Historical and Cultural Activists Long March Karawang – Bekasi Regency on August 17, 2025
Dozens of history and cultural activists from various communities once again held a long march to commemorate the independence fighters during the guerrilla revolution in Karawang and Bekasi. The march took place from the Proclamation Monument or History House in Rengasdengklok, Karawang, to the Bekasi Museum, Gedung Juang Tambun Selatan, Bekasi Regency.
Initiated by Agah Handoko, Chairman of the Bekasi History Community (KHB), along with Iwan Bonic, owner of the Asaldoe Rare Goods Gallery, this event was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Bekasi Regency and the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence.
“This is the second time we’ve held a long march. Last year, we held it to commemorate Heroes’ Day, and this year it coincides with the 75th anniversary of Bekasi Regency and the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence,” said Agah Handoko on Sunday (August 17, 2025).
Agah also noted an increase in participation this year. While in 2024, the event was attended by only two people, himself and Iwan Bonic, the number of participants has now increased to twelve. “Last year, it was just me and Bang Iwan Bonic. This year, the number of participants has increased again, to twelve. Hopefully, there will be even more next year,” he hoped.
Iwan Bonic added that preparations had been thorough. The participants departed for Rengasdengklok on Friday (August 15th) evening and spent the night in a historic house that was once the residence of the Proclaimers of Indonesian Independence, Soekarno and Hatta.
“We arrived in Rengasdengklok on Friday night with Bang Agah and the other participants. We spent the night in the historic house, then on Saturday (August 16th) morning around 7:00 a.m., we began our journey to the Gedung Juang Tambun Selatan,” Bonic explained.
This year’s Karawang-Bekasi Long March route traversed several areas, including Rengasdengklok, Pebayuran, Sukatani, Tambelang, and Cibitung, finally arriving at the Bekasi Museum in the Tambun Selatan Juang Building.
This retracing activity involved various communities, such as the Bekasi Fighters Family Association (IKPB), the Bekasi Riverbank Children (ANPIKASI), and several others. “We certainly hope this activity can continue annually as a way of honoring the fighters and instilling historical values in the younger generation,” said Bonic.
