The Proclamation That Began Indonesia
On the morning of August 17, 1945, a small gathering assembled outside a house in Jakarta. There was no grand government building or elaborate stage. Sukarno, a leading Indonesian nationalist, read a short proclamation announcing that Indonesia was independent. The announcement took only moments, but its consequences would unfold over years.
A nation under outside rule
Indonesia is an archipelago, a chain of thousands of islands stretching across Southeast Asia. Its people speak many languages and belong to many cultural groups. Long before 1945, communities across the islands had their own histories and systems of government.
The Netherlands gradually extended colonial control over much of the area that became Indonesia. Under colonial rule, a foreign power controlled the territory and used its resources for its own benefit. By the early 1900s, Indonesian nationalists were organizing across the islands. They wanted people from different regions to see themselves as part of a shared nation and to gain freedom from Dutch rule.
During World War II, Japan occupied the Dutch-controlled territory after defeating Dutch forces in 1942. Japanese rule brought hardship and forced labor, but it also changed the political situation. The Dutch were no longer in control, and Indonesian leaders continued working toward independence, even as they operated under Japanese occupation.
- nationalists:
- People who support the interests and independence of a nation.
- occupation:
- Control of a place by a foreign military power.
- transition:
- A change from one situation or system to another.
- proclamation:
- An important public announcement.
- constitution:
- A set of basic principles and rules for a government.
- institutions:
- Organizations and systems established to carry out important public functions.
- sovereignty:
- The authority of a country to govern itself.
- disruption:
- A disturbance that interrupts normal life or activity.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1How did Japan's surrender create both an opportunity and uncertainty for Indonesian nationalists?
- 2Why did younger supporters want independence proclaimed immediately?
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About this explanatory article passage for Middle School
“The Proclamation That Began Indonesia” is a explanatory article reading passage about Indonesian independence, written for Middle School. It takes about 6 minutes to read (835 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.