Life and Time Of "Ki Hajar Dewantara"

 

Ki Hajar Dewantara

(Raden Mas Suwardi Suryaningrat)

 

The development of good character should be the heart and soul of education, and should dominate the spirit of teaching. This was the philosophy of the “father of education” in Indonesia, Ki Hajar Dewantara. The reason, he said, was that teaching and character building are like two sides of coin and cannot and should not be separated.

            Education by definition, means guiding student  lives in a strong foundation of good character, so that they would be civilized humans of highest moral fibre, thus laying the foundation of a great nation without distinction of religion, ethnicity, customs, economic, and social status. 

            Ki Hajar Dewantara was born in the Royal family of Yogyakarta on 2^nd May 1889. His given name was raden Mas Suwardi Suryaningrat which he later changed to renounce his connection with the royal family. He transformed himself into an activist, columnist, politician and pioneer of education for Indonesians. He fought for rights of Indonesians during Dutch and Japanese colonial eras.

            He was born into an aristocratic family that granted him the privilege of free access to education of his choice. He got his primary education from ELS (Europeesche Lagere School), then he continued his education as Stovia (Java Medical School) but, due to health reason, he couldn’t finish it. He started writing for newspaper and eventually all his writings were focused on Indonesian patriotism, thus anti Dutch. He was involved in the early activities of Budi Utomo and the Indiesche Party, which were both important in the early development of the pergerakan, the “movement” that grew up with an ascent of Indonesian national political consciousness. He was exiled between 1913 and 1919, following the publication of two of his articles: “Als ik eens Nederlander” (If I were a Dutchman) and “Een voorallen en allen voor een” (one for all and all for one). He used his time in exile to tell more about education and obtained a Europeesche certificate.

            Following his return, he focused more on cultural and educational efforts paving the way to develop educational concepts in Indonesia. He believed that education is very important and the most important means of freeing Indonesians from the clutches of colonization. He played a leading role in establishing “National Onderwijs Institut Taman Siswa” in 1922. This institution was established to educate native Indonesians during colonial times. This institution was based on these principles:

1.      Ing Ngarsa Sung Tuladha (the one in front sets examples)

2.      Ing Madya mangun Karsa (the one in the middle builds the spirit and encouragement)

3.      Tut Wuri Handayani (the one at the back gives support).

As Ki Hajar belived that character was not merely a theoretical concept, but a practical and living concept, he embodied his vision in his school, Taman Siswa. The central goals of Taman Siswa emphasized character building, including traits such as patriotism and love for the nation, and a sense of national identity. His vision was that Indonesians would be free frim colonial powers, to fight for independence and good character. He continued writing but his writings took a turn from politics to education. These writings later laid the foundation of Indonesian education. Froebel, Montessori and Tagore influenced his educational principles and, in taman siswa, he drew some inspiration from Tagore’s Shantiniketan.       

                After independence, he was given the office of minister of education and culture. For his efforts in pioneering education for the masses, he was officially declared father of Indonesian education and his birthday is celebrated as the national education day. His portrait was on the 20.000 rupiah note till 2002. He was officially confirmed as a national hero of Indonesia by the 2^nd president of Indonesia on 28^th November 1959.

            Ki Hajar Dewantara passed away on 26^th April 1952 at the age of 69 years. His wife donated all Ki Hajar’s belingins to Dewantara Kirti Griya Museum, Yogyakarta. He was a great man who spent his whole life serving his people and country.