This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

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.

Understanding BPUPK 👇 Key Figures 👥

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

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.

Indonesian Members (Java BPUPK):

  • Abdul Halim
  • Abdoel Kahar Moezakir
  • Abdul Fatah Hasan
  • Abdul Kadir
  • Abdul Kaffar
  • Abdulrahim Pratalykrama
  • Abdurrahman Baswedan
  • Abikusno Tjokrosujoso
  • Achmad Soebardjo
  • Agus Muhsin Dasaad
  • Agus Salim
  • Ahmad Sanusi
  • Alexander Andries Maramis
  • Ashar Sutejo Munandar
  • Asikin Natanegara
  • Bagoes Hadikoesoemo
  • Besar Mertokusumo
  • Bintoro
  • Boentaran Martoatmodjo
  • Hindromartono
  • Hoesein Djajadiningrat
  • Jenal Asikin Wijaya Kusuma
  • Johannes Latuharhary
  • Ki Hajar Dewantara
  • Kusumah Atmaja
  • Liem Koen Hian
  • Margono Djojohadikusumo
  • Maria Ulfah Santoso
  • Mas Aris
  • Mas Mansoer
  • Masjkur
  • Mohammad Hatta
  • Mohammad Noor
  • Mohammad Yamin
  • Oey Tiang Tjoei
  • Oey Tjong Hauw
  • Oto Iskandar di Nata
  • P. F. Dahler
  • Panji Singgih
  • Parada Harahap
  • Poerbonegoro Soemitro Kolopaking
  • Purubojo
  • Rajiman Wediodiningrat
  • Roosseno Soerjohadikoesoemo
  • Ruslan Wongsokusumo
  • Samsi Sastrawidagda
  • Samsudin
  • Sartono
  • Sastromoeljono
  • Siti Sukaptinah Sunaryo Mangunpuspito
  • Soekiman Wirjosandjojo
  • Soepomo
  • Surachman Tjokroadisurjo
  • Soerjo
  • Soeroso
  • Soetardjo Kartohadikusumo
  • Soewandi
  • Sosrodiningrat V
  • Sudirman
  • Sukarjo Wiryopranoto
  • Sukarno
  • Suryohamijoyo
  • Susanto Tirtoprodjo
  • Tan Eng Hoa
  • Wahid Hasyim
  • Wiranatakusumah V
  • Wongsonegoro
  • Wuryaningrat

Japanese Members (Java BPUPK):

  • Ide Teitiroo
  • Itibangase Yosio
  • Itagaki Masamitsu
  • Masuda Toyohiko
  • Matsuura Mitsukiyo
  • Miyano Shozo
  • Tanaka Minoru (soldier)
  • Tokonami Tokuji

Indonesian Members (Sumatra BPUPK):

  • Mohd. Sjafei (chairman)
  • Djamaluddin Adinegoro (secretary)
  • Teuku Nyak Arif
  • Adnan Kapau Gani
  • A. R. Sutan Mansur
  • A. Sjagoff
  • Abdul Abbas
  • Aminoeddin
  • Amir
  • Azairin
  • Chatib Soeleiman
  • Ferdinand Lumban Tobing
  • Hamka
  • Hsu Hua Chang
  • Ibrahim
  • Indra Tjahaja
  • M. A. Sjarif
  • Daud Beureueh
  • Teuku Mohammad Hasan
  • Mohd. Sjafei
  • Perpatih Baringek
  • Pirngadi
  • Saibun Abdul Jalil Rahmat Sjah
  • Sjech Mohd. Djamil Djambek
  • Tjik Wan

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Investigating Committee For Preparatory Work For Independence" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about investigating_committee_for_preparatory_work_for_independence while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

                                        

References

References

  1.  Daradjadi & Osa Kurniawan Ilham 2020, p. 10.
  2.  Daradjadi & Osa Kurniawan Ilham 2020, p. 97.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been meticulously curated by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, aimed at students pursuing higher education. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, this material is not a substitute for primary source analysis or expert historical consultation.

This is not a substitute for professional historical or political analysis. The information presented here is based on a specific dataset and may not encompass all nuances or interpretations. Always consult original academic works and scholarly reviews for comprehensive understanding. Reliance on this information is solely at the user's discretion.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.