Rengasdengklok Incident: Impacts and

Benefits for Indonesia

Rengasdengklok Event – Apart from Indonesia being known as an archipelagic country and
various kinds of culture, Indonesia is also known as a historical country. Since childhood, we
have been introduced by various events or history in the past.
With that in mind, Grameds may have heard of the Rengasdengklok incident. So what was
the Rengasdengklok incident like and what was behind it? Here's an explanation.

History of the Rengasdengklok Event

On August 14, 1945, Sutan Syahrir heard news from the radio that Japan had surrendered
from the Allies in the Greater East Asia War. Sutan Syahrir immediately met Soekarno and
Hatta to deliver the news.

At that time, Soekarno and Hatta had just returned from Dalat, Vietnam, after meeting with
Japan's highest military leader for the Southeast Asian region, Marshal Terauchi. To
Sukarno-Hatta, Terauchi promised independence for Indonesia.

Disagreements of opinion ensued among the three national figures. Sjahrir requested that
independence be declared immediately. However, Sukarno and Hatta, who were not
convinced by the news of Japan's defeat, both chose to wait for confirmation while waiting
for Dai Nippon's promise of independence. To anticipate this, young people kidnapped
Soekarno and Hatta so that they would not be influenced by the Japanese.

That true independence is the result of the struggle of the Indonesian people alone, not a gift
from Japan. The day after hearing the news of Japan's defeat against the allies, youth groups
held a negotiation at Pegangsaan Timur Jakarta, on August 15. In this meeting it was decided
that the implementation of independence be released from all ties and relations with the
agreement of independence from Japan.

The Rengasdengklok incident had its own meaning for the Proclamation of Indonesian
Independence. The Rengasdengklok incident has not only become a name for a place, but has
become a silent witness to the history of the Indonesian nation's independence. On August
15, to be precise, the youth group held a meeting at Pegangsaan Timur, Jakarta, regarding
when the announcement of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence should be made.

The meeting chaired by Chaerul Saleh then agreed that Indonesia's independence was a
decision of the Indonesian people, not Japan. That night, the youth groups sent Wikana and
Darwis to meet Soekarno and Hatta, they demanded that the proclamation of independence be
carried out on August 16, 1945. If Soekarno-Hatta refused, there would be a big upheaval.

However, Soekarno and Hatta rejected Wikana and Darwis' request. Sukarno could not let go
of his responsibility as chairman of the PPKI, so he had to negotiate first with the agency
made in Japan. After receiving rejection from Soekarno and Hatta, Wikana and Darwis then
returned and held a meeting which was held at Jalan Cikini 71, Jakarta.

The meeting was attended by leaders of other youth groups. They also decided to bring
Soekarno and Hatta to Rengasdengklok to keep them away from Japanese influence.

Figures that are often referred to as the old group are Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta,
members and administrators of BPUPKI, and PPKI. The old group represented by Soekarno
and Hatta and Mr. Achmad Subardjo with young people about when the proclamation would
be implemented, especially after Japan suffered defeat in the Pacific War.

The young people are Sukarni, Chaerul Saleh, Yusuf Kunto, Dr. Muwardi, Shodanco
Singgih, Wikana, Sayuti Melik, Sudiro, BM Diah, Djohar Nur, Kusnandar, Subadio,
Subianto, Margono, Adam Malik, Armansyah.

The Rengasdengklok incident was an incident of kidnapping carried out by a number of

youths, namely Soekarni, Wikana, Aidit, and Chaerul Saleh from the "Menteng 31"
association against Soekarno and Hatta. This incident occurred on August 16, 1945 at 03.00
WIB. Soekarno and Hatta were brought to Rengasdengklok, Karawang to be urged to hasten
the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Indonesia, until an agreement was made
between the old factions.
The kidnapping of the two senior figures was commanded by Shodanco Singgih. At
Rengasdengklok, Soekarno and Hatta were again urged by the youth to immediately proclaim
independence.

