Many sites in Indonesia acted as a silent witness 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 father Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta declared Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945. Tugu Proklamasi is located at a plot of land where the former residence of Sukarno at what was known as the house at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur 56, Central Jakarta.
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 is also 17 pillars behind them symbolizing the date of the Independence Day.
After reformation era, the place is not only become a special place when Indonesia celebrating its Independence Day every year, but also become an opt place for demonstrators to express their opinions. When afternoon, many people who live around the place come. Whether for exercise, mingle, or just sit while waiting for the night to come. Kids also happy to play at Tugu Proklamasi.