In early 1949, Hamengkubuwono IX conceived the idea of a major offensive to be launched against Yogyakarta and the Dutch troops occupying it.

The purpose of this offensive was to show to the world that Indonesia still existed and that it was not ready to surrender.

The attack was directly supported by Pakubuwono XII by hiding several Indonesian troops in his palace.

This forced the Dutch prime minister to accommodate the demands of the Indonesian delegation as a condition before they were willing to attend the Round Table Conference.

The leader of the raid on Surakarta on August 7, 1949 was Lieutenant Colonel Slamet Riyadi.