In the face of this pressure, Soekarno and Hatta remained unchanged in their stance.
Meanwhile in Jakarta, Chaerul and his friends had devised a plan to seize power. But what
had been planned didn't just work, this was because not all PETA members supported the
plan.

The proclamation of independence of the Republic of Indonesia was planned to be read by

Bung Karno and Bung Hatta on Friday, August 17, 1945 at the IKADA Field or at Bung
Karno's house, on Jl. East Pegangsaan No. 56.

In the end, Bung Karno's house was chosen because it was spread at the IKADA Field that an
event was to be held, so the Japanese soldiers were on guard, to avoid chaos from the
audience when the text of the proclamation was being read.

Soekarno's house was chosen at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56. The text of the
Proclamation was compiled in Rengasdengklok, at Djiaw Kie Siong's house. The Red and
White Flag was hoisted by fighters in Rengasdengklok on Thursday, August 16, in
preparation for the proclamation of Indonesian independence.

Because he did not receive any news from Jakarta, Jusuf Kunto was sent to negotiate with the
youths in Jakarta. However, when he arrived in Jakarta, Kunto only met Wikana and Mr.
Achmad Soebardjo, then Kunto and Achmad Soebardjo went to Rengasdengklok to pick up
Soekarno, Hatta, Fatmawati and Guntur. Achmad Soebardjo invited Bung Karno and Hatta to
go to Jakarta to read the proclamation at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56. On August 16 at
midnight the group arrived in Jakarta.

So, the Rengasdengklok incident occurred because of differences of opinion regarding the
implementation of the proclamation of independence. Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta still
had the desire to discuss everything regarding the implementation of the proclamation at the
meeting of the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI). The difference
in views between the young people and Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta gave rise to the
intention of the young people to kidnap them both. The decision to kidnap the two figures
was made at a meeting held by the youths on the early morning of August 16, 1945.

This kidnapping incident was given to Singgih. In carrying out this kidnapping, Singgih was
assisted by Cudanco Latief Hendraningrat by providing several military equipment. Then
Soekarno and Hatta were picked up by a group of youths and then taken to Rengasdengklok,
because the area was considered safe.
Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta were placed in a house, namely the house belonging to
Djiaw Kie Song. The Rengasdengklok incident kidnapped the two of them from Jalan
Menteng 31, Jakarta to Rengasdengklok, Karawang. The kidnapping took place around 03.00
in the morning, a day before Indonesian independence.

The negotiations from the Rengasdengklok incident resulted in the decision that the
proclamation of independence should be carried out in Jakarta. Achmad Soebardjo asked the
young people to immediately bring Soekarno and Hatta back to Jakarta. Instead, Achmad
Soebardjo promised to immediately proclaim Indonesian independence without Japanese
influence. The agreement made Yusuf Kunto and Achmad Soebardjo leave for
Rengasdengklok to pick up Soekarno and Hatta back to Jakarta.

In the evening, the group arrived in Jakarta. Soekarno and Hatta were escorted to the house of
Admiral Maeda on Jalan Imam Bonjol, Central Jakarta, which is now the Proclamation
Manuscript Formulation Building. On August 16, 1945, the house was used by youths and
members of the Defenders of the Homeland (PETA) as a resting place for Soekarno and
Mohammad Hatta.

The Rengasdengklok incident and the placement of Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta at Djiaw
Kie Song's house were not ordinary events, but the biggest events which were one of the
milestones in the history of Indonesian independence.

Impact of the Rengasdengklok Incident

After Soekarno and Hatta were kidnapped in Rengasdengklok, Soekarno, in the presence of
Shodanco Singgih, decided to agree to hold a proclamation after he returned to Jakarta. The
older and the younger groups also agreed on the decision that Sukarno should make the
Proclamation of Independence in Jakarta.

The next day, Ahmad Subardjo was willing to put his life on the line by picking up Soekarno
and Hatta to return to Jakarta and guaranteeing the Proclamation of Independence.

The next day, on August 17, 1945, at 10.00 WIB, the proclamation statement was announced
with the text of the proclamation of Indonesian Independence typed by Sayuti Melik using a
typewriter that was "borrowed" (actually taken) from the office of the Head of Kriegsmarine
Representative, Major (Sea) Dr. . Hermann Kandeler.

