Tugas Bahasa Inggris

Life and Times
of
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 a 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 May 1889. His given name
was Raden Mas Suwardi Suryaningrat which he later changed to renounce his connections 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 at Stovia (Java Medical School) but due to health reasons he couldn't finish it. He
started writing for newspapers 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 a nascent 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 “Eén voor allen en allen voor één” (One for all and all
for one). He used his time in exile to learn more a b o u t e d u c a t i o n a n d o b t a i n e d a
E u r o p e e s c h e c e r t i f i c a t e.
Following his return, he focused more on cultural and educational efforts paving way to develop
educational concepts in Indonesia. He believed that education is very important and the most
important means of freeing Indonesians from 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 example).
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 believed 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 from colonial powers, to
fight for independence and have good character. He continued writing but his writings took a turn
from politics to education. These writings later laid 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 National Education Day. His portrait was on 20,000 rupiah note till
2002. He was officially confirmed as a National Hero of Indonesia by President of Indonesia on 28
November 1959
Ki Hajar Dewantara passed away on 26th April 1952 at the age of 69 years. His wife donated all Ki
Hajar's belongings to Dewantara Kirti Griya Museum, Yogyakarta. He was a great man who spent
his whole life serving his people and country.
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Life and Times

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