The independence of Indonesia

The English news service on TVRI Channel Two has been broadcasting a logo, showing the "50th Anniversary, the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia." This is evidently not correct.

What happened on Aug. 17, 1945, was the proclamation of the independence of the Indonesian nation. The form of republic was adopted by the Committee for the Preparation of the Independence of Indonesia (PPKI) one day later, on Aug. 18, 1945.

So, the correct words should be "50th Anniversary, the Independence of Indonesia."

Unfortunately, this error has been widely, though unconsciously, made in speeches, as well as in the media.

SOEGIO SOSROSOEMARTO

Jakarta