The medals were instituted on September 4, 1958 by President Sukarno.
The medals are awarded to persons who:
- I (Satyalancana Perang Kemerdekaan Kesatu) were involved in the 1st Independence War from June 20, 1947 to February 22, 1948;
- II (Satyalancana Perang Kemerdekaan Kedua) were involved in the 2nd Independence War from December 18, 1948 to December 27, 1949;
except in cases where they were captured, injured and invalid.