Indonesian Independence refers to the moment when Indonesia declared its freedom from Dutch colonial rule on August 17, 1945. This declaration was made by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who became the first President and Vice President of the newly independent nation. The declaration marked the beginning of a struggle for recognition, as the Dutch sought to regain control. Following the declaration, a four-year diplomatic and military struggle ensued, known as the Indonesian National Revolution. International pressure and negotiations eventually led to the recognition of Indonesia's sovereignty by the Netherlands in 1949, solidifying its status as an independent nation.