Proclamation of Indonesian Independence

Date: August 17, 1945 • Location: Tokyo, Japan

This milestone marked the outbreak and beginning of this historic period, which spanned 1945–1949.

The independence of Indonesia was proclaimed, igniting a revolution against the Dutch Empire.

The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read at 10:00 Tokyo Standard Time on Friday, 17 August 1945 in Jakarta. The declaration marked the start of the diplomatic and armed resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians, until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia's independence in 1949. The document was signed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were appointed president and vice-president respectively the following day.