What this lesson teaches
I can weigh up how the Japanese Occupation and World War II weakened colonial rule and strengthened nationalists.
Syllabus K330, Decolonisation and establishment of newly independent nations in Southeast Asia, Learning Outcomes. Assess the immediate impact of World War II on decolonisation in Southeast Asia.
I can weigh up how independence was won in Southeast Asia, through fighting, talks or cooperation.
Syllabus K330, Decolonisation and establishment of newly independent nations in Southeast Asia, Learning Outcomes. Assess how independence was achieved in Southeast Asia.
Make a guess
Japan surrendered in August 1945. What do you think Sukarno and Hatta did on 17 August?
- Asked Japan to stay on and protect Indonesia from the Dutch.
- Proclaimed Indonesia's independence and began building a government.
- Waited for the Dutch to return and negotiate a handover.
Show the answer
Proclaimed Indonesia's independence and began building a government.
Pushed by young activists, they declared independence. A constitution and officials followed, but power was not yet secure.
Sukarno and Hatta declared independence on 17 August 1945, then built a government to make that claim real.
Japan surrendered in August 1945. Young activists pushed the nationalist leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta to act at once. On 17 August 1945, they proclaimed Indonesia's independence. A proclamation is a public announcement. Sukarno became president and Hatta vice-president of the new Republic of Indonesia.
A declaration alone is not a working state. The Republic adopted a constitution, the basic rules of government, and appointed officials. Now it could make and carry out decisions.
But its power was not secure. It had to bring different armed groups together, defend land and win recognition from other countries. When the Dutch came back, the Republic did not control all the islands.
- 17 August 1945
- Sukarno and Hatta proclaim independence.
- Sukarno and Hatta
- President and vice-president of the Republic.
- December 1949
- The Netherlands transfers sovereignty.
Worked example: Two dates, two meanings
Indonesia celebrates 17 August 1945. The Dutch handed over power in December 1949.
- 1945 is when Indonesians claimed independence.
- The next four years were a struggle to make that claim hold.
- 1949 is when the Dutch finally accepted it.
Watch out for this
Indonesia had no claim to independence until the Dutch agreed in 1949.
Indonesians claimed independence in 1945 and set up a government. 1949 is when the Dutch accepted it.
Check your understanding
What did the Republic need besides the 1945 proclamation?
- Permission from Japan's commanders to keep ruling.
- Little else, because the proclamation gave it control of the islands.
- A constitution, officials, armed support and recognition from other countries.
Show the answer
A constitution, officials, armed support and recognition from other countries.
Yes. These turned a claim into a working government.