Indonesian Independence Day

As it was common in the Age of Exploration, The Netherlands arrived in 1595 looking for natural resources and a place to colonize. In this case, they took
over Indonesia which was just an archipelago that consisted of various kingdoms and empires ruling the area in a near peaceful co-existence.

Indonesia got its name from a derivative of the Greek word indos (India) and nesos (island). The Dutch ruled Indonesia under the name the Dutch East Indies (Nederlandsch-lndiémap) and they ruled the land that Indonesia's borders now occupy for 3 and a half centuries. As most colonies did end up wanting, Indonesians started looking towards nationalism against the interests of the Dutch.

During the Second World War, Indonesia was invaded by Japan who promised but failed to deliver them independence. A man named Wikana
alongside Sutan Sjahrir, Mohammad Hatta and Sukarno decided to work hard and around the Japanese authorities to free Indonesia of colonial power which came at IOAM on 17 August 1945 at Jalan Pegangsaan 56, Jakarta (Suknarno's house, the site is now occupied by a monument to the men) where they declared Indonesia independent through reading the proclamation and raising the red and white flag of Indonesia as the attendees sang Indonesia Raya (Indonesia's national anthem). At first it was believed to be a deception by the Japanese by those who weren't present at the scene but eventually the declaring of independence was made known. At first the Dutch (since Japan had in September 1945) were unhappy with the independence declaration and the Dutch and the Indonesians fought over overnight control for 4 years until 1949 when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence.

17 August is Indonesian Independence Day and is a national holiday which is commemorated with parades, community gatherings, and athletic sports that children and adults can get involved in like sack races as well as many cultural and performing arts festivals are held.