Ki Hadjar Dewantara: Story and Progress

was born with the name Raden Mas Soewardi Soerjaningrat on May 2 1889 in Yogyakarta, was a Javanese nobleman who dedicated his life to fighting for independence and education for the Indonesian people. In his youth, Soewardi was known as a journalist and activist who was critical of the policies of the Dutch colonial government.

One of his famous writings was entitled ” Als ik een Nederlander was ” (“If I Were a Dutchman”) which was published in the newspaper ” De Express ” in 1913. This article strongly criticized the colonial education system which he considered discriminatory and only benefited the elite. As a result, Soewardi and several of his colleagues were exiled to the Netherlands.

 

Ki Hadjar Dewantar’s Educational Background

Ki Hadjar Dewantara, has a quite complex and interesting educational background. Here are some important points:

Formal education

1. Europeesche Lagere School (ELS) : Elementary school for European children during the Dutch colonial period. Here, Soewardi learned Dutch and other basic knowledge.
2. Kweekschool : A school for native teachers founded by the Dutch East Indies government. Soewardi only studied here for a few months before moving to STOVIA.
3. School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (STOVIA) : Prestigious indigenous medical school. Soewardi did not complete his education at STOVIA because he was expelled due to his writings which were critical of the Dutch colonial government.

Informal education :

• Independent study : Soewardi studied a lot independently by reading books, discussing with intellectual figures, and observing the social and political conditions around him.
• Experience in exile : During his exile in the Netherlands, Soewardi learned a lot about various schools of Western education and philosophy, which then influenced his thinking about education.

Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s educational background, both formal and informal, had a big influence on his thinking and work in the field of education. His experience at STOVIA and exile in the Netherlands made him aware of the importance of quality education that supports the Indonesian people.

Establishment of Taman Siswa and Educational Philosophy

In exile, Soewardi learned a lot about various schools of education and philosophy. This experience further strengthened his determination to fight for fair and quality education for all Indonesian people.

Upon returning to his homeland in 1922, Soewardi founded Taman Siswa, an educational institution based on the educational philosophy of nationalism and independence.

Ki Hadjar Dewantara formulated his own educational philosophy known as Independence Education . This philosophy emphasizes several main principles, such as:

1. Humanity : Every child has a unique nature and potential to be developed.
2. Nationality : Education must foster a sense of love for one’s country and a spirit of nationalism.
3. Independence : Education must free children from the shackles of colonialism and dependence on other parties.
4. Democracy : Education must prepare children to live in a democratic and responsible society.

This philosophy of Independence

Education became the basis for the establishment of Taman Siswa, an educational institution founded by Ki Hadjar Dewantara in 1922. Taman Siswa became an alternative education model that focused on developing students’ character and independence.

Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s thoughts on Independence Education and the establishment of Taman Siswa became a valuable legacy for the Indonesian nation and continue to inspire the development of education in Indonesia to this day.

Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s Important Role in the Independence Movement

Ki Hadjar Dewantara was not only active in the field of education, but also in the Indonesian independence movement. He is one of the founders of the Indonesian Education and Teaching Association (PPPI) and the Indonesian National Association (PNI).

His work in fighting for Indonesian independence resulted in him being imprisoned by the Dutch colonial government for several months in 1933.

After Indonesian independence, Ki Hadjar Dewantara was appointed Minister of Education, Teaching and Culture in the Sjahrir I and II Cabinets (1945-1947). He is also active in various educational and cultural organizations. 

The organizations and movements participated in by Ki Hadjar Dewantara include:

National Movement Organization

1. Budi Utomo : The first national movement organization in Indonesia which was founded in 1908. Ki Hadjar Dewantara was active in this organization since its inception.
2. Indische Partij : The first political party in Indonesia which was founded in 1912 by Ki Hadjar Dewantara, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, and EFE Douwes Dekker (Three Triads). This party aims to achieve Indonesian independence.
3. Indonesian National Association (PNI) : A nationalist political organization founded in 1927. Ki Hadjar Dewantara was active in this organization since its inception.

Educational Organization

• Taman Siswa : An educational institution founded by Ki Hadjar Dewantara in 1922. Taman Siswa is an alternative education model that focuses on developing students’ character and independence.
• Indian Teachers Association (PGH) : Teachers’ organization founded in 1912. Ki Hadjar Dewantara was chairman of this organization in the 1926-1927 period.
• Indonesian Teachers’ Congress (KGI) : Teachers’ organization founded in 1928. Ki Hadjar Dewantara was active in this organization and became one of the important figures in the formulation of the Teachers’ Pledge which was pledged on November 28, 1928.

Other Organizations

1. Nature Lovers Association : Nature lovers organization founded in 1910. Ki Hadjar Dewantara is active in this organization and plays a role in fostering a love of nature among young people.
2. Savings and Loans Cooperative (KSP): Ki Hadjar Dewantara is also active in the cooperative movement and founded several KSPs to help the people’s economy.

Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s involvement in various organizations shows his strong commitment to fighting for Indonesian independence and advancing education in the country.

For his extraordinary services, Ki Hadjar Dewantara was awarded the title of National Hero on November 28 1959.

Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s legacy

Ki Hadjar Dewantara died on April 26 1959 in Yogyakarta. His enthusiasm and thoughts about education continue to inspire the Indonesian people to this day.

National Education Day, which is celebrated every May 2, is a form of respect for his services in advancing education in Indonesia.

Some of Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s important legacies include:

1. The philosophy of independence education is the basis of Indonesian national education.
2. Establishment of Taman Siswa which is an alternative education model that focuses on developing student character and independence.
3. The motto “Tut Wuri Handayani” which means “behind giving encouragement” is a guideline for educators to always guide and direct students without dictating to them.
4. Establishment of May 2 as National Education Day to commemorate his services in advancing education in Indonesia.

Ki Hadjar Dewantara will always be remembered as the Father of Indonesian Education who made a major contribution to educating the nation and fighting for Indonesia’s independence.

It should be noted that this list is not complete and there is still much that has not been exposed about the figure of Ki Hadjar Dewantara.

Please leave a comment to provide feedback. If I feel it is necessary, I will add it at another opportunity.