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Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesia's independence on August 17, 194
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August 17

Indonesia Declares Independence: Dutch Chains Broken

Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesia's independence on August 17, 1945, immediately sparking a four-year armed struggle against returning Dutch colonial forces. This bold declaration forced the Netherlands to recognize Indonesian sovereignty in 1949, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia.

August 17, 1945

81 years ago

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