

There is a bronze frieze that displays the actions of the Indonesian Communist Party since the Indonesian Independence. A Museum of PKI Treason was built in 1990. It exhibits 34 dioramas portraying the alleged crimes committed by the PKI. A Sacred Pancasila Museum was also opened in 1981. It displays 9 dioramas depicting the events before and after the coup attempt. It also houses a theatre and an exhibition of photographs.

The bodies of the Indonesian officers were thrown into a well, which is now protected by a pavilion. There are numerous other buildings in the vicinity, each with its own historic significance. In addition to the buildings, there are 4 cars that were used at various points during the coup attempt.

History of Lubang Buaya

Then-President, Sukarno had called for the establishment of a ‘fifth force’, to aide the existing four (Army, Navy, Air Force and Police). This ‘fifth force’ was to be made up of peasants and workers. This declaration by the President faced strong opposition from the Army Commander, Ahmad Yani.

However, training soon began at the swampy region of Lubang Buaya under the command of Major Sujono. Some of the participants were members of Pemuda Rakyat, a PKI-affiliated youth group. In the early hours of October 1st 1965, these members left the base at Lubang Buaya on a mission to kidnap seven army generals.

However, the kidnapping took a wrong turn and three of the army generals were killed in the process. The three bodies were brought back to Lubang Buaya, along with four living prisoners. The survivors were also eventually killed and all seven bodies were thrown down a well. These bodies were recovered on 4th October, using special equipment.

How To Reach Lubang Buaya

Lubang Buaya is located on the outskirts of Jakarta near the Halim Perdanakusumah Air Force Base.
It comes under the East Jakarta district.
The best and most convenient way to reach Lubang Buaya is to hire a taxi using either Grab or GoJek, online ride-hailing services.
Alternately, you can opt for the bus services offered by DAMRI.
Several TransJakarta bus transit lines also connect the Lubang Buaya region to other parts of Jakarta.