How did Indonesia become a country?

Indonesia gained its independence on August 17, 1945, after three and a half years of Japanese occupation during World War II. The nationalist movements in Indonesia grew stronger during the Japanese occupation, and they used the opportunity to declare independence when the Japanese surrendered in 1945. However, the Dutch returned to Indonesia to re-establish their colonial rule. The Indonesian National Revolution ensued, lasting until December 27, 1949, when the Netherlands officially recognized Indonesian sovereignty.