7 Facts About the History and Text of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia
The historic moment on the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia is always marked by the reading of the proclamation text. Unlike the flag ceremony that is usually conducted routinely, the independence day ceremony is always followed by the reading of the proclamation text. This becomes one of the historical moments that is very crucial for the Indonesian nation.
The proclamation of independence is an official statement issued by the Indonesian state to declare that the country is free from colonialism by foreign nations. This also marks the freedom to govern and the end of foreign shackles. Now, there are several historical facts about the proclamation of independence that need to be known.
1. The flag was made from bed sheets
One popular fact about the red and white flag is that its seamstress was the wife of Ir. Soekarno, Mrs. Fatmawati. However, did you know that the fabric came from white bed sheets and the red fabric was from a soto seller? In a situation with limited resources, it is no wonder that the sacred flag had to be immortalized because it was made from whatever materials were available.
2. Soekarno was ill before the proclamation
Before proclaiming the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno was actually still sound asleep at his residence. However, this happened while Soekarno was suffering from a high fever and only woke up at 09:00 WIB. Therefore, it was only at 10:00 WIB that Soekarno read the proclamation text on the porch of his house at Jln Pegangsaan Timur No. 56, accompanied by Moh. Hatta.
3. Japan requested that the proclamation not be read
The head of the Japanese military government had given orders to prevent Soekarno from reading the proclamation text. However, the five officers assigned to deliver the order only arrived after the ceremony was over. After the five officers left, Soekarno ordered a death squad to surround and protect his residence, which became the site for raising the red and white flag.
4. The moment of the proclamation was seized by Japan
The moments of the independence proclamation captured by France Mendoer were almost seized by Japanese soldiers. However, France, who was a photographer for Ipphos, claimed that his film had already been handed over to the vanguard. France managed to save the negatives of those photos by burying them under a tree in the yard of the Asia Raya daily office.
5. The Proclamation manuscript was found in the trash
After the proclamation text was read, the historical manuscript in handwritten form was found by journalist BM Diah. The draft was discovered in a trash basket at Admiral Maeda's house and was not kept by the government. BM Diah then submitted the draft on May 29, 1992, to President Suharto.
6. There are two types of proclamation texts
Indeed, there are two types of proclamation texts owned by the Indonesian state. The authentic proclamation text that was typed is the result of Sayuti's typing, while the klad proclamation text is the direct writing of Soekarno assisted by Moh. Hatta and Achmad Soebardjo.
7. The year writing follows the Japanese calendar
All Indonesian people know that the proclamation of independence was proclaimed in 1945, but the time written on the proclamation text is '05. It turns out that the dating still used on the authentic text follows the Japanese calendar, which is the year 2605.
Well, those are the facts that need to be known to commemorate the proclamation of independence. To honor the struggle of the heroes, here is the content of the proclamation text read by the Indonesian proclaimers, Soekarno and Moh. Hatta.
Content of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence
PROCLAMATION
We, the people of Indonesia, hereby declare the independence of Indonesia.
Matters concerning the transfer of power and others will be carried out carefully and in the shortest possible time.
Jakarta, August 17, 1945
On behalf of the Indonesian nation,
Soekarno/Hatta
Written by: Rizkita Darajat
