Indonesian Independence Day 2020 - Important date, History of Indonesian Independence Day, Quotes & Wishes

Indonesian Independence Day 2020: On 17 August 2020, Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Indonesia's Proclamation of Independence. Read more about History of Indonesian Independence Day, Facts & Quotes from this article.

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Indonesian Independence Day 2020

Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated on 17th August every year. Indonesian Independence Day marks Indonesia's independence from Dutch colonial rule. The Indonesian Independence day is celebrated to mark the proclamation of Indonesian independence. Soekarno and Hatta proclaimed the independence of Indonesia from the authorities of Dutch and Japan. Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated as a public holiday in the country.

What is the History of Indonesian Independence Day?

In 1945, when the Japanese surrendered, the East Indies nationalists took the opportunity and threw off the colonial Dutch rule and proclaim the independent state of Indonesia. The proclamation of Indonesian independence was broadcasted secretly across the archipelago, and an English version was sent overseas.

The Indonesian Proclamation of Independence was by Sukarno, the future president,  read in Jakarta at his private home on the morning of 17th August 1945. The proclamation of Independence was read in front of a crowd of around 500 people. Unlike the American Declaration of Independence, which consisted of over 1,000 words and contained 56 signatures, the Indonesian proclamation, which consisted of 45-words when translated in English, was literally drafted the night before and contained only two signatures chosen to represent the future nation. It included the signature of Sukarno, the new president, and Mohammad Hatta, the new vice president.

What does the Proclamation of Independence 

The declaration of Indonesia's independence was done by Sukarno, the new President. The actual text of the proclamation is stated below:

PROCLAMATION

We the people of Indonesia hereby declare the independence of Indonesia. 

Matters which concern the transfer of power and other things will be executed by careful means and in the shortest possible time.

Djakarta, 17 August 1945 

In the name of the people of Indonesia.

How is Indonesian Independence Day celebrated?

Indonesians usually celebrate Indonesian Independence Day by doing flag ceremonies in schools and offices. On this special day, the students are gathered in the field wearing uniforms, singing national anthems, praying for the late national heroes, and re-read the proclamation text. 

  • Several activities are carried out at offices of both governmental and private where workers gather to flag ceremonies in front of their offices.

  • Informal celebrations include all kinds of competitions taking place. 

  • The competitions include kerupuk (chips) eating, climbing palm trees greased with oil, sack races, getting nailed tied to a string into a bottle, and many other party games. All the games that are played on the day have symbolic value and serve as a reminder of the time before Indonesia had its independence. For instance, eating kerupuk is to remind people how their ancestors lived in poverty during the colonization. Climbing the palm tree is to symbolize the efforts that were taken to gain independence. 

  • People of all ages, genders, and professions participate in the events. 

Sukarno Quotes:

Reach your ambition as high as the skies! Dream it as high as the skies! Because if you're fell, you're gonna fall among of the stars!!

A thousand of old man are just able to dream, but a young man is able to change the world!

Learning without thinking is useless, but thinking without learning is very dangerous!

Do good to another man, even when they do not do you good; another will certainly do you good. if there is still shame and fear in one's heart to do good, there will certainly be no progress at all.

Conquer the thousands of man may not be called a winner, but be able to conquer yourself is called a brilliant conqueror!

Rose never propagandize its fragrant, but its own fragrance spreads through its surrounding.

Where Slavery is, there Liberty cannot be; and where Liberty is, there Slavery cannot be.

There is not one state truly alive if it is not as if a cauldron burns and boils in its representative body, and if there is no clash of convictions in it.

Indonesian Independence Day - Wishes

Indonesia; Born out of Selfless Sacrifice, coated with Pride, dipped in Unity and Soaring in Glory, I am proud to be a Indonesian. Happy Independence Day to you all.

As we celebrate the free spirit of Indonesia, may this independence day bring you and your household peace, joy and love.  Happy independence day!

Join the train of unity, fight against corruption and keep flying the flag of our dear nation high! Happy Independence Day!!!

Let us all come together to help our glorious nation move forward. Happy Independence Day!

The future depends on what you do today! Happy Independence Day!

United we stand, Divided we fall! Let’s all renew our pledge to unitedly protect our nation from external control. Happy Independence day! 

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Indonesian Independence Day - FAQ

1. How did Indonesia gain its independence?

The Japanese invasion in 1942–45 during WWII ended Dutch rule in Indonesia. It encouraged the previously suppressed Indonesian independence movement. On 15 August 1945, Japan surrendered during WWII. On 17th August 1945, the nationalist leader, Sukarno, declared independence and became president.

2. Who declared Indonesian independence?

Under pressure from radical and politicized pemuda groups, Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed Indonesian independence, on 17 August 1945, two days after the Japanese Emperor's surrender in the Pacific.

3. Which is the Capital of Indonesia?

Jakarta is the Capital of Indonesia. Jakarta has a population of 10 million and three times that number including nearby areas.