What Day Is August 17? Indonesia Independence Day
August 17 is the 229th day of the year. On August 17, 1945, two days after Japan's surrender, Sukarno and Muhammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesian independence, ending 350 years of Dutch colonial rule. The Battle of Sicily ended in 1943, opening the path to mainland Europe.
About August 17
August 17 is the 229th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (230th in a leap year). There are 136 days remaining until the end of the year.
The significance of August 17
On August 17, 1945, just two days after Emperor Hirohito’s surrender broadcast, Sukarno read the Indonesian independence proclamation in Jakarta. It was a brief, plain document, but it ended 350 years of Dutch rule and three and a half years of Japanese occupation. The Netherlands did not recognize the new state until December 1949, after a four-year struggle that cost tens of thousands of lives. Today Indonesia, with over 270 million people, is the fourth most populous country on Earth and the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. In 1943, the Battle of Sicily ended when Allied forces captured Messina; it was the last step before the invasion of mainland Italy.
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On This Day in History
- 1943The Battle of Sicily (Operation Husky) ended as Allied forces captured Messina. German and Italian troops evacuated, and Allied forces had secured the island after 38 days of fighting.
- 1945Sukarno and Muhammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesian independence in Jakarta, two days after Japan's surrender, ending Dutch colonial rule of 350 years.
Baby Names for This Day
August 17 is Indonesia's Independence Day. Names connected to this date:
- SukarnoBoy
Indonesia's first president and co-signer of the independence declaration; in Javanese tradition, many people use only one name.
- HattaBoy
Muhammad Hatta, Vice-President and co-signer of the independence proclamation on August 17, 1945.
- MerdekaUnisex
'Freedom' in Malay and Indonesian; the word used in the independence proclamation.
- JavaUnisex
The most populous island of Indonesia, home to Jakarta; the source of Java coffee and the Java programming language.
- BaliGirl
The Indonesian island famous worldwide; also a name used in some cultures.
- GarudaUnisex
Indonesia's national emblem and airline; the mythical eagle-being from Hindu tradition, symbol of freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is August 17?add
August 17 is Indonesia's Independence Day (1945), when Sukarno proclaimed independence two days after Japan's surrender. The Battle of Sicily ended in 1943. The 229th day of the year.
What number day of the year is August 17?add
August 17 is the 229th day of the year, or the 230th in a leap year, with 136 days remaining.
What zodiac sign is August 17?add
August 17 is Leo, which runs from July 23 to August 22.