Original Proclamation Manuscript to be Showcased at Merdeka Palace
Head of Bureau for Administrative Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat Sony Kartiko places original proclamation manuscript in the display case at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (08/16). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Kris)
The original proclamation manuscript handwritten by the proclaimer as well as the first Indonesian President Soekarno will be displayed during the Commemoration Ceremony of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at Merdeka Palace on 17 August 2022, along with the original red-and-white flag.
“This is our third year that Presidential Secretariat has collaborated with the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI) to showcase the proclamation manuscript, together with the original flag at Merdeka Palace during the 77th Commemoration Ceremony of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia this year,” Presidential Secretariat’s Head of Bureau for Administrative Affairs Sony Kartiko said after the handover of the manuscript at the ANRI building, Tuesday (08/16).
According to Sony, a team from ANRI team has assessed the condition of the storage room at Merdeka Palace from the room temperature to the humidity level, adding that the step is vital because the original manuscript is the evidence of the history of the nation’s struggle which has a very high value for the Indonesian people.
“Thank God, the room at Merdeka Palace meets the requirements to be used as a temporary storage for the proclamation manuscript,” Sony said.
In addition, Presidential Secretariat has also participated in the risk assessment process carried out by ANRI on a regular basis as an effort to maintain the nation’s collective memory.
Sony also expressed belief that the original proclamation manuscript handed over today is in good condition. For that reason, he said he appreciated ANRI for the cooperation and support so the handover ceremony can smoothly proceed, adding that the manuscript will be returned to the ANRI on August 18, 2022.
“On behalf of Presidential Secretariat, we would like to extend our gratitude for the support and cooperation from ANRI for the success of this activity,” Sony said.
In the meantime, Head of ANRI Imam Gunarto also expressed appreciation to everyone who has cooperated in the handover of the manuscript for the past three years.
“This morning, August 18, 2022, as we have done in the previous years, ANRI and Presidential Secretariat, State Secretariat prepared a ceremony for the handover of the nation’s heirloom that is the original proclamation manuscript handwritten by Soekarno to be showcased at the 77th Commemoration Ceremony of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia,” Imam remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (FI/HD/EP)
