Taman Proklamasi, Jakarta Overview

Taman Proklamasi, also referred to as the Proclamation Monument or the Proclamation Park, is nestled at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur 56 in the heart of Jakarta. Formerly, this landmark used to be the residence of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia. Even though the house has now been demolished, it is still reminiscent of the place where Sukarno declared the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on the 17th of August 1945.

The delightful Taman Proklamasi is home to three remarkable parks, which are named the Lightning Monument, the One Year Anniversary of Indonesian Republic Memorial, and the Monument of Proclamator Heroes Sukarno-Hatta. Owing to its rich historical significance, the Taman Proklamasi is of peak interest for history enthusiasts and its lush green surroundings draw in nature lovers from places far and near.

The Three Monuments of the Taman Proklamasi

Each monument that is housed in the spectacular Taman Proklamasi is unique in its own way. A brief description of each has been given below.

1. Tugu Petir, or The Lightning Monument

Rising to a height of a whopping seventeen meters, the glorious Tugu Petir is built on the exact spot where Sukarno stood several years ago while reading out the Proclamation of Independence. With a lightning bolt at its head, it is a symbol of the thundering of the declaration of Indonesian Independence. At the base of the monument is a metal inscription in the Indonesian language that translates to “This is where the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was declared on the 17th of August 1945 at 10 o’clock in the morning by Bung Karno and Bung Hatta”.

2. Memorial Satoe Tahoen Repoeblik Indonesia, or The One Year Anniversary of Indonesian Republic Memorial

Being the first monument to be constructed on the grounds of the marvelous Taman Proklamasi, the One Year Anniversary of Indonesian Republic Memorial was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of Indonesia, Sutan Sjahrir on the 17th of August 1946. The construction of the monument was initiated by a number of women figures of the country, among whom were renowned figures such as Zus Ratulangi, Mien Wiranatakusumah, Yos Masdani Tumbuan, and Ms Gerung. The base of the monument bears an inscription in Indonesian which reads “With the efforts of the women of Jakarta”.

3. Monumen Pahlawan Proklamator Sukarno-Hatta, or The Monument of the Proclamator Heroes Sukarno-Hatta

As the name suggests, the Monument of the Proclamator Heroes Sukarno-Hatta features a pair of statues made of bronze that show the then Vice President Hatta, and President Sukarno standing with pride side by side at the time when the proclamation was being read out. The postures of the two revered men bear a miraculous accuracy with the official photographic documentation of the speech of Independence. Among these sculptures are forty-five shoulders which symbolize the year of the independence – 1945. The inaugural ceremony of the monument was held on the 17th of August 1980 by the then President Soeharto.

History and Significance

Following the year after the declaration of the Independence of Indonesia, the Taman Proklamasi came to be known as Gedung Proklamasi, which may be translated to Proclamation Building. When Indonesia had completed a year of its newfound independence, a group of women came together to build a small memorial in the form of an obelisk in the front lawn of the Gedung Proklamasi. It was named Tugu Proklamasi. Since then, an annual celebration was held every year by the youths and the students of the country.