Dugaan penyelewengan program ekonomi benteng untuk kepentingan pemilihan umum 1955

Abstract

After the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 1945, the government began to improve the development of the country. The government’s top priority was to improve people’s living standards, one of which was by improving the economic sector. Various efforts were made by the government, with one of them implementing the Benteng Economy Program. The monetary policy was prioritized for indigenous traders to create quality indigenous entrepreneurs. The purpose is contrary to the implementation practice, and the Benteng economic program is instead used as one of the mediums to reap profits. This is strengthened by several strategic positions in the governance structure filled by the majority of PNI members. Some strategic positions in the cabinet and government held by the PNI, namely the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr. Sunario), Minister of Finance (Dr. Ong Eng Die), Minister of Economy (Mr. Iskaq Tjokrohadisoerjo). In addition, another good thing is that on November 4, 1953, the cabinet formed the Indonesian Election Committee (PPI) chaired by S. Hadikusumo, a PNI cadre. This article was written using historical methods to explain the alleged misappropriation of the Benteng Economic Program for the benefit of the Partai Nasional Indonesia in the 1955 General Election.