At that time Soekarno and Moh. Hatta, the leaders wanted the proclamation to be carried out
through the PPKI, while the youth group wanted the proclamation to be carried out as soon as
possible without going through the PPKI which was considered a body made in Japan.
In addition, this was done so that Soekarno and Moh. Hatta was not influenced by Japan. The
youth groups were worried that independence, which was actually the result of the struggle of
the Indonesian nation, would become as if it had been a gift from Japan.

Previously the youth group had held a negotiation at a bacteriology institute in Pegangsaan
Timur Jakarta, on 15 August. In this meeting it was decided that the implementation of
independence would release all ties and relations with the promise of independence from
Japan. The results of the decision were submitted to Ir. Soekarno in the evening but was
rejected by Sukarno because he felt responsible as chairman of the PPKI.

Benefits of the Rengasdengklok Event

Grameds The Rengasdengklok incident certainly has benefits for the Indonesian people.
From the Rengasdengklok Incident, consciously or not, the kidnapping incident of Soekarno -
Hatta to Rengasdengklok had a major influence on the development of the Indonesian nation.
Let's imagine if the young people didn't kidnap the old people quickly, would the
proclamation be issued that quickly?

Well, the older group as those holding high positions tend to be more careful and selective in
determining the direction of movement. This could be because the burden they are carrying is
too great, so if they make a wrong move, ordinary people may become the victims.
Therefore, the elderly are more vigilant in choosing the day of the proclamation of
independence.

Meanwhile, the younger group is considered to be more responsive in responding to the

situation. Those who still have enthusiasm and a young soul seem not afraid to take various
risks, including carrying out the proclamation of independence. The Rengasdengklok incident
ultimately accelerated the implementation of the proclamation of Indonesian independence.

This also cannot be separated from the policy of the old group who agreed with the
implementation of the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945.

If at that time there was no Rengasdengklok event, then it is not certain that the proclamation
of independence could have materialized. Remember, opportunity doesn't always come twice,
so 17 August 1945 was the best moment to declare Indonesia's independence.

Sound of the Proclamation Text

Proclamation
We, the Indonesian nation, hereby declare Indonesia's independence. Matters concerning the
transfer of power and other things, shall be carried out in a thorough manner and in the
shortest possible time.
Jakarta, day 17 boelan 8 tahoen '05
On behalf of the Indonesian nation, SOEKARNO / HATTA

The text of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read on August 17, 1945 at
Jalan Pegangsaan Timur Number 56, Jakarta. The script was typed by Sayuti Melik. While
the preparation of the text of the proclamation was made by Ir. Soekarno, Ahmad Soebardjo,
and Mohammad Hatta. The text of the proclamation was signed at the home of Rear Admiral
Tadashi Maeda, Meiji Dori Street. Now that place is the Museum for the Formulation of
Proclamation Manuscripts, at Jalan Imam Bonjol Number 1, Central Jakarta.

The original text of the proclamation was written on Friday, August 17, 1945 in the morning.
The first paragraph of the manuscript was proposed by Ahmad Soebardjo and the second
paragraph by Mohammad Hatta. Then the script was typed using a typewriter by Sayuti
Melik. The contents of the typed text of the proclamation are slightly different from the
handwritten text.

It is said that the handwritten manuscript was thrown away because it was deemed no longer
needed. Then Burhanuddin Mohammad Diah kept it as a personal document, after the
formulation of the manuscript was read. In 1995, the original manuscript was submitted to
President Soeharto, which is now stored in the National Archives of the Republic of
Indonesia.

The text of the proclamation was read at Soekarno's residence at Pegangsaan Timur street
number 56 (now Jalan Proklamasi), Jakarta. The reading was carried out directly by Soekarno
at 10.00 WIB. The figures who attended the reading of the text of the proclamation were Ki
Hajar Dewantara, Abikoesno Tjokrosoejoso, Buntaran Martoatmojo, AA Maramis,
Latuharhary, Anwar Tjokroaminoto, Otto Iskandardinata, KH Mas Mansyur, Sayuti Melik,
Moewardi, AG Pringgodigdo, and Soewirjo.

