Robert Earl Freeberg, is one of those who contributed in the beginning of the independence of Indonesia

Robert Earl Freeberg, is one of those who contributed in the beginning of the independence of Indonesia. Pilot pay a US Holder's gallant flying through the air blockade Netherlands. Bob dozen times running operation 'black flight' or low dark smuggle opium and a variety of natural products Indonesia in exchange for weapons or money abroad. The result of the smuggling used to fund state Sukarno government in difficult times early independence.

In the eyes of the President, Bob is an idealistic person. She was destined to come to help the Indonesian people's struggle.

"A young man one day appeared out of nowhere and introduced herself. My name is Bob Freeberg. I'm an American. I'm a pilot and sympathize with your struggle. What help can I give?" Thus Sukarno in a biography written by Cindy Adams.

Bob is a former fighter pilot US Navy during World War II. After the war ended, the man from Kansas became a charter pilot CALI (Commercial Air Lines Incorporated) Philippines. He met the Air Officer III Petit Muharto Kartodirdjo in Singapore and soon declared his willingness to perform low to help Indonesia.

Bob then save up and buy a transport aircraft DC-3 Dakota. He gave the name of the RI-002 aircraft. Why not RI-001? Bob believes RI-001 name should be given to honor the name of the first aircraft owned by Indonesia. When Bob hired, Indonesia does not have a single transport aircraft.

Bob helped smuggle gold, opium, silver, quinine and rubber from Indonesia abroad. Then he took weapons, clothes and medicines from abroad to Indonesia. Bob exciting adventure story like in action movies only.

Bob also helped the military to conduct military operations. He was the first pilot to do the airdrop operation of the Indonesian Air Force. On October 17, 1947, Bob flew RI-002 from the airport to Kotawaringin Maguwo, Central Kalimantan. TNI Air Force deployed 12 soldiers to break the blockade Dutch and inflame the resistance there.

Bob also dropping Soekarno around Sumatra in order to solicit donations to help the plight of the people of Indonesia. People Aceh then added 20 kg of gold which then bought the Dakota with seulawah name or a mountain of gold. These aircraft were then given a registration number RI-001.

Bob is a mercenary pilot. But he is emotionally involved in the struggle of the Indonesian nation. Bob can not accept mistreatment Netherlands against the people of Indonesia. In letters sent to his family in the US, Bob always describe its respect for the people of Indonesia.

"It's amazing to see the Indonesian people fighting for their freedom," Bob said as quoted from smithsonianmag.com.


Unfortunately, the fate of Bob ended tragically. The plane crashed while sending 20 kilograms of gold to Palembang. September 29, 1948, Bob Dakota plane crashed in the forest wilderness. Allegedly the plane was shot down fighter Netherlands.

"He had an accident when I sent him to Palembang to bring in money to help the guerrillas in Sumatra. I never will forget the American people, my friend, Bob Freeberg," said Sukarno.