Knowledge and history of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
Many sites in Indonesia acted as silent witnesses to the Declaration of Independence. In Jakarta, there are several sites that have a strong connection to the country's freedom struggle. One of those is Tugu Proklamasi or Tugu Petir.
The area is the place where founding fathers Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta declared Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945. Tugu Proklamasi is located on a plot of land where the former residence of Sukarno at what was known as the house at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur 56, Central Jakarta.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
At the park, there are also two bronze statues of Sukarno and Hatta standing side by side. The posture of the figures was taken from the photographic documentation when the proclamation was first read. The figures flank a bronze stone tablet, the slab depicts the manuscript of the proclamation of Indonesian independence. There are also 17 pillars behind them symbolizing the date of Independence Day.
After the reformation era, the place not only becomes a special place when Indonesia celebrated its Independence Day every year but also become an opt place for people to express their aspirations. When afternoon, many people who live around the place come. Whether for exercise, mingling, or just sitting while waiting for the night to come. Kids are also happy to play at Tugu Proklamasi.