Maybe without the Rengasdengklok incident which was carried out by young people, the
proclamation would never have materialized. Until now, the Rengasdengklok incident is
interpreted as an event that shows that the struggle for independence is not far from debate
and discussion, however, the most important thing is the unity of the same goal , namely
fighting for the independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

Even though there are still many incidents that have occurred, until now Indonesia remains
independent. The development from the beginning of independence to this moment is
palpable. Indonesia which is now rich in natural resources, arts, customs, food and much
more.

It is thanks to the warriors and heroes of old that we can experience Indonesia's wealth to this
day. Indonesian history will always be remembered and will continue to be studied. How
great were the warriors and heroes of old to maintain the unity and unity of this Indonesian
homeland.
 Purpose of Rengasdengklok: Chronology and
Important Figures

Purpose of Rengasdengklok – The event of Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945

was indeed an important event for our nation. This is because from the existence of the
independence event, the Indonesian nation was able to declare its independence so that it
could be on an equal footing with nations around the world.
However, did Grameds know that before the independence event occurred, there had been the
Rengasdengklok incident which was actually the first milestone of Indonesian independence?

Then what is the purpose of the Rengasdengklok incident? Let's look at the following
description!

What is the Rengasdengklok Incident?

The Rengasdengklok incident was an incident where Soekarno and Hatta were kidnapped by
a number of young people so that the two Indonesian national figures immediately
accelerated the proclamation of Indonesian independence.
These young people include Soekarni, Wikana, Sayuti Melik, and Chaerul Saleh.

Why is it called the Rengasdengklok event? Because the destination of the kidnapping was to
Rengasdengklok, a city in Karawang Regency. So that it can be said that Rengasdengklok
was the first city to welcome the independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17,
1945.

Purpose of the Rengasdengklok Incident

1. To urge Soekarno and Hatta to immediately convey the Proclamation of Independence to all
Indonesian people. This had to be done immediately because at that time there was a power
vacuum due to the surrender of the Japanese to the Allies.
2. To distance the two great figures of the Indonesian nation, namely Soekarno and Hatta, from the
influence of the Japanese.
3. Making the Proclamation a proof of the struggle of the Indonesian nation after being colonized
for a long time, so that it must be formulated immediately and then proclaimed to the entire
Indonesian nation.
4. So that Indonesia does not fall into the hands of the Allies because of this power vacuum.

What is the Chronology of the Rengasdengklok Event?

1. Japan Unconditionally Surrenders to the Allies
At the end of 1943, Japan's position in the Asia Pacific war began to be pushed. Several times
the Japanese army had to lose to the Allied troops. Until finally, the United States military
succeeded in bombing two cities in Japan, namely in Hiroshima (on August 6, 1945) and
Nagasaki (9 August 1945) which are located in Japan.

As a result of the bombing, the political and economic conditions in Japan of course
paralyzed immediately. This finally forced the Japanese to surrender unconditionally to the
Allies on August 14, 1945.

With Japan's unconditional surrender it also affected the Indonesian nation in the form of a
power vacuum (Indonesia was previously controlled by the Japanese).

2. Opinion of the Old Group VS Opinion of the Young Group

The news about Japan's defeat against the Allies finally reached the ears of Indonesian youths
in the city of Bandung. They heard the news of the defeat through BBC ( British
Broadcasting Corporation ) radio broadcasts.

The Indonesian youth or what is often referred to as the youth group consists of Wikana,
Sukarni, Sayuti Melik, Yusuf Kunto, Iwa Kusuma, Chaerul Saleh, and Singgih.
After hearing the news, they immediately met Bung Karno and Bung Hatta at Jalan
Pegangsaan Timur No. 56. There , the youth group appointed Sutan Syahrir as the
representative for the youth group by requesting that Bung Karno and Bung Hatta
immediately make the proclamation of independence.

