Jakarta, August 16, 2024 – In commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the Museum of the Proclamation of Independence held a series of events titled “Tapak Tilas Proklamasi” (Proclamation Trail). This event is a regular agenda to remember the historic event of the drafting of the Proclamation Text on August 16, 1945. Through this series of activities, it is hoped that the public will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the struggle for Indonesia’s independence.

Zamrud Setya Negara, Head of the Museum and Gallery Team, stated, “The ‘Tapak Tilas Proklamasi’ event is not just a commemoration, but also an effort to keep the spirit of struggle and love for the homeland alive in the hearts of every generation, especially the younger generation who will carry on this fight in the future. The activities at the Museum of the Proclamation of Independence are a tangible example of the application of the three pillars of the Indonesian Heritage Agency (IHA), namely Reprogramming, Redesigning, and Reinvigorating, which are determined to turn the museum into a space for sharing experiences and knowledge about Indonesia’s history.”

The “Tapak Tilas Proklamasi” event began with various competitions involving public participation. The event then continued with a Cultural Performance, Creative Angklung, and a Sociodrama that portrayed the spirit of the nation’s struggle. This series of activities involved more than 700 participants, demonstrating a strong sense of togetherness and an awareness of the importance of preserving the nation’s historical memory.

“The main goal of this program is to revive the spirit of nationalism and deepen the public’s understanding, especially among the younger generation, about the values of struggle embedded in our nation’s history. We hope that through this program, we can not only raise historical awareness but also foster a sense of love and responsibility to preserve our cultural heritage and enrich the public’s understanding of Indonesia’s national and cultural values,” said Vincentius Agus Sulistya, Senior Official at the Museum of the Proclamation of Independence Text.

The grand finale of this series of events will be the “Pawai Tapak Tilas Proklamasi” (Proclamation Trail Parade), where participants will walk together from the Museum of the Proclamation of Independence Text to the Proclamation Monument as a tribute to the steps taken by the nation’s founders in drafting the declaration of independence. The parade will also make a brief stop at Bung Hatta’s residence (Jl. Diponegoro No. 57) to listen to a short oration about independence from a representative of the Bung Hatta family.

In her speech, Meutia Hatta, as a representative of the Proclamation Leader Mohammad Hatta’s family, stated, “Every year, I always participate in this trail event to remember and deeply reflect on the spirit of the Proclamation that is so important for our nation. We must continue moving forward with the same spirit in safeguarding the independence that was fought for with great hardship. We must be a nation with a fighting spirit, because our task today is even heavier than that of the heroes who fought for our independence. It is that spirit that we must continue and pass on to future generations.”

The event concluded with great fanfare at the “Malam Tapak Tilas Proklamasi” held at the Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi’s courtyard. This special evening featured performances by the Keroncong Tugu musicians, Angelina, and Efek Rumah Kaca, creating a reflective atmosphere that honored the spirit of independence. The event was designed as a moment that combines music with history, offering participants a profound experience to revisit the nation’s journey toward independence.

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About Indonesia Heritage Agency

Indonesian Heritage Agency (IHA) is a public service agency under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. It is currently responsible for the management of 18 museums and galleries as well as 34 national cultural heritage sites in Indonesia. Established in 2022 and officially inaugurated as a public service agency on September 1, 2023, IHA envisions itself as a collaborative institution that fosters creativity, social change, and the development of a cultured society.

IHA prioritizes improving services based on protection as the main focus. By embracing creativity and promoting an inclusive collaborative spirit, MCB collectively contributes to broadening deep appreciation of Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage.

About Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum

The Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum stands as a silent witness to the era of Dutch and Japanese colonization, through to the Indonesian independence revolution. The art deco-style building, designed by Dutch architect J.F.L. Blankenberg in the 1920s, holds historical significance as the site where the nation’s founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence on August 16, 1945. Today, this place presents a factual narrative of the key events leading up to and following the proclamation of independence, especially those on August 16 and 17, 1945, offering visitors an opportunity for deep historical reflection. 

The museum houses over a thousand original and replica historical artifacts related to the building, events, and figures surrounding the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, making it a key national historical destination and recognized as the zero point of the birth of the Republic of Indonesia. Among its collection are historical typewriters, a piano, radios from the independence era, the “ghost stamp” of death, and a plaque commemorating the coronation of King George VI of the United Kingdom.

By continually transforming public services, the Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum has become a place to introduce the founding figures of the proclamation and a center for the contemplation of the history of Indonesia’s founding. It also serves as a public presentation space that educates and entertains, enriching the public’s understanding of Indonesia’s history.

For more information, please contact:

IHA Communication Team

Michael Reza Say (+62 811-9725-854)

Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum Team

Ari Suryanto (+62 812-8108-0632)