To gain the sympathy of the locals, the Japanese gave Islamic organizations (mainly NU) an opportunity to be more active in government under Japanese military occupation. Zainul Arifin was tasked with the creation of the Tonarigumi, a precursor to the current "Rukun Tetangga", in Jatinegara, and eventually in other villages situated on the island of Java. With tensions rising during the Asia-Pacific War, Japan permitted the creation of various local paramilitary organizations. Young Muslim men were recruited to such organizations, including what would eventually become Hezbollah. Arifin, who was appointed Hezbollah's commander, was tasked with coordinating semi-military training in Cibarusa, situated near Bogor. During the height of those trainings in anticipation of a potential battle, Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed Indonesia's independence on 17 August 1945 in Jakarta.