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SECONDS OF PROCLAMATION
Figure:
- Soekarno
- Hatta
- Ahmad Subarjo
- Sutan Syahrir
- Wikana
- Darwis
- Chaerul Saleh
- Sukarni
- Admiral Maeda
- Sayuti Melik
The proclamation was something that all Indonesians yearned for at the time. Step by
step, our struggle has finally come to light.
On August 6, 1945, US bombers dropped a bomb called "Little Boy" and it destroyed
Hiroshima. Then on August 9, 1945, the Americans dropped the "Fat Man" bomb on
Nagasaki City and Nagasaki was devastated.
On August 14, 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. News of the defeat
was kept a secret by the Japanese, even all radio station broadcasts were sealed by the
Japanese. However, the broadcast was caught in Indonesia and Sutan Syahrir heard it.
*Sutan Syahrir is playing the radio frequency, after which he reads the newspaper
Wikana: "I did not hear any news from Mr. Soekarno himself. He was still waiting for the
edict from PPKI"
4 Youth: "Waalaikumussalam"
Sukarni: "Where have you been, we've been waiting for you all day?"
Sutan Syahrir: "I'm sorry I'm late, I just heard news from a foreign radio broadcast that
Japan surrendered to the Allies unconditionally. So there has been a vacuum in
Indonesia."
Chaerul: "That's good news that you said earlier, but what does the power vacuum
mean?"
Sutan Syahrir: "Let me make it clear again, the meaning of the power vacuum is that
Japan is no longer in power because it has surrendered to the allies, while the allies have
not yet controlled Indonesia."
Sukarni: "Yes, I agree with his opinion. This is indeed the right time to immediately
proclaim Indonesia's independence."
Wikana: "Then, since this is the right moment and also since you all agree, let's go to
Bung Karno's house to discuss this together. Do you agree?"
4 Youth: "Agreed"
Sutan Syahrir: "Because PPKI was formed by Japan. We do not want any interference
from Japan to proclaim this independence. So that there is no assumption that our
independence is a gift from Japan"
Darwis: "Therefore, let us reject all gifts from Japan. For it is we who will organize this
independence ourselves"
Wikana: "That's right, you must all go to Soekarno's residence to tell him this news. I and
others will inform other young people about this and ask them to help with the
proclamation of independence"
The next day, August 15, 1945. Chaerul Saleh, Sutan Syahrir, Wikana and Darwis arrived
at Bung Karno's residence with the intention of conveying the results of yesterday's
conversation.
Sutan Syahrir: "Excuse me Bung Karno, we from the young group want to discuss
something related to Indonesian Independence."
*4 Youths entered and rushed to sit on the available seats. Bung Karno also sat down
Soekarno: "So, young men, what is it that makes you come here?"
Sutan Syahrir: "Look Bung Karno, we got the news that Japan surrendered
unconditionally to the Allies on February 14. And that caused a power vacuum in
Indonesia. So yesterday we held a meeting and we agreed that Bung Karno and Bung
Hatta should immediately organize Indonesian independence."
Soekarno: "As soon as possible? Maybe I will negotiate first with other PPKI members"
Wikana: "No way Bung Karno, we can't wait any longer. Because this is the right time"
Soekarno: "Don't you think about what danger we will be in if we do that? Japan will
definitely attack us"
Darwis: "In fact, Japan is not the ruler of Indonesia anymore. So, why should we wait any
longer?"
Chaerul: "I don't expect you to hold a meeting with PPKI members, because I'm afraid
the Japanese will know about our plan."
Soekarno: "All right, but give me time to confer with the old guard."
Soekarno finally called Ahmad Subarjo and Hatta as the old group to his residence to talk
about what was conveyed by the young group.
*In short, Ahmad Subarjo and Hatta had arrived in front of Soekarno's house.
Soekarno: "How is this, the young people are urging us to proclaim independence
immediately"
Ahmad Subarjo: "But, we must not be hasty. We must prepare everything carefully, so
that nothing untoward happens."
Hatta: "I agree, at this time we must be vigilant to face the allies who want to regain
control of this country. In addition, the issue of the proclamation of independence will
only be discussed on August 18."
Soekarno: "Well, they are young after all. Their thinking is still short, we must look to the
future so that we can prepare carefully. Otherwise, how will everything fall apart?"
*3 The old faction stood up and shook hands with each other, then Hatta and Ahmad
Subarjo went home
Although heavy-hearted with Soekarno's decision, the youths did not give up. They
looked for ways to persuade Soekarno and Moh.Hatta to proclaim independence as soon
as possible. Finally, the young people agreed to exile Soekarno and Moh.Hatta to
Rengasdengklok to avoid Japanese influence in Jakarta.
*5 Youth gathering
Sukarni: "Now, what should we do? While the old class is reluctant to follow our wishes"
Sutan Syahrir: "What if we send Bung Karno and Moh. Hatta out of Jakarta? To avoid
Japanese influence"
Darwis: "How about Rengasdengklok? There the security is guaranteed. Do you all
agree?"
4 Youth: "Agreed"
The youths agreed to Darwis's idea. At night, IR Soekarno and Moh Hatta were taken by
a group of youths to Rengasdengklok. This group departed from Soekarno's residence
and was escorted by PETA (Pembela Tanah Air) under the leadership of Darwis.
