Page 58 - BUKU A CENTURY OF PARLIAMENTARY LIFE IN INDONESIA

FROM VOLKSRAAD TO THE CENTRAL INDONESIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(1917–1949)

On September 5, 1944, one year after the Chuo Sangi-In members were
selected, Osamu Seirei No. 36 was issued. The policy stated that the
Chuo Sangi-In, Shu and Tokubetsu-shi memberships would be extended
for another year from October 1944. The policy became effective imme-
diately after it was announced.

The war that had weakened Japan’s position
forced the Japanese Military Occupation Govern-
ment to protect its influence in Indonesia. Based
on the 85 Special Session of the Japanese Par-
th
liament in Tokyo on September 7, 1944, Prime Mi- Based on the 85
th
nister Koiso declared to the whole world that the
East Indies (Indonesia) would be granted inde- Special Session of the
pendence at a later date. This statement came to Japanese Parliament
be known as the “Koiso Promise” .
in Tokyo on September

Soekarno’s speech before the Chuo-Sangi In 7, 1944, Prime Minister
members after he was elected as chairman
showed a form of trust and optimism towards Koiso declared to the
the Japanese government’s promise for indepen- whole world that the
dence, which was then represented by the Japa-
nese Prime Minister. East Indies (Indonesia)
would be granted

The “Koiso Promise” was followed up by a independence at a later
greater political participation for Indonesians
and a permission to conduct investigations on date. This statement
issues related to Indonesia’s independence. In came to be known as
addition, on September 8, 1944, the day before
Koiso’s “promise of independence”, the Shikikan the “Koiso Promise”.
Declaration Number 6 was issued regarding the
permission to raise the Indonesian flag “Sang
Merah Putih” (“The Red and White”) and to sing
the national anthem “Indonesia Raya” (“Great In-
donesia”).

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