Historical Tour in Jakarta, Retracing The Proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia

August is the month in which the independence of the Republic of Indonesia is commemorated. Not only on August 17th, but the spirit of independence can be felt every day, all month long.

There are many ways you can do to make the best out and enliven the best out of this month, one of which is by going on historical tours. Trace back to places related to the movements and struggles of the predecessors, and let the sense of patriotism flourish in you. Let’s make the August 17 celebration more than merely a euphoria!

Here are 5 destinations to visit for historical tour this August

1. Museum Kebangkitan Nasional (Museum of National Awakening)

Located in Jl. Dr. Abdul Rahman Saleh No. 26, Senen, Central Jakarta, this building is also known as Stovia Building where it became the embryo of Indonesia's youth movement during the colonial era. STOVIA (School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen) was the medical school for Indonesian locals. On May 20, 1908, STOVIA students declared the foundation of Boedi Oetomo, the first modern organization that seemed to be the beginning of youth movements from all regions.

This museum is a humble abode to various information, paintings, and diorama about the struggles and fights in the past. Muskitnas opens everyday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and only closes during national holidays. Don’t forget to book a ticket in advance online via the museum’s official website.

2. Museum Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge Museum)

Twenty years after the foundation of the Boedi Oetomo organization, the youth movement during the pre-independence era had gotten more profound. It was proven by the First and Second Youth Congress, in which the events were considered a leap of faith in the fight towards independence. The Indonesische Clubhuis Building in Kramat, Central Jakarta became the witness of the birth of the Youth Pledge during the Second Youth Congress that was held in October 1928. In this event, Wage Rudolf Supratman presented and let the people hear the full version of the, now national anthem, Indonesia Raya. The spirit was lit then as it is still lit today. See it for yourself through the diorama displayed in the museum.

3. Gedung Joang ‘45 

Also known as Joang ‘45 Museum, this building is located in Jl. Menteng No. 31, not far from the iconic Tugu Tani (The Heroes Monument). The European-styled building, adorned with tall pillars, was originally a hotel owned by a Dutch businessman which was turned into a dormitory for Indonesian youth. Big figures such as Adam Malik, Wikana, and Chaerul Saleh received their political education in this Angkatan Baru dormitory under the guidance of Soekarno, Moh. Hatta, Moh. Yamin, and several other national figures. Despite being smaller than other museums in Jakarta, this building also hosts a collection that you don’t want to miss.

4. Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi (Formulation of Proclamation Text Museum)

Commonly abbreviated as Munasprok, this building was built in 1931 and has seen several changes in function. Its name rose to fame when it became a home to Admiral Tadashi Maeda, a high-ranking Japanese officer who supported Indonesia’s effort to independence. This building, located on Jl. Diponegoro No. 1, Menteng, Central Jakarta, became the destination when the movement leaders came back from Rengasdengklok. This place also witnessed the formulation of the proclamation text read by Soekarno on August 17, 1945.

5. Monumen Proklamasi (Proclamation Monument)

The proclamation text of Indonesian independence was read by Soekarno, accompanied by Moh. Hatta, on the terrace of this house which is located at Jl. Pegangsaan Timur no. 56, Central Jakarta. Now, the historic building is no longer there and has turned into the Proclamation Park Complex where there stands the Proclamation Monument and statues of Soekarno-Hatta, 46 and 43 meters high respectively with a bronze base weighing 1.2 tons. You can visit and take pictures in the area every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Beyond the five historical buildings above, there are still many other historical tourist destinations that are historically related to the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Not only in Jakarta, you can visit plenty of other historical places outside the nation’s capital that will definitely bring up the patriotism in you like the ones you can see in Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and several other cities.

Get the best deal from TRAC’s “Promo Merdeka Jalan-jalan” offer for car rental services when going on historical tours throughout August. You can travel around the city visiting museums and other historical places with comfort and convenience. This promo is valid for reservations using the TRACtoGo application which you can download on Google Playstore and Apple App Store.