It turns out that there are 2 versions of the text of the proclamation of Indonesian independence, here are the real facts

foto: ANRI

Many people do not know that there are actually two versions of the proclamation text.

Brilio.net - August is always a meaningful time for the Indonesian people. Every year, all Indonesian people commemorate Independence Day which falls on August 17th. Approaching the Indonesian Independence Day, August is filled with various activities to celebrate independence such as various competitions.

Celebrated with a spirit of nationalism , reminding of the long struggle and sacrifice of the heroes who succeeded in winning independence from colonialism. Because, August is the month where the monumental event, namely the reading of the proclamation text that marked the birth of the independent Indonesian nation.

The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on August 17, 1945 was a very significant turning point in the nation's history. After experiencing centuries of Dutch colonization and Japanese occupation during World War II, Indonesia finally proclaimed its independence.

This proclamation was read by Soekarno in front of the community at his house located at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56, Jakarta. The moment marked the end of the colonial era and the birth of an independent and sovereign Indonesian state.

photo: National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia

The proclamation of independence was inseparable from the various important events that preceded it. After Japan surrendered to the Allies on August 15, 1945, the youth urged Soekarno and Hatta to immediately proclaim independence. However, Soekarno and Hatta chose to negotiate with the Japanese first. According to the book "History of Modern Indonesia" by MC Ricklefs, this decision sparked tension between the old and young groups.

Finally, after going through various discussions and debates, it was agreed that the proclamation of independence would be carried out on August 17, 1945. The night before, Soekarno, Hatta, and several other figures drafted the text of the proclamation at the house of Admiral Maeda, a Japanese Navy officer. The atmosphere at that time was very tense because of various pressures and threats from the Japanese.

The proclamation text read on August 17, 1945 is now a very important historical legacy for Indonesia. However, many do not know that there are actually two versions of the proclamation text. The first version is the proclamation text handwritten by Soekarno, and the second version is the text that has been typed by Sayuti Melik. According to the book "Proklamasi: Sebuah Catatan Sejarah" by Anhar Gonggong, these two versions have significant differences.

photo: National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia

Sukarno's handwritten version was compiled in the early hours of August 17, 1945. In a very urgent situation, Sukarno wrote the proclamation text with the help of Hatta and several other figures. The text was written spontaneously and simply, reflecting the emergency situation they were facing at that time. Nevertheless, the essence of the text is very clear, namely declaring Indonesia's independence from all forms of colonialism.

Then, Sayuti Melik was asked to type the text of the proclamation. This typed version became the official text read by Soekarno on the morning of August 17 1945. In the typing process, several changes were made to improve grammar and clarify meaning. One significant change was the replacement of the word "tempoh" with "tempo," which was considered more standard.

In the book "Hari-Hari Hingga Proklamasi" by Ahmad Subardjo, it is explained that the chronology of the creation of the two versions of the proclamation text reflects a very dynamic and tense condition. After the text was handwritten by Soekarno, Hatta suggested that the text be typed to clarify and emphasize the declaration of independence. Sayuti Melik then took an important role in typing the proclamation text on a typewriter borrowed from the Domei news agency (now the Antara News Agency).

The typing process was carried out very quickly and carefully because of concerns about interference from the Japanese or Allied forces. After the typed text was completed, the document was immediately taken to Pegangsaan Timur to be read by Soekarno. This process shows how important cooperation and coordination between national figures are in dealing with crisis situations.

photo: National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia

Although the two versions of the proclamation text have differences, both are symbols of the struggle and determination of the Indonesian people for independence. Soekarno's handwritten text shows the authenticity and spontaneity of the historic moment, while Sayuti Melik's typed text illustrates an attempt to convey the message of independence more firmly and clearly.

Reported from the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI), the original documents of both versions of the proclamation text are stored and preserved as part of Indonesia's historical heritage. The public can access and study the documents to better understand the events of the proclamation of independence and its historical context.

Ultimately, the existence of two versions of the proclamation text shows that Indonesian independence was not the result of one individual or group alone, but rather the result of cooperation and struggle of all elements of the nation. Through the proclamation text, the Indonesian nation firmly stated its right to be independent and sovereign as an independent and just nation.

(brl/mal)