On December 17, 1949, a significant moment in Indonesian
history unfolded. In a bright ceremony, the Sang Saka Merah Putih (the
Indonesian national flag) was carried from the Gedung Agung to Bangsal Siti
Hinggil, marking the inauguration of Sukarno as President of the Republic of
the United States of Indonesia (RIS). This pivotal moment reflected Indonesia’s
transition to a federal state, in accordance with the Round Table Conference
agreement.
Sukarno’s journey to the palace was a modest yet symbolic
one. Traveling by Land Rover, seven soldiers escorted him to Bangsal Siti
Hinggil, where the stage was set for his inauguration. Distinguished guests,
including Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, Mohammad Hatta, and Sukarno’s wife,
Fatmawati, eagerly awaited his arrival.
Amidst hundreds of local residents, Sukarno was sworn in by
the Supreme Court, led by Mr. Kusumah Atmaja, as he vowed to fulfill his duties
as President. This day marked a critical moment in Indonesia’s journey towards
establishing a federal state, though the country would later return to a
unitary system in 1950.
Following Sukarno’s inauguration, Mohammad Hatta assumed his
role as Prime Minister, cementing the nation’s leadership. However, the
political landscape was soon to evolve. The brief Presidential Cabinet of 1945
was replaced by Soetan Sjahrir’s First Cabinet, initiating a parliamentary
system that gave parliament more influence. Sjahrir’s diplomatic efforts,
including the Linggadjati Agreement and the Rice Diplomacy with India, played a
key role in defending Indonesia’s newly gained independence.
Sjahrir’s tenure was met with both challenges and successes.
His efforts were integral in gaining international recognition for Indonesia’s
sovereignty, yet internal political tensions, including conflicts with Tan
Malaka, ultimately led to his resignation.
As the years passed, Indonesia’s leadership navigated
through multiple cabinets, each shaped by political shifts and the struggle for
stability. From Amir Sjarifuddin’s cabinet during the Dutch military aggression
to Sjafruddin Prawiranegara’s emergency government during the Second Dutch
Military Aggression, Indonesia’s leadership faced constant challenges in
preserving the nation’s independence.
Sukarno’s reign saw a transition to the Guided Democracy era
in 1959, a period dominated by his increasing power and the influence of the
Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). However, this era ended dramatically in 1967
with Sukarno’s ousting, marking the rise of Suharto and the beginning of the
New Order.
Suharto’s rule brought political stability and economic
growth, although the period was marred by corruption and suppression of
dissent. His long-standing leadership saw Indonesia through various
developmental stages, including the famous “Development Cabinets,” until his
eventual fall from power in 1998.
The Reform era that followed ushered in new leadership, with
B.J. Habibie taking over from Suharto. This era was marked by significant legal
and political reforms, paving the way for a more democratic Indonesia.
Today, as Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka
prepare to take the oath as President and Vice President of Indonesia for the
2024–2029 term, they inherit a legacy of resilience and transformation. The
upcoming cabinet will carry forward Indonesia’s long history of leadership and
governance, continuing the nation’s journey towards progress and prosperity.
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