BIOGRAFI KI HAJAR DEWANTARA

Summary

Ki Hajar Dewantara, born in 1889, was a pivotal figure in the development of education in Indonesia. Coming from a noble family, he pursued education in Dutch schools but later became a prominent journalist and anti-colonial activist. He founded the Indonesian National Movement and was exiled to the Netherlands, where he expanded his educational vision. In 1922, he established the Tamansiswa School to provide education for all, particularly the underprivileged. As Indonesia's first Minister of Education, Dewantara’s legacy as the Father of National Education lives on, with his famous motto continuing to influence the nation’s educational system.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara, born Raden Mas Soewardi Soeryaningrat, was born on May 2, 1889, in Yogyakarta.
• 😀 He was from a noble family, with his father being Kanjeng Pangeran Arya Suryaningrat and his mother Raden Ayu Santiet.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara initially attended European-style schools before studying at STOVIA, a medical school for native Indonesians, but he did not complete his studies due to illness.
• 😀 He was actively involved in the Budi Utomo organization and worked as a journalist, known for his sharp anti-colonial writings.
• 😀 On December 25, 1912, he founded Taman Siswa, along with Douwes Dekker and Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, which later became part of the 'Three Serangkai'.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara's anti-colonial article 'Seandainya Aku Orang Belanda' sparked anger in the Dutch colonial government, leading to his arrest and exile to the Netherlands.
• 😀 During his exile in the Netherlands, he became involved in the Perhimpunan Hindia, an Indonesian student organization, and gained insights into history, social issues, and education.
• 😀 In the Netherlands, he also founded the Indonesian News Office, marking the beginning of his educational mission for the advancement of Indonesian society.
• 😀 Upon returning to Indonesia in 1919, Ki Hajar Dewantara worked in a school established by his own family, gaining teaching experience before founding Taman Siswa on July 3, 1922.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara was appointed as Indonesia's first Minister of Education, Teaching, and Culture in 1957, and received an honorary doctorate from Gadjah Mada University in 1957.
• 😀 He passed away on April 26, 1959, in Yogyakarta, and was posthumously honored as the 'Father of National Education,' with his birthday designated as National Education Day in Indonesia.

Q & A

Who was Ki Hajar Dewantara?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was an influential figure in Indonesia's education system, known as the Father of National Education. He was also a writer, journalist, and politician, dedicated to advancing education for all Indonesians.

What is the significance of Ki Hajar Dewantara's birthdate, May 2?

May 2 is celebrated as National Education Day in Indonesia, marking the birthday of Ki Hajar Dewantara and honoring his contributions to the country's education system.

What educational background did Ki Hajar Dewantara have?

Ki Hajar Dewantara attended Dutch schools but did not finish his medical studies at the Stovia school due to illness. He was later involved in journalism and educational movements.

What organization did Ki Hajar Dewantara help found in 1912?

Ki Hajar Dewantara co-founded the Indonesian National Movement, which was a significant step in the push for Indonesia's independence.

How did Ki Hajar Dewantara contribute to journalism?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was an active journalist, contributing articles that were sharp, communicative, and anti-colonial. His writings were influential in shaping public opinion and opposing Dutch colonialism.

What was Ki Hajar Dewantara's role in Indonesia's independence movement?

Ki Hajar Dewantara played a key role in the Indonesian independence movement, both through his writings and involvement in organizations like Budi Utomo, which advocated for Indonesian nationalism and independence from colonial rule.

What was the purpose behind establishing the Tamansiswa school?

Ki Hajar Dewantara established the Tamansiswa school in 1922 to provide accessible education to all Indonesians, particularly the marginalized, with a focus on nationalistic values and fostering independence.

What is the meaning of Ki Hajar Dewantara's famous motto 'Ing ngarso sung tulodo, Ing madya mangun karsa, Tut wuri handayani'?

The motto translates to 'In front, give an example; in the middle, build enthusiasm; behind, give encouragement.' It emphasizes the role of educators in leading by example, motivating students, and supporting them in their educational journey.

What role did Ki Hajar Dewantara play in the Indonesian government after independence?

After Indonesia's independence, Ki Hajar Dewantara became the first Minister of Education, Teaching, and Culture, where he helped shape the nation's educational policies and promote inclusive education.

What were Ki Hajar Dewantara's contributions to education while in exile?

While in exile in the Netherlands, Ki Hajar Dewantara continued his activism and education work, founding the Indonesian News Agency and further developing his ideas on education and social history, which would later influence his work in Indonesia.