9 Surprising Facts About Indonesian Independence You Probably Didn't Know

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Every August 17, Indonesians celebrate Independence Day. It marks the day in 1945 when the nation declared its freedom from colonial rule. The proclamation was read by Ir. Soekarno at his residence on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56 in Jakarta.

Most people know the basic story. But there are several fascinating details behind the proclamation that are not commonly taught in schools. 

Here are nine surprising facts about Indonesian independence that you probably did not know.

 

1. Soekarno Was Sick on Independence Day

On the morning of August 17, 1945, just hours before one of the most important moments in Indonesian history, Ir. Soekarno was not feeling well. He had been struck by malaria, specifically the Tertiana type, which caused a high fever.

The Timeline:

• 08:00 AM: Soekarno was still asleep, recovering from illness
• 09:00 AM: He woke up after receiving treatment from his personal doctor
• 10:00 AM: He read the proclamation text loudly and clearly

Despite his illness, Soekarno managed to deliver the proclamation with strength and conviction, accompanied by Moch. Hatta. It was a moment that changed the course of history, all while the country's first president was fighting a fever.

 

2. The Original Proclamation Was Found in a Trash Can

One of the most incredible facts about Indonesian independence is that the original draft of the proclamation was nearly lost forever. The handwritten text, written by Soekarno and signed by Moch. Hatta, was found in a trash can at the residence of Laksamana Muda Maeda.

The Discovery:
The draft was discovered by B.M. Diah, a journalist from Aceh. He found it in the early morning hours of August 17, 1945. He did not throw it away. Instead, he kept the document safe.

The Long Journey:
B.M. Diah held onto the original proclamation for an astonishing 46 years, 9 months, and 19 days before finally giving it to President Soeharto. Today, the document is safely preserved at the National Archives Museum in Jakarta.

 

3. The First Flag Was Made from Simple Materials

The first Red and White flag, known as the Sang Saka Merah Putih, was made from very simple materials. The white part of the flag was made from a bed sheet, while the red part came from cloth belonging to a food vendor.

This humble beginning reminds us that independence was achieved with limited resources but unlimited determination.

 

4. Palestine Recognized Indonesia First

One of the most surprising facts about Indonesian independence is that Palestine recognized Indonesia's independence a full year before the proclamation was read. On September 6, 1944, Palestine officially recognized the Republic of Indonesia as an independent state.

The recognition was then spread throughout the Islamic world by the Grand Mufti of Palestine, Syekh Muhammad Amin Al Husaini, who urged other Middle Eastern countries to recognize Indonesia as well.

 

5. The Proclamation Photos Were Almost Lost

Frans Mendoer, a photographer from Ipphos, captured the historic moments of the proclamation. However, Japanese soldiers came looking for him, demanding the film negatives to prevent the images from being distributed.

Mendoer lied and told the soldiers he had already handed over the film to the Barisan Pelopor (Pioneer Group). In reality, he had buried the negatives under a tree in the yard of the Asia Raja newspaper office.

Thanks to his bravery, the Indonesian people can still see the historic images of the proclamation today.

 

6. The Proclamation Text Was Copied Before Typing

B.M. Diah was not just the person who found the original draft. He also played a role in duplicating the text. He was tasked with making multiple copies of the proclamation so it could be widely distributed. He also accompanied Sayuti Melik, the person who typed the final version of the proclamation.

The proclamation was read on the 8th day of Ramadan that year.

 

7. The Bamboo Pole Was Prepared Last Minute

The bamboo pole used to raise the Red and White flag was prepared only minutes before the ceremony. It was prepared by the Barisan Pelopor, led by PETA Commanders Shodancho Latif Hendraningrat and Shodancho Arifin Abdurachman.

The ceremony itself was very simple. There was no protocol, no music, no conductor, and no orchestra. There were only three items on the agenda:

1. Reading of the Proclamation
2. Raising of the Red and White flag and singing of Indonesia Raya
3. Speeches from the Mayor Suwiryo and Doctor Muwardi

 

8. Japan Tried to Stop the Proclamation

Five Japanese officers came to see Soekarno on the morning of August 17, 1945. They delivered an order from the Japanese Military Government headquarters: Do not read the proclamation.

Fortunately, the officers arrived after the ceremony had already ended. The proclamation had already been read, the flag was flying, and the historic moment had passed.

The Barisan Pelopor then surrounded the officers with traditional weapons like sickles and sharpened bamboo. The five officers eventually left the area. Soekarno ordered the formation of a brave guard to surround and protect his house and the flag.

 

9. The Recording Is Not Soekarno's Voice

The audio recording of the proclamation that many people know was not the original voice of Soekarno. The original reading was not recorded at all.

A re-recording was made in 1951, six years after the proclamation. It was done at the request of Yusuf Ronodipuro. So the voice heard on the RRI overseas broadcast on the night of August 17, 1945, is actually the voice of Yusuf Ronodipuro, not Soekarno.

 

Why These Facts Matter

These facts about Indonesian independence remind us that history is not just about dates and names. It is about real people facing real challenges.

Soekarno was sick but still led. B.M. Diah saved a document that could have been lost forever. Frans Mendoer risked his safety to preserve the photos. The flag was made from humble materials because that was all they had.

These stories add depth to the independence narrative and show the resilience of those who fought for freedom.

 

Indonesian Independence: FAQ

What is the date of Indonesian Independence Day?
Indonesia's Independence Day is celebrated on August 17 every year.

Who read the Proclamation of Independence?
The proclamation was read by Ir. Soekarno, accompanied by Moch. Hatta, on August 17, 1945.

Was Soekarno sick on Independence Day?
Yes. Soekarno was suffering from malaria on the morning of the proclamation.

Where was the original proclamation text found?
The original draft was found in a trash can at Laksamana Maeda's residence by journalist B.M. Diah.

What was the first Red and White flag made from?
The flag was made from a bed sheet and cloth from a food vendor.

Did Palestine recognize Indonesia first?
Yes. Palestine recognized Indonesia's independence on September 6, 1944, over a year before the proclamation.

Are the proclamation photos real?
Yes, but the photographer had to bury the negatives to prevent Japanese soldiers from seizing them.

Is the recording of the proclamation Soekarno's voice?
No. The recording is a re-enactment made in 1951 by Yusuf Ronodipuro.

 

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