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| Sukarno, accompanied by Mohammad Hatta, declaring the independence of Indonesia at 10:00 am on Friday, 17 August 1945, at Pegangsaan Timur 56 (now Jalan Proklamasi), Jakarta (Photo: picryl.com) |
The establishment of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) was marked by the proclamation of independence, which was read by Ir. Soekarno on August 17, 1945. Prior to that, on April 29, 1945, the Investigating Body for Preparatory Work for Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI) was formed, initiated by the Japanese Government. BPUPKI then transformed into the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI) on August 7, 1945. On August 16, 1945, the Rengasdengklok incident occurred, where young people brought Bung Karno and Bung Hatta to keep them away from Japanese influence and to proclaim independence. Subsequently, on August 17, 1945, the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Indonesia was made at the residence of Ir. Soekarno, Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56, Jakarta.
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| Ceremony of raising the flag of Indonesia moments after the reading of the Indonesian Declaration of Independence. (Photo: picryl.com) |
On August 18, 1945, the 1945 Constitution was enacted, marking the establishment of NKRI under the leadership of President Ir. Soekarno and Vice President Moh. Hatta.
After proclaiming independence, Indonesia faced various challenges and struggles in maintaining its independence. One significant moment was the Indonesian National Revolution, which took place from 1945 to 1949. During this period, Indonesian forces fought against the Dutch army's attempts to regain control over territories in Indonesia.
On December 27, 1949, the United States of Indonesia (RIS) was formed as a federal state consisting of several states in Indonesia. However, RIS only lasted for a few months before eventually transforming into the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) on August 17, 1950.
It is also important to note that the process of forming NKRI cannot be separated from the relentless struggle and high spirit of Indonesian people. Various national figures and heroes such as Soekarno, Hatta, Sutan Sjahrir, and many others played crucial roles in this struggle.