August 17 in History
1945 – Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaim the independence of Indonesia, igniting the Indonesian National Revolution against the Dutch Empire
The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence (Indonesian read at 10:00 a.m. on this day in 1945 marked the start of the diplomatic and armed resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians, until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia’s independence in 1949. The document was signed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were appointed president and vice-president respectively the following day. The date of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was made a public holiday by a government decree issued on June 18, 1946.
-Wikipedia
Photo Caption – Sukarno, accompanied by Mohammad Hatta, declaring the independence of Indonesia at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 17 1945, at Pegangsaan Timur 56 (now Jalan Proklamasi), Jakarta – National Library of Indonesia