Independence Day (Indonesia)
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| Independence Day (Indonesia) | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Independence Day (Indonesia) |
| Native name | Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia |
| Observedby | Indonesia |
| Date | 17 August |
| Scheduling | same day each year |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Significance | Proclamation of Indonesian independence (1945) |
Independence Day (Indonesia) marks the proclamation of Indonesian independence proclaimed on 17 August 1945. The day commemorates the end of colonial rule by the Dutch East Indies administration and the declaration by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta following the surrender of Empire of Japan in World War II. It is a national holiday observed across the Republic of Indonesia and recognized by provincial, municipal, and community institutions.
History
The roots trace to the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence issued at the House of Pancasila in Jakarta by Sukarno and Hatta on 17 August 1945, shortly after the Surrender of Japan and amid the disintegration of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies. Earlier movements that shaped independence include the Budi Utomo founding, the Sarekat Islam organization, the Indonesian National Party, and key figures such as Sutan Sjahrir, Tan Malaka, Haji Agus Salim, and Sutan Syahrir. The proclamation triggered the Indonesian National Revolution, a four-year conflict involving Indonesian National Armed Forces, Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL), and international actors like the United Nations and the United States Department of State. Diplomatic milestones include the Linggadjati Agreement, the Renville Agreement, the Linggadjati Conference outcomes, and ultimately the Dutch–Indonesian Round Table Conference which led to the Dutch recognition of Indonesian sovereignty in December 1949. Battles and events such as the Battle of Surabaya, the Madiun Affair, and the Bandung Conference influenced the consolidation of the Republic under successive leaders including Sukarno, Suharto, and later B. J. Habibie and Megawati Sukarnoputri. Post-independence politics featured constitutional developments like the Provisional Constitution of 1950, the 1955 Constituent Assembly election, and reforms after the Reformasi movement culminating in the 2004 Indonesian presidential election.
Celebrations and Traditions
Popular community rituals draw on local culture from regions such as Java, Sumatra, Bali, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan. Neighborhoods organize competitions inspired by national heroes like Cut Nyak Dhien and Diponegoro, featuring games similar to historical training drills used by the Indonesian National Revolution. Street-level events include the traditional sack race associated with Village gatherings, the tug-of-war called "‘panjat pinang’" rooted in communal festivities observed by residents of Jakarta and Surabaya. Schools and organizations like Indonesian Scouts (Gerakan Pramuka) and PGRI conduct flag-raising rehearsals referencing symbols from the Pancasila era. Private institutions such as Kompas Gramedia and Media Indonesia host corporate ceremonies while universities like Universitas Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, and Institut Teknologi Bandung stage cultural performances that celebrate figures including Kartini and W.R. Supratman.
National Ceremony and Protocol
The central state ceremony occurs at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta with the President of the Republic presiding, often joined by the Vice President, cabinet members from the People's Representative Council (DPR), and military leaders including those from the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) and Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia (Polri). Protocol elements echo historical military parades seen previously in events like the Independence Day military parade and involve contingents from the Navy (TNI-AL), Air Force (TNI-AU), and Army (TNI-AD). The ceremony includes the national anthem "Indonesia Raya" performed by choirs drawn from institutions such as the Ministry of Education and Culture and state orchestras affiliated with the TNI Band Corps. Presidential speeches often reference past accords like the Proclamation and align with policies debated in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
Symbols and Flags
The red-and-white bicolor flag, the Sang Saka Merah Putih, is hoisted nationwide, its design influenced by earlier standards like the banners of the Majapahit Empire and revolutionary banners carried during uprisings led by Prince Diponegoro. Flag etiquette is overseen by units including the Paskibraka (national flag-hoisting corps) and institutional protocols from the Ministry of Home Affairs. National symbols displayed include the Garuda Pancasila emblem, the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and the anthem "Indonesia Raya". Monuments such as Monas (National Monument), the Heroes' Monument (Tugu Pahlawan), and memorials at Bung Karno Stadium serve as focal points. Historic documents like the Proclamation text and artifacts housed in institutions such as the National Museum of Indonesia are showcased during ceremonies.
Public Holidays and Observances
17 August is a statutory public holiday under regulations issued by the Ministry of Manpower and observed across provinces including West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatra, Bali Province, and Papua. Local governments in cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Makassar coordinate parades and market closures, while regional bodies like the Provincial DPRD and municipal administrations set schedules for civic events. Diaspora communities in countries represented by embassies such as the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. and cultural centers like the Indonesian Cultural Center abroad organize observances timed with the central ceremony and coordinate with organizations including the Indonesian Diaspora Network.
Cultural Impact and Media
Independence Day is widely represented in print outlets such as Kompas, Tempo (magazine), and The Jakarta Post, and broadcast by networks including Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI), RTV (Indonesian TV network), Metro TV, RCTI, SCTV, and MNC Group. Films and works referencing independence include productions about figures like Sukarno and the revolution portrayed in movies screened by festivals such as the Jakarta International Film Festival. Commemorative literature appears from publishers like Gramedia and is analyzed in academic journals at institutions including Universitas Gadjah Mada and Institut Pertanian Bogor. Music commemorations feature renditions of songs by W.R. Supratman and contemporary artists performing at national events organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and state-owned enterprises like Pertamina.
Security, Politics, and Public Order
Security for national ceremonies is coordinated by the TNI and Polri with support from municipal police and provincial authorities; contingency planning often references past crises such as the May 1998 riots and counterterrorism operations guided by agencies like the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT). Political leaders from parties including the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Golkar, Gerindra, PKB, and PAN frequently use speeches and public appearances on the day to address national issues debated in the People's Representative Council (DPR). Public order measures balance ceremonial access to sites like the Istana Merdeka and Merdeka Square with crowd management practices developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and municipal administrations. Emergency response involves coordination with agencies such as the Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) and local health departments.
Category:Public holidays in Indonesia