ON that day, 15 August 1945, Japan had finally surrendered to the Allies. During their final days in power, Japan had promised to grant Indonesia its independence. In this regard, Japan formed the Indonesian independence preparation committee. Sukarno and Hatta became the chairman and deputy chair of this committee.

Sjahrir did not believe the Japanese would keep their promise. Like activists from other movements, such as Adam Malik, Soekarni, C