This poster depicts a Dutch aircraft, the Warhawk P-40, which Indonesians labelled “musuh” (enemy), because of the many casualties it inflicted. One of the damaging attacks involving this aircraft occurred on 29 July 1947, about a week after the Dutch started their First Military Aggression. On that day, an Indonesian plane transporting medicine was shot down by such a Dutch P-40 plane. Several key Indonesian leaders on board died. The Indonesian government protested the shooting incident because the Dakota plane was only carrying medicine, and the Dutch had been informed of this. This event was remembered by Indonesians long after the war: important airports in Java were named after the Indonesian airmen who died in the attack. This poster aims to warn Indonesian fighters of the physical danger brought by this aircraft, but also reminds them of the struggle for Indonesian independence.
‘Musuh!’. One of a set of thirteen sheets of original Indonesian drawings used as designs for propaganda posters. c. 1947. Watercolour on stiff paper. Or. 27.649.