17 May 1949 Proclamation Monument

Historical Background: The Niuk Proclamation That Shook NICA

Following the Proclamation of Independence on 17 August 1945 in Jakarta, the political situation in Kalimantan was not immediately stable. The Dutch, through NICA (Netherlands Indies Civil Administration), attempted to reassert their power by forming the State of East Indonesia and trying to isolate Kalimantan from the influence of Yogyakarta (the capital of the Republic of Indonesia at the time). In response to this situation, the fighters in South Kalimantan, united under ALRI Division IV led by Brigadier General H. Hasan Basry, launched a massive guerrilla resistance.

The climax of this diplomatic and military resistance occurred on 17 May 1949. In a remote location in Mandapai, Hasan Basry read a proclamation text known as the "Proclamation of Kalimantan". The content of this text firmly stated that the people of Kalimantan recognized Indonesia's independence and were only loyal to the government of the Republic of Indonesia under the leadership of Soekarno-Hatta. This event was crucial as it thwarted the Dutch plan to make Kalimantan a separate state.

Monument Architecture and Construction Details

The 17 May 1949 Proclamation Monument is designed with an architectural style rich in the symbolism of struggle. Located on the roadside connecting Kandangan and Loksado, the monument stands majestically with its main element being a replica of the proclamation text carved into a concrete wall.

The main structure consists of tiered platforms symbolizing the stages of the struggle of the inland people of Kalimantan. In the center, tall pillars rise, reflecting an unextinguished spirit. One of the distinctive architectural features of this monument is the relief depicting the atmosphere of guerrilla warfare in the Meratus forests. The use of natural stone materials in some parts of the foundation gives an impression of sturdiness and integration with the surrounding nature, reminiscent of the guerrilla battlefield dominated by hills and dense forests.

In the monument area, there is also a list of the names of the fighters involved in this historic event. The open space around the monument is intentionally made spacious to accommodate annual commemoration ceremonies, making it the center of patriotic activities in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency.

Historical Significance and Key Figures

The central figure behind the establishment of this monument is Brigadier General H. Hasan Basry, who was later awarded the title of National Hero of Indonesia. He is known as the "Father of Kalimantan Guerrilla Warfare". His leadership in uniting various fighter factions under the banner of ALRI Division IV Defense of Kalimantan was key to the success of the 17 May Proclamation.

The significance of this site lies in the fact that the proclamation was the only regional declaration of independence in Indonesia that was administratively and militarily recognized by the central government as strengthening national sovereignty. This event forced the Dutch to negotiate again at a more serious diplomatic table, which ultimately led to the Round Table Conference (KMB) in The Hague. This monument proves that resistance against colonialism was not only in Java and Sumatra but also pulsed strongly in the heart of Borneo.

Unique Historical Fact: Proclamation Under Threat

There is a unique fact that the text of the 17 May Proclamation was once hidden inside bamboo and carried on foot through dense forests to avoid Dutch air and ground patrols. Before being read in Mandapai, the text was drafted under very urgent conditions in Niuk, another remote village. The location in Mandapai (where the monument now stands) was chosen due to its tactically strategic yet sufficiently hidden position to gather troops without being detected by NICA intelligence.

Furthermore, this event is often referred to as the "17 May Manifesto". Another uniqueness is the active participation of the Dayak Meratus ethnic community, who provided logistical protection and information to the ALRI Division IV troops, demonstrating cross-ethnic unity in South Kalimantan in defending independence.

Preservation Efforts and Current Status

The Provincial Government of South Kalimantan, along with the Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency Government, routinely maintains the 17 May Proclamation Monument. This site has been designated as an important cultural heritage site in Kalimantan. Restoration and renovations are carried out periodically, especially on the relief and proclamation text sections to ensure they remain clearly legible to younger generations.

Every 17 May, the monument becomes the center for the commemoration of "Kalimantan Proclamation Day". Thousands of people, from government officials, TNI/Polri, students, to war veterans, gather here for a historical journey of the struggle. The presence of a small museum around the monument area also helps preserve artifacts from the guerrilla war, such as traditional weapons, fighter uniforms, and secret correspondence documents.

Cultural and Educational Value

For the people of Hulu Sungai Selatan, the 17 May Proclamation Monument is not just a historical tourist attraction, but a symbol of collective identity. The values of "Waja Sampai Kaputing" (Strive until the last drop of blood) are strongly felt at this site. The monument serves as an outdoor educational tool for schools in South Kalimantan to instill a spirit of nationalism.

Culturally, this site also serves as a reminder of the harmony between urban fighters and indigenous communities. The cooperation established during the guerrilla period around the monument site is a social heritage that continues to be preserved to this day. By visiting this monument, visitors are invited to reflect on the high price of sovereignty and the importance of maintaining unity amidst the diversity of the Indonesian nation.