Mengenal Ki Hajar Dewantara | Bapak Pendidikan Indonesia | Tokoh Nasional

Summary

Ki Hajar Dewantara, born on May 2, 1889, was a prominent Indonesian figure who played a crucial role in the nation's educational development. Initially educated in European schools, he later became a journalist and activist, contributing to Indonesia's independence movement. After being exiled in 1913, Dewantara established Taman Siswa, a school focused on providing education for native Indonesians. He is best known for his educational philosophy, encapsulated in the Patra Triloka motto, which emphasizes leadership, motivation, and support in education. His legacy continues to influence Indonesian education today, and he is celebrated as the Father of Indonesian Education, with his birthday marked as National Education Day.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara was born on May 2, 1889, in Pakualaman, Dutch East Indies, as Raden Mas Suwardi Suryadiningrat.
• 😀 In 1922, at the age of 40, he changed his name to Ki Hajar Dewantara and renounced his noble title to connect with the common people.
• 😀 He was educated at an elite school for European children, the Yura Pesola Girl School, before continuing his studies at Stovia, a medical school.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara was forced to leave medical school due to illness but persevered by pursuing writing and journalism.
• 😀 He became a prominent journalist and writer, contributing to major newspapers and engaging in social and political organizations.
• 😀 He was an active participant in the Budi Utomo organization in 1908 and a co-founder of the Indische Partij, Indonesia's first political party.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara, along with Douwes Dekker and Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, became part of the 'Tiga Serangkai' (Three Allies) advocating for Indonesia's independence from colonial rule.
• 😀 One of his writings, 'All Si Camps' (If I Were a Dutchman), angered the Dutch colonial authorities, leading to his arrest and exile to the Netherlands from 1913 to 1919.
• 😀 While in exile, he founded a news agency called Indonesia and began formulating his vision for educational reform in Indonesia.
• 😀 After his return to Indonesia in 1922, he founded Taman Siswa, a school aimed at providing education for the indigenous population, regardless of their social status.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational philosophy, including the Patra Triloka motto ('Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo' – lead by example, 'Ing Madyo Mangun Karso' – build willpower, 'Tut Wuri Handayani' – support from behind), is still widely used today.
• 😀 He became Indonesia's first Minister of Education and Culture and was posthumously recognized as the Father of National Education, with his birthday celebrated as National Education Day.

Q & A

Who is Ki Hajar Dewantara and why is he important in the history of education in Indonesia?

Ki Hajar Dewantara is a prominent figure in the history of Indonesian education, known for his significant contributions in advancing education for the Indonesian people, especially the native population. He founded Taman Siswa, a school system that provided education for all Indonesians regardless of their social status, and his educational philosophy still influences Indonesian education today.

What was Ki Hajar Dewantara's birth name, and when was he born?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was born as Raden Mas Suwardi Suryadiningrat on May 2, 1889, in Pakualaman, which was then part of the Dutch East Indies.

Why did Ki Hajar Dewantara change his name and what was the significance of this change?

In 1922, Ki Hajar Dewantara changed his name to distance himself from his aristocratic heritage and to connect more closely with the common people. This name change symbolized his commitment to serving the broader Indonesian society, without regard to social class.

What was Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational background before becoming a key figure in education?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was educated in a European-style primary school, Yura Pesola Girl School, and later attended Stovia, a medical school. However, he had to discontinue his medical studies due to illness.

How did Ki Hajar Dewantara continue his work despite not completing his medical studies?

Even though he did not complete his medical degree, Ki Hajar Dewantara turned to writing and journalism. He became a prominent writer and journalist for leading newspapers, which allowed him to influence public opinion and advocate for social and political change.

What role did Ki Hajar Dewantara play in Indonesian political movements?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was an active member of social and political organizations. He was involved in Budi Utomo in 1908 and played a role in establishing the Indische Partij, Indonesia's first political party, alongside figures like Douwes Dekker and Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo.

Why was Ki Hajar Dewantara imprisoned and exiled to the Netherlands?

Ki Hajar Dewantara, along with his associates Douwes Dekker and Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, was arrested and exiled to the Netherlands in 1913 due to their political activities. One of Ki Hajar Dewantara's writings, titled 'All Si Camps,' angered the Dutch colonial authorities for its critical stance against them.

What did Ki Hajar Dewantara accomplish during his exile?

While in exile, Ki Hajar Dewantara founded 'Indonesia News' (Kantor Berita Indonesia), a news agency, and began laying the groundwork for his vision of advancing education in Indonesia. He also started planning his educational system, which he would later implement upon his return.

What is Taman Siswa, and why is it significant?

Taman Siswa, founded by Ki Hajar Dewantara in 1922, is a school system specifically designed for native Indonesians to receive an education without discrimination based on status or class. It became a symbol of his commitment to education and national progress.

What is the Patra Triloka and how does it relate to Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational philosophy?

The Patra Triloka is Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational motto, which consists of three principles: 'Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo' (to lead by example), 'Ing Madyo Mangun Karso' (to inspire the will to act), and 'Tut Wuri Handayani' (to support from behind). These principles emphasize the importance of role models, nurturing students' willpower, and providing guidance.

What was Ki Hajar Dewantara's role in the Indonesian government, and how is he remembered today?

Ki Hajar Dewantara served as Indonesia's first Minister of Education and Culture. He is remembered as the Father of National Education in Indonesia, with his birthday, May 2, being commemorated as National Education Day in his honor.