SEJARAH LAHIRNYA BUDI UTOMO - HARI KEBANGKITAN NASIONAL INDONESIA

Summary

Budi Utomo, founded on May 20, 1908, by Sutomo and students of the Stovia school in Yogyakarta, was an organization aimed at uplifting the Indonesian nation through social, economic, and cultural development without political inclinations. Initially for educated Javanese, it expanded to become a symbol of Indonesian nationalism, with a name derived from Sanskrit meaning 'great awakening'. Despite its slow progress and internal conflicts, it significantly contributed to the national awakening and later merged with other movements to form the Partai Indonesia Raya, illustrating the evolution of Indonesian nationalism.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Budi Utomo was founded by Sutomo and students of the Stovia school in Surabaya on May 20, 1908, as a youth organization focused on social, economic, and cultural development rather than politics.
• 🌱 The name 'Budi Utomo' means 'great awareness' in Sanskrit, symbolizing a high level of consciousness aimed at uplifting the Indonesian nation.
• 📢 The organization was initially intended for the educated class on Java Island, but it later became a movement for Indonesian independence.
• 🤝 Wahidin Sudirohusodo visited Stovia and inspired students to form an organization to elevate the status of the nation and support the education of talented but financially constrained native individuals.
• 🏛 Budi Utomo was officially established in Jakarta on May 20, 1908, with Sutomo as its first chairman and a clear structure of officers outlined in its constitution and budget plan.
• 📈 The organization's membership grew over time, including prominent Indonesian movement figures such as Ki Hajar Dewantara and Cipto Mangunkusumo.
• 📰 The establishment of Budi Utomo was covered in newspapers, prompting the establishment of branches in various cities like Magelang, Probolinggo, and Yogyakarta.
• 💡 Despite its non-political nature, the organization's growth and activities were perceived as a threat by the Dutch colonial government, leading to tensions and challenges for its founders.
• 🏛️ The first Budi Utomo congress took place in Yogyakarta from October 3 to 5, 1908, discussing the establishment of an educational aid body, which was ultimately rejected.
• 📉 The organization's slow and cautious approach, along with its close relationship with the government, led to a decline in membership and influence, especially with the rise of more politically active groups like Sarekat Islam.
• 🔄 Budi Utomo eventually merged with other movements to form the Partai Indonesia Raya, marking a transition from a cultural and educational focus to a more politically active role in the fight for Indonesian independence.

Q & A

What is Budi Utomo and when was it founded?

Budi Utomo is a youth organization founded by Sutomo and other students of the Stovia school in Surabaya, Indonesia, on May 20, 1908. It was initiated by Wahidin Sudirohusodo and initially focused on social, economic, and cultural fields, rather than politics.

What does the name 'Budi Utomo' mean and what is its significance?

The name 'Budi Utomo' comes from the Sanskrit language, where 'Budi' means consciousness and 'Utomo' means very good. It can be interpreted as a very good consciousness, signifying the organization's aim to uplift the nation's status and promote education among the native people.

What was the initial purpose of Budi Utomo and how did it evolve over time?

Initially, Budi Utomo was intended for the educated class on the island of Java. Over time, it became the beginning of the Indonesian independence movement and expanded its focus to include broader nationalism and educational efforts.

Who were the key founders of Budi Utomo and what roles did they play?

The key founders of Budi Utomo included Muhammad Suleiman, Gondo Suwarno Gunawan, Mangunkusumo, Raden Angka, Royal Sudiro, Muhammad Saleh, Raden Mas Gumbrè, and Suwarno. Sutomo served as the first chairman, with Sulaiman Affandi Karta as his deputy.

How did Budi Utomo's membership grow and what were some of its early achievements?

Budi Utomo's membership grew to 650 individuals by July 1908, consisting of lower-ranking priayi and students. It successfully held its first congress in Yogyakarta from October 3 to 5, 1908, and by 1909, the organization had reached 10,000 members with branches in several cities.

What was the significance of the first Budi Utomo congress and what were its outcomes?

The first Budi Utomo congress was significant as it established the organization's goals and leadership structure. It resulted in the appointment of Raden Adipati Tirtokusumo as the general chairman and Wahidin Sudirohusodo as the deputy chairman, and it set the direction for the organization to focus on education and culture.

How did Budi Utomo's approach to education and social reform contribute to the Indonesian independence movement?

Budi Utomo contributed to the independence movement by promoting education and social reform, including the establishment of schools and the reform of the Dutch language curriculum. Its efforts to uplift the native people's status and provide educational opportunities laid the groundwork for a more politically conscious and mobilized society.

What challenges did Budi Utomo face in its early years, and how did these challenges impact its growth and activities?

Budi Utomo faced challenges such as slow growth, internal disagreements, and the threat of being labeled as a rebellious group by the Dutch colonial government. These challenges led to some members leaving the organization, including key figures like Cipto Mangunkusumo and Ki Hajar Dewantara.

How did the emergence of Sarekat Islam and the Indische Partij affect Budi Utomo and the broader Indonesian independence movement?

The emergence of Sarekat Islam and the Indische Partij introduced more politically oriented movements that overshadowed Budi Utomo's cultural and educational focus. This led to a decline in Budi Utomo's influence as the leadership of the independence struggle shifted to these newer, more politically active organizations.

What was the role of Ernest Douwes Dekker in the Indonesian independence movement, and how did his actions influence Budi Utomo?

Ernest Douwes Dekker was an Indo-Dutch who strongly advocated for the Indonesian people. His open political actions and influence helped to further the understanding and acceptance of Indonesian nationalism among the Javanese people, indirectly affecting Budi Utomo's direction and activities.

How did Budi Utomo's stance on nationalism evolve over time, and what was its impact on the broader Indonesian society?

Budi Utomo's stance on nationalism evolved from a focus on cultural and educational upliftment to a more politically oriented movement. Its influence helped to spread the understanding of Indonesian nationalism beyond Java, reaching other islands and ethnic groups, and contributing to a more unified national identity.