MASA KEMERDEKAAN (1945-1950)

Indonesia’s Independence Period (1945–1950)

This lesson reviews the events surrounding Indonesia’s independence, the formation of the new state, the struggle to defend independence, and political, economic, educational, social, and cultural developments in the early independence period.

1. Events Leading to the Proclamation

• BPUPKI (the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Indonesian Independence) was established under Japan’s promise to prepare for Indonesian independence. Its chair was Radjiman Wedyodiningrat, with R. P. Soeroso and Ichibangase Yosio as vice-chairmen.
  • Its first session, held from 29 May to 1 June 1945, discussed the foundation of the state, including Pancasila.
  • Its second session, held from 10 to 17 July 1945, discussed a draft constitution.
• PPKI (the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence) was formed on 7 August 1945, chaired by Sukarno, with Mohammad Hatta as deputy. It was tasked with preparing for the transfer of power from Japan to Indonesia.
• During the Rengasdengklok incident, young activists took Sukarno and Hatta to Rengasdengklok, West Java, to urge them to proclaim independence promptly.
• The Proclamation text was drafted at Admiral Maeda’s house. The lesson attributes its opening sentence to Ahmad Soebardjo and its closing sentence to Mohammad Hatta.
• The Proclamation was read at 10:00 a.m. on 17 August 1945 in the yard of Sukarno’s home at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56. The event was accompanied by the raising of the Red and White flag and the singing of “Indonesia Raya.”

2. Establishing the Republic of Indonesia

At its session on 18 August 1945, PPKI took several steps to organize the new state:

1. Ratified the constitution prepared by BPUPKI.
2. Elected Sukarno as president and Mohammad Hatta as vice president.
3. Divided Indonesia into eight provinces: Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Lesser Sunda, Maluku, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan.
4. Formed 13 ministries.
5. Established the Central Indonesian National Committee (KNIP) to help supervise the government.
6. Formed the People’s Security Agency (BKR) for defense and security.

3. The Struggle to Defend Independence

The lesson describes two forms of struggle:

• Physical struggle: Armed battles between Indonesian forces and Allied forces, including the battles of Surabaya, Semarang, Ambarawa, Bandung Lautan Api, and the Medan Area.
• Diplomatic struggle: Negotiations with the Dutch, including the Linggarjati, Renville, and Roem–Roijen negotiations, as well as the Round Table Conference.

4. Political and Security Challenges

• The Madiun Rebellion began on 18 September 1948. Its stated aim was to replace Pancasila with communist ideology. The lesson names Musso as its leading figure and says the rebellion was eventually suppressed by the Indonesian military.
• The Darul Islam/Tentara Islam Indonesia (DI/TII) rebellion began in West Java and spread to Central Java, Aceh, South Sulawesi, and South Kalimantan. Its aim was to establish an Islamic state.
  • Figures named include Kartosuwiryo in West Java, Kahar Muzakar in South Sulawesi, Daud Beureueh in Aceh, and Ibnu Hajar in South Kalimantan.
  • The lesson gives its duration as 1949–1963.

5. Society During the Early Independence Period

• Economy: Indonesia faced economic difficulties, including limited capital, rising inflation, and a Dutch economic blockade. The government responded with a national loan program, rice diplomacy with India, and direct trade relations with other countries.
• Education: A committee on education was formed under Ki Hajar Dewantara to examine teaching issues and formulate a new education system. Its stated goal was to educate children so they could contribute their knowledge to the country.
• Social life: Social discrimination persisted, and Indonesians occupied a low social position, resulting in unequal rights.
• Culture: Literature and painting were prominent. The lesson credits Balai Pustaka with helping promote Indonesian language and literature. Writers of the Generation of ’45 produced works that often focused on the struggle for independence.

Assignment

Complete a table about seven events, identifying for each:

• When it occurred
• The figures involved
• The event’s background

Speakers and Sources

• Speaker: Eko Prabowo, S.Pd., the presenter and social studies instructor.
• No other speakers or external sources are identified in the subtitles. Historical people and organizations are discussed as lesson content.