However, Bung Karno did not approve of this idea. He thought that the proclamation of
Indonesia needed to be discussed in advance at the PPKI (Committee for Indonesian
Independence) meeting.

The young people who were on fire with heroism finally had a discussion with some of their
members. The discussion resulted in a decision in the form of the need to exile Bung Karno
and Bung Hatta out of town so that they would avoid any influence from the Japanese.

On August 16, 1945 at 04.30 in the morning, the youth group together with a PETA member
succeeded in kidnapping Bung Karno and Bung Hatta to the Rengasdengklok area. Not only
these two big figures, but the younger group also brought Bung Karno's wife, Fatmawati, and
their son, Guntur, along with them.

At Rengasdengklok, Bung Karno and Bung Hatta were guarded by the PETA Company Commander,
namely Cudanco Subeno. There, young groups tried to convince Bung Karno to immediately declare
independence because there was still a power vacuum. Young people have also been prepared for any
risks, including fighting the Japanese.

Meanwhile, in Jakarta there were also discussions between the young and the old. In the old
group there are several big figures, including Ahmad Subardjo with several BPUPKI and
PPKI members.
In the negotiations between the young and old groups, an agreement was reached that the
proclamation of independence would and must be carried out in Jakarta.

Finally, after the negotiation process between these big and formidable figures, Bung Karno
and Bung Hatta were ready to declare independence when they returned to Jakarta.

So after the negotiations got the desired result, Yusuf Kunto from the youth group
accompanied Ahmad Soebardjo to Rengasdengklok. Then, together they picked up Bung
Karno and Bung Hatta to return to Jakarta.

Ahmad Soebardjo even guaranteed that the proclamation of Indonesian independence would
be announced the following day, namely August 17, 1945.

3. Preparation of the Text of the Proclamation

After the Rengasdengklok incident occurred and Bung Karno was prepared to proclaim
independence on August 17, 1945, when the group was in Jakarta, the proclamation text was
prepared.

In the evening of August 16, 1945, the drafting of the proclamation was carried out. The
deliberation was held at the house of Admiral Maeda, a chief representative of the Japanese
Navy, which is located at Jalan Imam Bonjol No.1 Jakarta.

Grameds , you must be confused why Admiral Maeda, a head of the Japanese Navy allowed
his house to be used as a headquarters in preparing the text of the proclamation?

Because Admiral Maeda happened to be close to the Indonesian youths and was friendly with
Ahmad Soebardjo. In addition, Admiral Maeda deeply sympathized with the struggle of the
Indonesian people to achieve independence.

The choice of Admiral Maeda's house was a pretty brilliant idea because the house was
guaranteed to be safe because Admiral Maeda had a high position and was highly respected
by the Japanese Army around him. Now, the house has been used as the Museum of the
Proclamation Manuscript Formulation.

That same night, deliberations were immediately held between the young and old groups in
order to draft the text of the proclamation. The preparation of the text of the proclamation
went smoothly with the first sentence in the text being the result of the ideas of Bung Karno
and Ahmad Soebardjo and the last sentence being the idea of Bung Hatta.
After the draft of the proclamation text was finished, written by Bung Karno, it was
immediately read in front of the audience. Bung Karno and Bung Hatta suggested that the
manuscript should be signed by all those present. However, Sukarni proposed that it would be
best if only Bung Karno and Bung Hatta signed the text, on behalf of the Indonesian nation.

The proposal from Sukarni was approved by the audience and then the text of the
proclamation was typed by Sayuti Melik using his typewriter.

So, it was decided that the proclamation of Indonesian independence would be read at Bung
Karno's residence, located at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56 Jakarta, at exactly 10.00 WIB.

4. Reading the Text of the Proclamation

Before the text of the proclamation was read, Bung Karno first made a speech about how the
struggle of the Indonesian nation was to achieve its independence. After that, the Saka Merah
Putih was hoisted by Suhud and Latief. Then, the last event was the remarks by the Mayor of
Jakarta, namely Suwirjo and Dr. Muwardi.

