KBRN, Jakarta: Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) is a public broadcasting institution established on September 11, 1945. From its inception, RRI positioned radio as a tool of resistance and a vehicle for Indonesia’s independence propaganda.

At the time, radio was more than a medium of information. It was a strategic instrument of revolution. Its broadcasts pierced through colonial barriers, uniting the people in a shared spirit of defiance.

Even before Indonesia’s independence, major powers had already harnessed radio as a weapon of war propaganda. Japan and the Allied forces used airwaves to spread threats and military warnings.

When Japan entered Indonesia in 1942, it portrayed itself as a benevolent “older brother” through radio broadcasts. But that narrative shifted dramatically when the Proclamation of Independence was aired on August 17, 1945.

Following Japan’s retreat, former Japanese radio operators from eight cities — Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, Malang, and Yogyakarta — gathered at the home of Adang Kadarusman. There, they declared the founding of RRI as a medium of struggle. Dr. Abdulrahman Saleh was appointed as RRI’s first president director.

From that moment on, RRI served as a vital link between the central government and regional fighters. It became a rapid channel for disseminating national propaganda and news of the resistance.

RRI Surabaya played a pivotal role in history when Bung Tomo’s impassioned broadcasts of takbir (Islamic cries of faith) stirred the people to rise against the Allied Forces on November 10, 1945.

In Semarang, RRI was established in 1945 and became active during the physical revolution. During the five-day battle, its broadcasts continued to ignite the fighting spirit of the youth.

Radio stood as the sole medium reporting on government movements and the people’s struggle. The principle sekali mengudara, tetap di udara (once on air, always on air) became a guiding spirit for every broadcast.

From the frontlines to village corners, RRI’s broadcasts united the voices of the people. It was not merely a messenger of news. It became a symbol of resistance carried through the airwaves. ***

Translator: Annaila Syafa Azzahra

Editor: Sri Wahyuni