After gaining independence in 1945, Indonesia faced many ups
and downs, challenges and opportunities as depicted by the 51 dioramas around the walls and in the centre of
Indonesian National History Museum in Monas. Created by Edhi Sunarso, a lecturer at Sekolah Tinggi Seni Rupa ASRI Yogyakarta (ISI Yogyakarta)
and of the pioneers of Indonesian modern sculpture.
A republic was born
All the necessary preparation for an independent statehood (state ideology, draft for constitution) was ready, and the nationalists were waiting for the right time to declare independence.
The Vitrine for The First Flag (2007/2007) by Jakarta Provincial GovernmentMonumen Nasional
After the surrender of Japan was announced by Imperial Japan, several Indonesian youth decided to strike while the iron's hot - to declare independence during the power vacuum.
The Declaration Of Independence (1973) by Indonesia Fine Art Academy in YogyakartaMonumen Nasional
Sukarno and Hatta formally declared Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945.
1945 - 1949
Guerilla War (1945-1949) (1973) by Indonesia Fine Art Academy in YogyakartaMonumen Nasional
The Dutch, initially backed by the British, attempted to regain power in their former colony which lead to an intense guerilla war...
General Sudirman Led The Guerilla War (1948-1949) (1973) by Indonesia Fine Art Academy in YogyakartaMonumen Nasional
...that united the army and people.
The young republic entered the world stage
Since the Dutch finally conceded that its former colony in the East is not going to come back into their fold, Indonesia has had high hopes to play a big role in the international stage.
The Africa – Asian Conference (18-24 April 1955) (1973) by Indonesia Fine Art Academy in YogyakartaMonumen Nasional
Including an active role in promoting a uniting agenda amongst nations.
The Start of New Order
An attempted coup blamed on PKI (Indonesian Communist party)...
The Order of March 11 (1966) (1973) by Indonesia Fine Art Academy in YogyakartaMonumen Nasional
...brought the fall of Sukarno and ushered in Orde Baru (New Order) era lead by General Suharto, who finally completed and officially inaugurated Monas with its diorama in the first few years of his rule.
