The Genesis of Sovereignty
An academic exploration of the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPK) and its pivotal role in the dawn of Indonesian independence during the Japanese occupation.
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Committee Overview
Establishment and Purpose
The Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPK), known in Indonesian as Badan Penyelidik Usaha-Usaha Persiapan Kemerdekaan, was established by the Japanese military authority in Java on March 1, 1945. Its primary objective was to lay the groundwork for Indonesian independence during the Japanese occupation, serving as the initial phase in this process.[1]
Timeline
The BPUPK operated for a critical period, holding two significant plenary meetings:
- First Meeting: May 28 to June 1, 1945.
- Second Meeting: July 10 to July 17, 1945.
The committee was officially disbanded on August 7, 1945, having been succeeded by the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI).[2]
Leadership and Structure
The committee was chaired by Dr. Radjiman Wediodiningrat, with Japanese officials also holding vice-chair positions. A separate BPUPK was also established in Sumatra, headed by Mohammad Sjafei. The committee met in the former Volksraad building, a significant venue in Indonesian political history.
Historical Context
Japanese Strategy Shift
Facing mounting pressure in World War II, Japan sought to garner goodwill in occupied territories. In September 1944, Prime Minister Kuniaki Koiso promised eventual independence for the Dutch East Indies.[3] This strategic shift, though initially met with skepticism by the Japanese Navy, led to the establishment of advisory councils and the funding of tours by Indonesian nationalist leaders like Sukarno and Hatta.[4]
Nationalist Momentum and Japanese Control
Despite Japanese efforts to manage the process, nationalist sentiment continued to grow. The PETA militia rebellion in Blitar in February 1945 signaled a weakening of Japanese control, prompting further concessions. The formation of the BPUPK was partly a response to these dynamics, intended by the Japanese to channel nationalist energy while preparing for a controlled transition.[5][6]
BPUPK in Java
Formation and Composition
The BPUPK for Java was announced on March 1, 1945, comprising 59 members representing various groups in Java and Madura, alongside eight Japanese members. The membership, revealed on April 29th, included prominent Indonesian figures who would later play crucial roles in the nation's founding. Discussions were conducted primarily in Indonesian, though Japanese officials faced language barriers.[7][8]
First Plenary Session (May 28 - June 1, 1945)
The inaugural session commenced with speeches emphasizing long-term relations with Japan. Key discussions revolved around the ideological foundation of an independent state. Professor Soepomo advocated for an authoritarian, integralistic state, while Sukarno delivered his seminal speech on June 1st, outlining the five principles of Pancasila. This session also highlighted concerns from Islamic leaders regarding the protection of their interests.[9][10][11][12]
Recess and the Jakarta Charter
During the recess following the first session, a nine-member committee, the panitia sembilan, was formed. This group, including nationalists and Islamic figures, drafted a preamble to the constitution, incorporating Pancasila and a clause regarding religious obligations for Muslims. This document, known as the Jakarta Charter, represented a significant step in constitutional development.[13]
Second Plenary Session (July 10 - July 17, 1945)
The second session focused on fundamental aspects of the new nation, including its governmental form, territory, and constitution.[9] A majority voted for a republic, and proposals for territorial scope ranged from the Dutch East Indies alone to a concept of "Greater Indonesia" encompassing Malaya and Borneo. Debates continued regarding the state's structure, with differing views on liberal democracy versus integralism.[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]
BPUPK in Sumatra
Establishment and Limited Scope
A separate BPUPK was established in Sumatra by the Japanese 25th Army on July 25, 1945. Chaired by Mohammad Sjafei, it included prominent figures like Hamka and the Sultan of Asahan. However, this committee never convened a formal meeting. Its planned tour to promote independence was cut short by Japan's surrender.[24][25][26]
Eastern Islands' Position
Navy's Stance and Nationalist Mobilization
In contrast to Java, the Japanese Navy, which controlled the eastern islands, expressed doubts about the region's readiness for independence. They permitted a short-lived, ineffective National Party but later banned it. This stance prompted Sukarno to dispatch nationalist leaders Sam Ratulangi and Tadjuddin Noor back to their home regions to galvanize support for independence.[24][25]
Key Committee Members
Prominent Figures
The BPUPK comprised a diverse group of influential Indonesian leaders and Japanese representatives. Their deliberations shaped the foundational principles and structure of the nascent Indonesian state.
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References
References
- Daradjadi & Osa Kurniawan Ilham 2020, p. 10.
- Daradjadi & Osa Kurniawan Ilham 2020, p. 97.
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