Warisan: Journal of History and Cultural Heritage
Vol 7, No 2 (2026)

Soekarno's Visit to Padangsidimpuan in 1948: Historical Significance, Political Mobilization, and Local Support during the Indonesian Revolution

Kurnia Syahputra (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Albert Waruwu (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Ridho Affandi Panjaitan (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Dea Puspita Sari (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Mita Dina Prastiwi Hutahuruk (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Rendi Rianto Simarmata (Universitas Negeri Medan)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines Soekarno's visit to Padangsidimpuan on 12 June 1948 within the political context of Indonesia's struggle to defend its independence following the Renville Agreement. Although the visit represented an important episode during the Indonesian Revolution, its historical significance at the local level has received limited scholarly attention. This study reconstructs the chronology of the visit, analyzes its role in political mobilization, and examines the forms of local support that emerged in response to Soekarno's presence. The research employs the historical method, consisting of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography, by analyzing contemporary newspapers, photographic documentation, archival records, and interview data through systematic source corroboration. The findings indicate that the visit served not only as a symbolic political event but also as a strategic instrument for reinforcing national legitimacy, mobilizing public participation, and strengthening local support for the Republic during a critical stage of the Indonesian Revolution. Public enthusiasm, despite adverse weather conditions, and the presentation of ulos and buffaloes in the Angkola-Mandailing tradition, reflected the integration of local cultural expressions into the broader national struggle. This study contributes to local history by demonstrating how the historical significance of Soekarno's visit extended beyond ceremonial purposes, functioning as a mechanism of political mobilization that strengthened state–society relations and reinforced collective support for the Indonesian Republic.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

warisan

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Warisan: Journal of History and Cultural Heritage is Published by Mahesa Research Center since February 16, 2020. This Journal publishes articles on local and national, academic, and general topics related to history and cultural heritage. THis Journal Publishes Three times a year April, August and ...