Important Figures Behind the Rengasdengklok Event

After learning that the Rengasdengklok incident was the first milestone for Indonesian
independence, we must not forget those who played such an important role. It can be seen
that the youth, aka the young people, have provided great services for this event.

Let's discuss who are the figures who play a big and important role. Let's look at the
following description!
1. Sukarni

The figure of Sukarni was born in Blitar, East Java, on July 14 1916, with the name Sukarni
Kartodiwirjo. In the Rengasdengklok incident, he played an important role by urging Bung
Karno to immediately carry out the proclamation of Indonesian independence. In addition, he
also gave the idea to write "on behalf of the Indonesian Nation" at the end of the text of the
proclamation.

2. Chaerul Saleh

Chaerul Saleh is one of the Indonesian political figures who served as minister, deputy prime
minister, and chairman of the MPRS from 1957 to 1966. As a major figure, Chaerul Saleh
participated in fighting for the Indonesian people, including during the Rengasdengklok
incident.

He along with Wikana leaders and several other youths contributed to the Rengasdengklok
incident. He was also the figure behind the broadcast of the Proclamation of Indonesian
Independence to the entire Indonesian nation after the defeat of Japan by the Allies.
3. Wikana

The figure of Wikana was born in Sumedang, West Java on October 18, 1914. After the
events of Indonesian independence, Wikana was appointed Chair of the Indonesian Youth
Force (API) which had the aim of strengthening the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia
by fighting for the welfare of the Indonesian people.

4. Sayuti Melik

Sayuti Melik's character has the real name Mohammad Ibnu Sayuti. He played an important
role in the events of the Indonesian Proclamation by typing the text of the Proclamation
which was previously written by Bung Karno's hand.
5. Sutan Sjahrir

Sutan Sjahrir was born on March 5, 1909. He was a prominent politician and the first prime
minister in Indonesia from 1945 to 1947. Sutan Sjahrir was the first figure to know the news
about Japan's defeat against the allies. After that, he informed the youth groups and
kidnapped Bung Karno and Bung Hatta at Rengasdengklok.

Sutan Sjahrir died in exile as a political prisoner and was buried in Jakarta. Through
Presidential Decree number 76 of 1966, Sutan Sjahrir was designated as one of the
Indonesian National Heroes for his services in Indonesia's independence.

6. Latif Hendraningrat

Abdul Latief Hendraningrat or often called as Latif Hendraningrat is one of the important
figures behind the Rengasdengklok incident. He was born in Jakarta on February 15, 1911.
Previously, Latief was a PETA soldier with the rank of Sudanco. Latief Hendraningrat played
the role of hoisting the Sang Saka Merah Putih flag at the time of the Proclamation of
Indonesian Independence.

The event of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence also would not have happened if
the elderly had participated in the process. Several older groups also played an important role
in both the Rengasdengklok incident and the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence.

7. Achmad Subardjo

Achmad Soebardjo was born with the real name Raden Achmad Soebardjo Djojoadisoerjo.
He was the first Indonesian foreign minister. He played a role in preparing the Proclamation
of Indonesian Independence by drafting the text of the proclamation with Bung Karno and
Bung Hatta.

In addition, Achmad Soebardjo also managed to resolve the conflict between the young and
the old during the Rengasdengklok incident.
8. Adam Malik Coal

The figure of Adam Malik Batubara was born in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra on July 22
1917. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and was the third vice president of Indonesia.

By August 17, 1945, he, along with Sukarni, Chaerul Saleh, and Wikana, brought Bung
Karno and Bung Hatta back from Rengasdengklok to proclaim Indonesia's independence. His
role was very important because he moved the people to gather at the Ikada field, Jakarta
during the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence.

9. Admiral Maeda
Admiral Maeda is a head of the Japanese Navy who served in Indonesia. He has great
sympathy for the struggle of the Indonesian people in their quest for independence. Admiral
Maeda was close friends with Ahmad Soebardjo.

Even though he is not an Indonesian, it is his services to allow his house to be used by all the
young and old group leaders to hold discussions regarding the text of the Indonesian
proclamation.

