The formal office of the presidency was inaugurated with Sukarno's oath on August 18, 1945, just a day after Indonesia proclaimed its independence from Dutch colonial rule. The declaration was made by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, marking the end of centuries of European dominance in the region. Sukarno, who was a prominent nationalist leader during the struggle against Dutch colonial forces, played a vital role in garnering support for independence and uniting various factions across the myriad islands of the Indonesian archipelago. His vision was rooted in a spirit of nationalism and a commitment to forging a new identity for the nation.

With Indonesia's independence declared, the newly formed government faced immediate challenges, including establishing a constitutional framework and managing relations with both the Dutch colonial powers and Japanese occupiers, who had recently surrendered. Sukarno's leadership was significant in navigating these complexities. He sought to cultivate a sense of national unity while promoting the principles of Pancasila, which emphasized democracy, social justice, and egalitarianism. The atmosphere was charged with optimism but also fraught with political dissent and the need for economic recovery.

Sukarno's presidency not only facilitated the immediate administrative tasks following independence but also set the stage for Indonesia's future political landscape. His charismatic leadership and vision mobilized the masses and fostered national pride, but also led to eventual political challenges and authoritarian tendencies in subsequent years. Nevertheless, this pivotal moment solidified Indonesia's path toward self-governance and laid the groundwork for future governance structures and national identity development.