History: Ancient Kingdoms, National Awakening, and Independence

History: Ancient Kingdoms

Srivijaya was a significant maritime kingdom that controlled the Strait of Malacca from the 7th to 13th century, promoting the spread of Buddhism throughout the region.
The Majapahit Empire reigned supreme over the Indonesian archipelago in the 13th to 15th century. It’s known for its sophisticated art, culture, legal code, and organisation.
The ancient kingdom of Mataram left an indelible mark on Indonesia’s culture and religion, particularly on Java and Bali where Hindu-Buddhist influences still linger today.

The term “National Awakening” refers to the period in the early 20th century when several nationalist groups started advocating for Indonesia’s self-governance.
The Budi Utomo, established in 1908, was Indonesia’s first indigenous political society. It aimed to promote Javanese culture and contribute to the nation’s intellectual development.
The Sarekat Islam, which started as a traders’ association in 1909, evolved into a nationalist movement to unify the Muslims of Indonesia against Dutch colonial rule.

Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch colonial rule on 17th August 1945, an event commemorated every year as Independence Day.
The first President of independent Indonesia, Soekarno, and first Vice President, Mohammad Hatta, are national heroes for their roles in the fight for independence.
The four year struggle between the declaration of independence and its recognition by the Dutch in 1949 was marked by diplomatic negotiations and armed conflict, known as the Indonesian National Revolution.
The philosophy of Pancasila, introduced by Soekarno, remains as the foundational principles of the state, emphasising pluralism, social justice, and democracy.
Post-Independence, Indonesia faced challenges in uniting the diverse archipelago, developing its economy, and managing political instability, including the controversial transition from Soekarno to Suharto during the late 1960s.