But unfortunately, the Japanese arrested him on charges of being a traitor. Despite being
tortured several times, Admiral Maeda would not confess. Finally, after being returned to his
country, Maeda resigned from his position and became an ordinary citizen and did not
receive retirement benefits (reported from bbc.com).

What Happens If the Rengasdengklok Event Never Exists?

Try to think about it again, what would have happened if the Rengasdengklok Incident, which
was the first milestone of Indonesian independence, had never existed ?

The answer is that there are five possibilities and the biggest possibility is that Indonesia also
may not be able to carry out its independence until it becomes the country it is today. The
five possibilities are:

1. Indonesia may not necessarily be independent.

2. The older classes will be increasingly influenced by the Japanese.
3. Japan will continue to colonize Indonesia, even though at that time their country was
being bombed by the Allies.
4. The suffering of the Indonesian people will increase because their country does not
immediately achieve independence.
5. Japan will get stronger especially in the eyes of the world.

Things That Happened After the Rengasdengklok Incident

After the kidnapping of Soekarno and Hatta by young people in Rengasdengklok, Karawang
Regency, the proclamation of Indonesian independence was finally realized. Even though
they only used makeshift facilities and places, through the support of the people, Indonesia
finally succeeded in being free from foreign colonialism.

Unfortunately, after the proclamation of independence was declared, there were even many
rebellions in several areas which could actually threaten the integrity of the country. So, here
are some things that happened after the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of
Indonesia.

1. Linggarjati Negotiations
This negotiation was named that because it took place in Linggarjati, Kuningan, West Java.
These negotiations took place between the Indonesian and Dutch parties, which then resulted
in an agreement regarding the status of Indonesian independence. The Linggajati Agreement
was finally legally signed at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on March 25, 1947.

Unfortunately, this agreement actually caused serious conflict between the two countries,
because at that time AFNEI (Allied Forces Netherlands East Indies) was backed by NICA to
Indonesia.

It should be noted that AFNEI is the designation for the Allied forces whose job is to bring
home and disarm the Japanese soldiers. Well, indirectly this caused the Allies to "enter" back
into Indonesia.

2. The Westerling Incident

This event is actually history for the Indonesian people, because at that time the Dutch troops
carried out a large-scale massacre of thousands of civilians in South Sulawesi.

The Westerling Affair is so called because the attempted massacre was led by Raymond
Pierre Paul Westerling from December 1946 to February 1747, during the Counter
Insurgency military operation.

As a result, the total number of people in South Sulawesi who were slaughtered in this
inhumane event is not known. However, the Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia in 1947
conveyed to the UN Security Council that the number of victims of the massacre reached
40,000 people.

reason for this incident was the arrival of Allied troops to clear the South Sulawesi region
from Republican fighters and quell popular resistance against the formation of the State of
East Indonesia.

3. Battle of Puputan Margarana

The Battle of Puputan Margarana also occurred between the Indonesian and Dutch sides, on
November 20, 1946. The battle was led by Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai.

Troops from the Indonesian side desperately drove out the Allied forces who had the guise of
wanting to re-colonize Indonesia and re-establish the Dutch East Indies, after Japan lost in
World War II.

The Battle of Puputan Margarana killed all of Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai's troops. As a
result of the death of Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai and his troops, the Dutch succeeded in
establishing the State of East Indonesia (NIT). Then, in the State of East Indonesia, Tjokorda
Gedhe Raka Soekawati was appointed as its president through a Denpasar Conference, on 18-
24 December 1946.
It should be noted that the reason for the Dutch " ngoyo " to establish the State of East
Indonesia was to compete with and force the Republic of Indonesia to accept the form of a
federated state. The State of East Indonesia is one of the many "puppet" countries created by
the Dutch.

This battle is remembered as the Puputan Incident. In Balinese, "Puputan" means an effort to
fight for victory to the last drop of blood which is done during war, rather than having to
surrender to the enemy.

