Often Mentioned Towards August 17th, Get to Know 3 Facts About Rengasdengklok

You may have often heard about “Rengasdengklok” especially when everyone’s gearing towards August 17th, the commemoration of the Independence Day of Indonesia. That’s unsurprising, because despite it being a small sub-district, the place silently witnessed a significant event of the preparation of Indonesia’s independence. Not just chock-full of history, Rengasdengklok also serves as a great weekend getaway that you can visit at any time, especially if you live around Jabodetabek and West Java.

Before visiting, let’s get to know three fun facts about this place.

1. Rengasdengklok is widely known for the August 16, 1945 event

Many associate Rengasdengklok with the‘kidnapping’ of Soekarno and Hatta by the Indonesian youth fighters. At that time, August 16, 1945, the duumvirate were brought to Rengasdenklok in the wee hours of the morning on the grounds that they would not be influenced by Japan, which at that time had just suffered defeat by the Allies.

Up until now, there are still many polemics circulating around this incident. Some call it a ‘kidnapping’, others believe that the duumvirate were actually ‘brought to a hideaway’. What really happened may be up for debate, but one thing for sure is that the incident succeeded in promoting Rengasdengklok which is now known as the City of Pangkal Perjuangan (Start of the Struggle).

2. Rengasdengklok is only 2 hours away from Jakarta

Rengasdengklok is a sub-district located in Karawang Regency, West Java. The Citarum River separates Rengasdengklok from the Cikarang industrial estate area, Bekasi Regency.

From Jakarta, Rengasdengklok can be reached in just 2 hours drive. One of the fastest ways would be through the Jakarta - Cikampek toll road and exit at the West Karawang toll gate. From there, go to Tanjung Pura and follow the Proclamation Highway until you arrive at ‘downtown’ Rengasdengklok. Ask around the locals to reach the Tugu Kebulatan Tekad (Monument of Determination), the iconic pride of Rengasdengklok.

3. Tourism and Culinary Potential

Besides its fame for the historic events leading up to Indonesian proclamation, the Rengasdengklok and surrounding areas is also an abode to many hidden tourism potential. Drive northwest to Batu Jaya where you will find Candi Jiwa (Temple of the Soul). This Buddhist-style temple is one of the few similar temples in West Java.

For those of you culinary hunters, Rengasdengklok is also ample with options. Sate Maranggi, a satay delicacy both beef and duck, and Surabi Hejo are surely the culinary icons here. Don’t forget to bring home souvenirs such as sesame seeds semprong crackers or prawn crackers that you can buy directly from the factory. Best price guarantee!

Approaching the celebration of Independence Day, on August 16 every year, there will usually be a parade that takes place in the Rengasdengklok square involving various history-loving communities. Keep an eye out on the schedule on social media of several historical communities around Jakarta and West Java. Although Rengasdengklok is most festive around August, this place is actually worth visiting all year long.

Don’t let hesitation hold you back from visiting Rengasdengklok, especially if you have the convenience to use a car rental service from TRAC. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, TRAC has consistently implemented health and safety measure called the SMART protocol. This protocol serves to provide a safe and comfortable experience on every ride which includes: 

• Thorough cleaning of all units before and after duty
• Providing hand sanitizers and barriers between drivers and passengers in each unit
• Implementation of physical distancing which prohibits drivers and passengers from making physical contact with each other

Feel the comfort of driving with reliable drivers who have been provided with a defensive driving certificate. Before going on duty, TRAC drivers are also required to pass a medical test and are required to wear mask and gloves.

For convenient reservation, download and install the TRACtoGo application on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and get the best deals and offers. For more information, contact TRAC’s Customer Assistance Center at 1500009 or email to rco.nasional@trac.astra.co.id.