Japanese naval force stationed in the Staring Bay, Dutch East Indies according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 14 March 1942

An item reported that in the Dutch East Indies a Japanese naval force was being organized based in the Staring Bay [Sulawesi or Celebes] and to defend that area with 1 battleship, 4 aircraft carriers, 1 light cruiser, 12-20 destroyers and 16 submarines.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 94 dated 14 March 1942.