4. Proclamation of the Pasundan State

After establishing NIT, the Dutch continued to launch their actions in creating this puppet
state. The next target is Pasundan. The Dutch succeeded in persuading Soeria Kartalegawa,
Chairperson of the Pasundan People's Party, to proclaim the State of Pasundan on 4 May
1947.

This Pasundan country can be said to be very weak in its military, so it is very dependent on
the Dutch for strength. When the Netherlands carried out Military Aggression, then this
country existed in the eyes of the people.

5. Military Aggression I
Military Aggression I was a military operation carried out by the Dutch in Java and Sumatra,
from 21 July 1947 – 5 August 1947. The term Military Aggression I was coined by
Lieutenant Governor General Johannes van Mook, who emphasized that the results of the
Linggarjati Negotiations were no longer valid. happen again. The Indonesian side considers
this action to be a form of violation of the Linggajati Negotiations.

Indonesia then complained about this action to the United Nations because it was considered
to have violated an international agreement, namely the Linggajati Negotiations. With
assistance from Australia and India who also requested that the issue of military aggression
be put on the agenda of the UN Security Council, it was approved, on 31 July 1947.

The United Nations passed a resolution calling for the armed conflict to end. Not only that,
the United Nations also recognizes the existence of the Unitary State of the Republic of
Indonesia by calling it "Indonesia" not "Netherlands Indies" or "Dutch East Indies" anymore.

The Action of Military Aggression I was stopped on August 15, 1947 due to pressure from
the UN to the Dutch Government.

6. Appointment of Amir Syarifudin as Prime Minister

After the first Military Aggression action, a political figure named Amir Syarifudin who
previously served as Minister of Defense, was appointed to the post of Prime Minister to
replace Sutan Sjahrir.
Amir Syarifudin offered Kartosoewirjo the position of second deputy defense minister, but
the offer was rejected. Kartosoewirjo had the desire to withdraw from politics, because he
had witnessed that Indonesia's political conditions were very unfavorable, due to the
agreements previously made with the Dutch.

Not only that, Kartosoewirjo also did not like Amir Syarifudin's political direction which
tended towards communism. It should be noted that the end of Amir Syarifudin's life was by
being executed. This was because he was considered involved in the 1948 Madiun incident.

7. Renville Agreement
Again, Indonesia made an agreement with the Dutch, called the Renville Agreement, on
January 17, 1948. This agreement was intended to resolve disputes over the Linggarjati
Agreement that had been made before. In this Renville agreement, the boundary between
Indonesia and the Netherlands was created, which is known as the Van Mook Line.

8. Mohammad Hatta Appointed as Prime Minister

Previously, it was explained that Amir Syarifudin was appointed Prime Minister. So, after the
Amir's Cabinet collapsed, especially after the Renville Agreement was signed, President
Soekarno appointed Moh. Hatta to become Prime Minister.

Moh. Hatta was asked to lead an emergency "presidential cabinet" from 1948 to 1949, for
which all accountability was reported to President Soekarno.

9. Dutch Military Aggression II

Again, the Dutch launched Military Aggression II. This action was preceded by an attack on
Yogyakarta, which at that time was the capital of Indonesia. Military Aggression II occurred
on December 19, 1948 and was accompanied by the arrest of several major figures, for
example Soekarno, Moh. Hatta, Sjahrir, and others.

This caused Indonesia to experience a power vacuum, which eventually led to the formation
of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia in Bukittinggi, Sumatra, led by
Sjafruddin Prawiranegara. It should be noted that Sjafruddin Prawiranegara is also a national
hero who must be remembered, because without his services, Indonesian power could have
fallen back into the hands of the Dutch.

10. March 1st General Offensive

As the name implies, this massive attack took place on March 1, 1949. This attack was
planned by the Indonesian side, especially based on the instructions of the Commander in
Chief Sudirman. The March 1 General Offensive was carried out to prove that the Indonesian
military still exists and is strong enough, so that it can indirectly strengthen Indonesia's
position, especially when the UN Security Council negotiations are in progress.
So, that's an explanation of what happened in Rengasdengklok and what events occurred
when Indonesia succeeded in proclaiming its independence on August 17, 1945.