 On 31 January, the Headquarters ordered Schillmöller to make his way to Makassar, where from there he will be transported back to Java.Under pressure from Japanese propaganda which could spark local uprising, Schillmöller decided to bring his group to Poso, in Central Celebes.However, the Dutch were not able to acquire sea transport until 26 February, at which point Makassar had already fallen into Japanese hands for over two weeks (9 February).