Historical milestones of August 22: BKR formation and Geneva Convention

August 22 marks several significant historical milestones globally and in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the date commemorates the formation of the Badan Keamanan Rakyat (BKR) in 1945 by the Panitia Persiapan Kemerdekaan Indonesia (PPKI). The BKR was established to maintain security following the Proclamation of Independence and eventually evolved into the Tentara Keamanan Rakyat (TKR) and subsequently the modern Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI).

On the international stage, August 22 is recognized by the United Nations as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. Additionally, the first Geneva Convention was adopted on August 22, 1864, by 12 nations to protect war victims and military personnel wounded in battle, introducing the Red Cross symbol. Other historical events include the 1770 arrival of British explorer James Cook on the east coast of Australia.