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Indonesia Constitution Day – August 18, 2023

Constitution Day in Indonesia is observed on August 18 every year. The constitution was established in 1945 at a meeting of the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence, in order to ensure unity after the declaration of independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 1945. This day coincides with the signing of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. Usually, the day is accompanied by patriotic speeches, parades, activities, and demonstrations. The people of Indonesia join in the celebrations and everyone is encouraged to celebrate the holiday together.

History of Indonesia Constitution Day

The 1945 State Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia is the highest law in the land and is the basis for all Indonesian law. The constitution was drafted in June, July, and August 1945, in the last months of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies at the end of World War II.

In 1942, the Japanese invaded the Dutch East Indies, defeated the Dutch colonial regime, and occupied it during World War II. At the time, the area came under the control of the Japanese Southern Expeditionary Army Group. The Japanese divided the territory into three military government regions based on the largest islands: Sumatra, Java, and East Indonesia, including part of Borneo. On March 1, 1945, the 16th Army set up the Independence Preparatory Investigation Committee (B.P.U.P.K.) for the island of Java. Later, the B.P.U.P.K. was established in Sumatra. For the rest of the East Indies, such an organization did not exist.

The B.P.U.P.K. established in Java consisted of 62 members. Among its members were future President Sukarno and Vice-President Mohammad Hatta. It held two sessions, one in May-June and one in July, 1945. The first session discussed general issues, including the philosophy of the state for a future independent Indonesia, called Pancasila, which was announced by future President Sukarno in a speech on June 1. On July 26, 1945, the Allies called for Japan’s unconditional surrender in the Potsdam Declaration. The dropping of the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki and the Soviet invasion of Manchuria prompted the Japanese to surrender unconditionally on August 15, 1945. Sukarno and Hatta declared independence on August 17, 1945, and the P.P.K.I. met the next day. On August 18, 1945, the Committee officially adopted the Constitution.

Indonesia Constitution Day timeline

1944
The Battle of Leyte Gulf

Japan is defeated, which weakens the already precarious position of the Japanese military.

1950
The Provisional Constitution

It replaces the Federal Constitution of December 27, 1949.

1998
Amendments to the Constitution

It leads to changes in all branches of government, as well as additional provisions on human rights.

2008
Constitution Day

On September 10, 2008, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono issues a Presidential Decree establishing Constitution Day in Indonesia.

Indonesia Constitution Day FAQs

How many words are there in the Constitution of Indonesia?

The 1945 State Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia contains only 1,393 words.

How can the Indonesian Constitution be changed?

The current procedure requires that the amendment be proposed in writing by at least one-third of all members of the People’s Consultative Assembly, describing the proposed changes and justifying them.

Which country has the shortest constitution?

The Indonesian Constitution of 1945 is considered the shortest in the world. It is much shorter than the U.S. Constitution.

How to Observe Indonesia Constitution Day

  1. Visit Indonesia

    The best way to celebrate Constitution Day in Indonesia is to visit the country to fully immerse yourself in the culture. The country is filled with patriotic pride and an appreciation for the importance of the constitution. Experience the rich heritage first hand.

  2. Celebrate on social media

    If you can’t visit Indonesia, then bring Indonesia to you! Put up stories with best wishes for Indonesia and meet and greet Indonesians.

  3. Learn about the Indonesian Constitution

    To better understand the feelings of the Indonesian people on this day, expand your knowledge about the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, its preconditions, and its creation. Search for information on the internet, speak to Indonesians, and listen to webinars.

5 Facts About Indonesia That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. It’s home to over 100 endangered animals

    Indonesia, also known as the Lost World of Asia, is a playing field for increasingly rare, exotic, and fantastically beautiful animals, which are slowly reaching a critically dangerous level of extinction.

  2. The world’s biggest flower lives there

    The Rafflesia Arnoldii, also known as the “corpse lily” due to its unpleasant odor during flowering, is the biggest flower in the world that grows in the rainforests of Indonesia.

  3. The Pacific Ring of Fire’s hottest spot

    Since Indonesia has almost 130 active volcanoes and is located between the most active seismic zones on Earth, it is the hottest spot on the Ring of Fire.

  4. The highest island peak on Earth

    Punchak Jaya is the highest peak of the Jayawijaya Mountains in the province of Papua, which sits at an altitude of 16,023 feet above sea level.

  5. The former headhunter island is here

    Once upon a time, in Pulau Samosir, there lived the Bataks, who were cannibals/headhunters.

Why Indonesia Constitution Day is Important

  1. It commemorates the birth of the constitution

    The constitution plays the first and the most major role in the life of any country. Therefore, it is important to remember not only its history and amendments but also the day of its creation.

  2. It encourages unity

    The constitution is designed to unite a people after independence. On this day, all Indonesians become more united than ever, demonstrating that the country and its people are one organism that functions in harmony.

  3. It has an important task

    This holiday aims to raise awareness about the constitution. The constitution regulates relations between the government and the people, contains human rights, and marks the existence of the country. Every citizen should realize the importance of the supreme law.

Indonesia Constitution Day dates

YearDateDay
2023August 18Friday
2024August 18Sunday
2025August 18Monday
2026August 18Tuesday
2027August 18Wednesday

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