Brilio.net - Indonesia's independence , proclaimed on August 17, 1945, was the result of a long struggle against colonialism. However, maintaining this independence was not easy. After the proclamation, Indonesia faced various challenges, both from within and outside the country. The two main efforts made to maintain Indonesia's independence were through diplomacy and armed resistance.
Diplomacy: Building international support
Diplomacy became one of the important strategies in maintaining Indonesia's independence. After the proclamation, Indonesia was not widely recognized by the international world. Therefore, Indonesian leaders tried hard to gain recognition from other countries. One important step in diplomacy was sending delegations to various countries to explain Indonesia's situation and ask for support.
The Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung in 1955 became one of the important milestones in Indonesian diplomacy. This conference brought together Asian and African countries that were newly independent or were struggling for independence. Through this conference, Indonesia succeeded in building solidarity and support from other countries, which strengthened Indonesia's position in the international arena.
In addition, Indonesia is also active in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN). Indonesia's membership in the UN provides a platform to voice national interests and gain support from the international community. Through effective diplomacy, Indonesia has succeeded in gaining recognition of sovereignty from many countries, which is an important step in maintaining independence.
Armed resistance: Against military aggression
In addition to diplomacy, armed resistance was also an important effort in maintaining Indonesian independence. After the proclamation, the Dutch attempted to regain control of Indonesia through military aggression. The war of independence that lasted from 1945 to 1949 became a critical period in Indonesian history.
The freedom fighters, consisting of various elements of society, fought tenaciously against the Dutch troops. Battles in various regions, such as the Battle of Surabaya in November 1945, showed the high fighting spirit of the Indonesian people. Despite facing limitations in weaponry and logistics, the spirit and determination of the fighters never waned.
In addition to physical combat, guerrilla strategies were also implemented to weaken the Dutch military power. The guerrilla tactics carried out by the fighters succeeded in disrupting Dutch military operations and showed that the Indonesian people would not give up easily. This armed resistance, although full of sacrifices, succeeded in showing the world that Indonesia was serious about defending its independence.
Maintaining Indonesia's independence required a combination of diplomatic strategies and armed resistance. Effective diplomacy helped gain international recognition and support from other countries, while armed resistance demonstrated the determination and courage of the Indonesian people in resisting colonialism. These two efforts complemented each other and became an important foundation in maintaining Indonesia's sovereignty.
Through persistent struggle and intelligent strategy, Indonesia managed to maintain its independence and build a foundation for a better future. These efforts are not only part of history, but also an inspiration for future generations to continue to maintain and fill independence with development and progress.