Summary of Indonesia's Independence History in 1945

Every August 17, the people of the homeland always commemorate the proclamation day. This date marks a turning point in the long history of Indonesia's independence, where previously the inhabitants of the homeland had been colonized for many years. Before the proclamation occurred, there were many important events that led up to it.

Japan's Defeat by the Allies

The background of the proclamation text reading began with Japan's surrender to the Allies. Previously, Japan had announced in 1944 that the Dutch East Indies, namely Indonesia, would be allowed to become independent in the future. 

This announcement was made because the Japanese army was increasingly under pressure, and the Saipan Islands had also been successfully seized from Japan.

Thus, in 1945, BPUPKI (Investigating Agency for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence) and PPKI (Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence) were formed. 

The purpose of establishing these two bodies was to gain sympathy from the Indonesian people, so they would be willing to help Japan fight against the Allies.

However, during the Pacific War, Hiroshima was bombed on August 6, 1945, followed by the bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. This event caused around 14,000 Japanese residents to become victims, and ultimately they admitted defeat to the Allies. 

As a result of this event, Japan promised to grant independence on August 24, 1945, for Indonesia.

Pro and Contra of the Proclamation during the Rengasdengklok Incident

The history of Indonesia's independence also experienced pro and contra leading up to the reading of the proclamation. This pro and contra occurred between the younger and older generations. 

The older generation consisted of PPKI members such as Soekarno and Hatta. Meanwhile, the younger generation was represented by members of PETA and students.

This pro and contra occurred because the younger generation felt that the older generation was too conservative, as they wanted the proclamation reading to go through PPKI and follow the procedures promised by Japan, namely on August 24, 1945. On the other hand, the younger generation rejected the idea that the proclamation should be carried out through PPKI.

The younger generation believed that PPKI was a creation of Japan, and they wanted independence through their own strength. 

Sutan Syahrir, who was part of the younger generation, was the first figure to urge Soekarno-Hatta to immediately proclaim independence.

Subsequently, an official meeting was held at Pegangsaan Timur Jakarta on August 15, 1945. It was attended by Djohar Nur, Subianto, Armansyah, Chairul Saleh, Kusnandar, Wikana, Margono, and Subadio. 

The result of the meeting led by Chairul Saleh decided that Indonesia's independence should not depend on others and is the right of the people.

Although the meeting's decision, which became part of Indonesia's independence history, was communicated to Soekarno-Hatta, they remained adamant that the proclamation must be carried out through PPKI. 

Thus, in the end, the younger generation took Soekarno-Hatta to Rengasdengklok, a region in Karawang Regency.

The choice to take Soekarno-Hatta out of Jakarta was to distance them from Japanese influence. The security of Soekarno-Hatta to Rengasdengklok was assisted by PETA soldiers. 

Rengasdengklok was chosen because of its strategic and remote location, allowing PETA soldiers to monitor every move of the Japanese army.

Formulation and Ratification of the Proclamation Text

The Rengasdengklok incident changed Soekarno-Hatta's mindset, and they ultimately agreed that the proclamation of independence should be read immediately. 

After returning to Jakarta, they went to Admiral Maeda's residence to formulate the proclamation text.

Admiral Maeda's house was chosen and became part of Indonesia's independence history because Maeda was the Head of the Naval Liaison Office, safe from the threat of the Japanese military. 

The meeting at Admiral Maeda's residence was also attended by Sukarno, BM. Diah, and Mbah Diro from the youth group.

Ultimately, based on discussions between Ir. Soekarno, Moh. Hatta, and Ahmad Soebardjo, the formulation of the proclamation text was handwritten by Soekarno. 

Soekarno's handwritten draft would later undergo three changes after being typed by Sayuti Melik.

Reading of the Proclamation of Independence

After being formulated and ratified, the proclamation was read on August 17, 1945. Initially, the people and the Japanese soldiers thought that the reading of the text would take place at Ikada Field. 

Even based on this assumption, the Japanese soldiers had already blocked Ikada Field beforehand. The leader of the pioneer troops, Sudiro, who was present at Ikada Field at that time, then conveyed the situation there to Muwardi, the head of Soekarno's security. 

At that time, he learned that the proclamation would actually be declared at Soekarno's residence, Jalan Pegangsaan Timur 56 Jakarta.

At that moment, Soekarno's yard was filled with crowds as the seconds to the proclamation approached. Everyone was busy preparing for the reading of the text, even Fatmawati (Soekarno's wife) was sewing a flag by hand that was not of standard size. 

After the preparations were complete, the proclamation text was read by Soekarno, marking a significant moment in Indonesia's independence.

Indonesia's journey to achieve independence was indeed not short. The inhabitants of the homeland had to endure brutal colonization for many years. 

Even after the proclamation was declared, there were still many other struggles to be faced, such as the drafting of the 1945 Constitution and others, so that Indonesia could become the country it is today.