Friend, the process of formulating the text of the proclamation became an important historical event that led the Indonesian people to achieve independence. Did you guys know that there are many parties who play an important role either directly or indirectly in the process of formulating the proclamation text and bring up some interesting historical facts. Let’s look at interesting historical facts in the events of the formulation of the proclamation!
1. The role of Ahmad Soebardjo
After Soekarno-Hatta was taken hostage by young people to Rengasdengklok, Ahmad Soebardjo came and tried to persuade the youths to release the dwitunggal. Finally, they agreed with Soebardjo’s assurance that the proclamation would take place tomorrow. Ahmad Soebardjo also played a role in helping Soekarno-Hatta formulate the text of the proclamation.
2. The role of Admiral Maeda
From Rengasdengklok, the group departed for Jakarta, heading to the house of a Japanese officer named Admiral Tadashi Maeda at Meiji Dori No. 1 to address the issue. Upon arrival, the host explained the problem and information that actually happened. Maeda then invited the three figures to meet Gunseikan (Head of Military Administration) General Moichiro Yamamoto to discuss the follow-up efforts that would be taken. However, General Nishimura who represented Gunseikan opposed their plan. Finally Soekarno, Hatta, and their entourage returned to Maeda’s house and made the text of the proclamation at Maeda’s house.
3. Typewriter
The typewriter used by Sayuti Melik is a typewriter made in Germany, borrowed from Colonel Kandeler, commander of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) whose office is at the KPM Building (now Pertamina) in Koningsplein (Medan Merdeka Timur). At that time at Admiral Tadashi Maeda’s house only a typewriter with kanji was available. Satsuki Mishima, a secretary for household affairs at Maeda’s house, then took the initiative to borrow the typewriter
4. The text of the proclamation
Soekarno, Moh Hatta and Ahmad Soebardjo formulated the text of the proclamation. Soekarno wrote down the concept on a piece of paper, while Moh Hatta and Ahmad Soebardjo contributed their thoughts orally. The paper used is torn from block notes with blue striped sheets. The concept of the proclamation text handwritten by Ir. Soekarno was then typed by Sayuti Melik by changing the word, namely the word “tempoh” to “tempo”, “representatives of the Indonesian nation” to “on behalf of the Indonesian nation” and the writing of the day and month. The text was signed by Soekarno Hatta on behalf of the Indonesian nation
5. Suhoor menu
Maeda herself before moving to the second floor of her house, had advised her staff to entertain her guests. In fact, it was translated well by Satsuki Mishima (Maeda’s Head of Household Staff). As reported in the Pos Kota daily, published on August 18, 1984, he who knew that most of the meeting participants were Muslims who were going to fast, took the initiative to make a meal menu for sahur in the form of fried rice, accompanied by several other menus in the form of sardines, eggs and bread.
6. The role of the reporter
The role of journalists was very important in this event, including Frans and Alex Mendoer from IPPHOS who captured the moment of reading the proclamation, BM Diah and Jusuf Ronodipuro who helped spread the news of the proclamation through various means, such as radio, newspapers, telegram, and verbally.
Those are 6 interesting historical facts that you need to know. Hopefully this article is useful and adds to your historical knowledge, buddy. Congratulations on celebrating the 76th Indonesian Independence Day. Freedom, Freedom!