Sejarah Hari Pendidikan Nasional (2 Mei) dan Maknanya

Summary

National Education Day in Indonesia is celebrated on May 2nd to honor Ki Hajar Dewantara, a pioneer of education for native Indonesians. Born on May 2, 1889, he founded Tamansiswa, which provided education to indigenous people during the Dutch colonial period. Dewantara’s famous motto emphasizes leadership in education: 'In front, be a role model; in the middle, create enthusiasm; and from behind, give encouragement.' Recognized as a national hero in 1959, his contributions continue to inspire Indonesia's educational system. Schools commemorate the day with ceremonies, reinforcing the importance of education and the role of teachers, parents, and the community in shaping future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara is considered the Father of National Education in Indonesia, recognized for his contributions to the advancement of education in the country.
• 😀 He was born on May 2, 1889, and his legacy is celebrated annually on National Education Day (Hari Pendidikan Nasional).
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara founded the Taman Siswa school, which aimed to provide education for native Indonesians, offering equal opportunities as the Dutch and priyayi (aristocratic) classes.
• 😀 He was also a writer and journalist, known for his sharp and communicative writings with anti-colonial spirit.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara was a key figure in the Indonesian independence movement and involved in various social and political organizations, including Budi Utomo.
• 😀 In 1913, he published a controversial article titled 'Als Ik een Nederlander Was,' criticizing the Dutch government’s celebrations of freedom while colonizing Indonesia.
• 😀 As a result of his writings, Ki Hajar Dewantara was exiled to the island of Bangka, where he continued his activism and worked with Indonesian student organizations.
• 😀 He is known for the slogan 'Ing ngarsa sung tuladha, Ing madya mangun karsa, Tut wuri handayani,' which promotes leadership by example, collaboration, and support.
• 😀 Ki Hajar Dewantara was declared a national hero by Indonesia in 1959, and his contributions are commemorated with his image on the 20,000 Rupiah banknote.
• 😀 National Education Day is a time for Indonesians to reflect on the importance of education and the legacy of those who fought for educational equality and advancement in the country.

Q & A

What is Hari Pendidikan Nasional and why is it significant?

Hari Pendidikan Nasional (National Education Day) is celebrated on May 2nd each year to honor Ki Hajar Dewantara and his contributions to education in Indonesia. It highlights the importance of education for the progress of the nation.

Who was Ki Hajar Dewantara and what role did he play in Indonesian education?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was a pioneering figure in Indonesia’s education system. He founded the Taman Siswa school, providing education to native Indonesians at a time when such opportunities were scarce for them, and became known as the Father of National Education.

What was Ki Hajar Dewantara’s birth name and when did he change it?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was born as Raden Mas Soewardi Soeryaningrat on May 2, 1889. He changed his name to Ki Hajar Dewantara in 1922.

What slogan did Ki Hajar Dewantara create, and what does it mean?

Ki Hajar Dewantara created the slogan 'Ing ngarsa sung tuladha, Ing madya mangun karsa, Tut wuri handayani', which means 'In front, a leader should set an example; in the middle, a leader should support the spirit; and from behind, a leader should encourage and motivate.'

How did Ki Hajar Dewantara contribute to the independence movement in Indonesia?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was a prominent activist, writer, and politician involved in Indonesia’s independence movement. He was active in organizations like Budi Utomo and wrote critical articles against the colonial government, which led to his exile.

What led to Ki Hajar Dewantara's exile and where was he sent?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was exiled due to his controversial writings, especially an article criticizing the Dutch colonial government. He was first exiled to Bangka Island and later to the Netherlands.

What was the significance of the article 'Als Ik een Nederlander Was' written by Ki Hajar Dewantara?

The article 'Als Ik een Nederlander Was' criticized the hypocrisy of the Dutch colonial government, especially its celebrations of independence while denying it to the Indonesians. This led to a political uproar and Ki Hajar Dewantara's exile.

What was the Persbureau Indonesia, and why was it important?

The Persbureau Indonesia was a news agency founded by Ki Hajar Dewantara during his time in exile. It played a crucial role in promoting the cause of native Indonesians and advocating for their rights in the educational and political spheres.

How did Ki Hajar Dewantara's education differ from most native Indonesians at the time?

Ki Hajar Dewantara received European-style education, which was rare for native Indonesians at the time. He attended a European primary school and briefly enrolled in a medical school, but did not complete his studies due to illness.

Why is Ki Hajar Dewantara recognized as a National Hero, and what are some of the honors he received?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was posthumously recognized as a National Hero by President Sukarno in 1959 due to his immense contributions to education in Indonesia. His legacy is commemorated through various honors, including having his name on a warship and being featured on the 20,000 IDR banknote.