A group of youths arrived at Soekarno's residence at 04:00 in the morning on August 16,
1945.
Chaerul: "Assalamualaikum"
Darwis: "We intend to take you and Soekarno with us to the place of exile."
Then, a group of young people together with Soekarno and Hatta went to
Rengasdengklok. The mysterious disappearance of Soekarno and Hatta that morning
caused panic among the leaders in Jakarta. This incident was known by Ahmad Subarjo
at 08:00 am.
Ahmad Subarjo: "Do you know where Soekarno and Bung Hatta are?
Ahmad Subarjo: "Please tell me now, I will guarantee their safety until they return to
Jakarta, and I will guarantee independence for you the next day."
Wikana: "All right, Soekarno and Bung Hatta were taken to Rengasdengklok."
A group of young people arrived at Rengasdengklok. And Soekarno began to ask the
youth why he was exiled here.
Soekarno: "Now explain, what is the purpose of your bringing me and Bung Hatta here."
Chaerul: "We are all of the opinion that we should proclaim independence without
Japanese intervention. We can proclaim with our own power"
Soekarno: "That opinion is correct, but we are not ready and we still need their help."
Darwis: "How is what the Japanese are saying just a lie? What are we going to do?"
Sukarni: "Are we going to wait forever for the Promise, man? We must proclaim
independence now. We have been shackled by colonization for a long time. We deserve
to be free and now is the time!!!"
*Situation is getting heated
Chaerul: "Of course man, if we try, there will be a way out. After all, the youth in Jakarta
are trying to strategize to prevent attacks from Japan or the Allies who cannot accept our
nation's proclamation."
At 17:30, the group from Jakarta arrived at Rengasdengklok to pick up Soekarno and
Moh Hatta.
Ahmad Subarjo: "Thank God you are all right, how is the decision?"
The Rengasdengklok negotiations were completed. All members of the old and young
groups returned to Jakarta to discuss further plans for the proclamation of independence
on August 17, 1945.
The group went to Admiral Maeda's house on Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 1.
Ahmad Subarjo: "Sorry to disturb you this evening, we need a place to plan the
independence of Indonesia which will take place tomorrow"
The formulation of the proclamation text was carried out at the house of Rear Admiral
Maeda. Soekarno, Hatta and Ahmad Subarjo were thinking about the formulation of the
proclamation text. The formulation of the proclamation text went smoothly without any
obstacles. The formulation of the text was handwritten by Soekarno.
On August 17, 1945 at 04:00 the proclamation text was read for the first time in front of
the audience at Maeda's house and was immediately approved. However, there was a
problem about who would sign the Proclamation Text.
Chaerul Saleh: "In my opinion, this manuscript should not be signed by PPKI. Because
PPKI is a Japanese bentuka institution. We must not bring Japan to interfere in this matter
"
Sukarni: "What if it is signed by all those present here? Like America at that time"
Hatta: "No son, we must not imitate other countries"
Sukarni: "I agree, and the representatives to sign are Bung Karno and Bung Hatta. How
about the audience, does everyone agree?"
Everyone: "AGREE!!!"
After everyone agreed, Soekarno handed over the script to Sayuti Melik to be typed.
Soekarno: "Please type this manuscript, take good care of this text."
Sayuti Melik also typed the text. All preparations for the proclamation were completed at
04.30 WIB. Then, all the attendees returned to their respective homes with a feeling of
joy. Then the youth sent couriers to convey that the moment of proclamation had arrived.
They also organized the broadcasting of the news of the proclamation of independence.
Several pamphlets were distributed throughout Jakarta and its surroundings.
Loudspeakers were made available. Everything was done so that the people could witness
the most precious moment for the Indonesian nation. For the Indonesian flag, Mrs.
Fatmawati has prepared it which is made with red and white cloth. The flag was named
Sang Saka Merah Putih.
SCENE 5: The Flag Ceremony and the Reading of the Proclamation Text in Front
of the Crowd
On Friday, August 17, 1945 at 10:00 on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No.56, Jakarta, the
proclamation of Indonesian independence was held along with the raising of the red and
white flag.
Indonesian figures who were present at the location such as A.A Maramis, H.O.S
Cokroaminoto, Otto Iskandardinata, Ki Hajar Dewantara, Tabrani, ETC.
The atmosphere became very quiet. Soekarno stepped up to the microphone to read the
introductory speech and continued with the proclamation text.
Soekarno:
"We the Indonesian people hereby declare the Independence of the Indonesian nation.
Matters concerning the transfer of power, etc., shall be carried out in a careful manner
and in the shortest possible time.
Soekarno-Hatta
This proclamation event only lasted for a short time. However. The event has changed all
aspects of the life of the Indonesian people. The Proclamation of Independence has
become the peak momentum of the Indonesian Nation's struggle. Therefore, we as the
next generation of the nation must excel in order to fill this independence, not even
tarnish it. We must be able to return the favor of the ancient fighters of the country by
defending this independence!
That is the dialog of the seconds of the proclamation of independence of the Republic of
Indonesia in 1945. As good Indonesian citizens, we should foster a sense of nationalism
in ourselves, how to maintain the unity and integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, respect
each other, maintain harmony among others and help each other among fellow citizens.