SEJARAH SAREKAT ISLAM, AWAL KISAH PKI?

Summary

The video script explores the significant role of Haji Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto, a key figure in Indonesia's independence movement, and his involvement with the Sarekat Islam organization. It covers the historical roots of Sarekat Islam, its evolution from a trading organization to a political and social force, and the internal ideological conflicts that led to its division. The script highlights Tjokroaminoto's influence on prominent leaders like Soekarno and Kartosuwiryo, and traces the organization’s legacy in Indonesia's political history. Sarekat Islam remains active today, focusing on economic and religious outreach.

Takeaways

• 📜 The script discusses a film by Garin Nugroho about Haji Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto, a key figure in Indonesia's history and independence movement.
• 💡 Tjokroaminoto, alongside Sarekat Islam (SI), played a pivotal role in the fight for Indonesian independence, expanding beyond just economic issues to encompass politics, society, and religion.
• 📅 Sarekat Islam began as Sarekat Dagang Islam (SDI), founded in 1905 by Haji Samanhudi, to support Muslim indigenous traders against foreign competition.
• ⚖️ The organization underwent significant changes, including its renaming to Sarekat Islam in 1912, to broaden its focus to national politics.
• 👑 Tjokroaminoto, known as 'The Uncrowned King of Java,' was one of the first to openly advocate for Indonesian independence and influenced many key figures, including Soekarno, Semaun, and Kartosuwiryo.
• 📰 Tjokroaminoto used the SI newspaper, Oetoesan Hindia, to voice the plight of indigenous people and promote the movement. The newspaper was influential in rallying support.
• 📊 By 1914, Sarekat Islam had grown to 400,000 members, thanks in part to their advocacy and protests, which increased awareness of their cause.
• 🚩 Tensions arose within the organization as socialist and communist ideologies began to influence some members, leading to eventual splits within Sarekat Islam.
• 🤝 SI later split into two factions: SI Merah (left-leaning, communist) and SI Putih (right-leaning, Islamic). Tjokroaminoto initially mediated but eventually aligned with SI Putih.
• 🗳️ After Indonesia's independence, Sarekat Islam evolved into a political party, participating in elections but facing internal fractures and losing influence over time.

Q & A

Who is the central figure in the movie 'Guru Bangsa: Tjokroaminoto' directed by Garin Nugroho?

The central figure is Haji Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto, one of Indonesia's most important historical figures who played a significant role in the fight for independence.

What is Sarekat Islam, and why is it significant in Indonesian history?

Sarekat Islam (SI) is one of the earliest organizations that became part of a larger movement for Indonesian independence. Initially founded as a trade association, it expanded its role to include political, social, and religious activism.

What was the original name of Sarekat Islam, and what was its purpose?

Originally named Sarekat Dagang Islam (SDI), it was founded on October 16, 1905, by Haji Samanhudi to represent and protect Muslim indigenous traders facing competition from Chinese and foreign merchants.

How did Sarekat Dagang Islam evolve into Sarekat Islam?

In 1912, under H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto's leadership, the organization changed its name to Sarekat Islam to broaden its focus beyond economic issues to include political, social, and religious concerns.

Who were some of the notable figures influenced by Tjokroaminoto?

Tjokroaminoto mentored several key figures in Indonesia's independence movement, including left-wing leaders like Semaun and Alimin, nationalist figures like Soekarno, and Islamic leaders like Kartosuwiryo.

What internal conflicts led to the division within Sarekat Islam?

Tensions arose when socialist and communist ideologies began to influence the organization, causing divisions between left-leaning members like Semaun and more conservative leaders like Agus Salim. This eventually led to a split between the 'Red SI' (Semaun) and the 'White SI' (Agus Salim).

What role did the newspaper 'Oetoesan Hindia' play in Sarekat Islam’s activism?

'Oetoesan Hindia' was a key publication for Sarekat Islam, where Tjokroaminoto wrote extensively about the suffering of the indigenous people. It also became an important tool for spreading the organization's ideas and mobilizing support.

How did Sarekat Islam's focus shift over time?

Sarekat Islam initially focused on economic issues but gradually shifted to political activism, becoming a significant force in the struggle for Indonesian independence. It eventually split into factions, with some adopting communist ideologies.

What happened to Sarekat Islam after Tjokroaminoto's death?

After Tjokroaminoto's death in 1934, Sarekat Islam fractured into multiple political parties, including Partai Islam Indonesia (PII) and Partai Komunis Indonesia (PKI). The weakening of the movement due to these divisions affected its role in post-independence politics.

What is the modern status of Sarekat Islam?

Today, Sarekat Islam still exists, with a focus on religious and economic matters. It is currently led by former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Hamdan Zoelva and continues its legacy of contributing to Indonesia's development.