Mengenal Ki Hadjar Dewantara, Bapak Pendidikan Indonesia

Summary

Ki Hajar Dewantara, known as the 'Father of Indonesian Education,' was born on June 26, 1889, as Raden Mas Soewardi Soeryaningrat. Raised in the Yogyakarta royal court, he faced health issues that curtailed his medical education in Batavia. Later, as a journalist and political activist, he co-founded the first political party in the Dutch East Indies, advocating for Indonesian independence. Exiled to the Netherlands in 1913, he deepened his knowledge of education. Returning to Indonesia in 1919, he established the Tamansiswa educational institution in 1922, promoting equal educational opportunities. After Indonesia's independence in 1945, he became the first Minister of Education, Culture, and Arts. His birthday, December 16, was declared National Education Day. Dewantara's educational mottos, including 'Wuri Handayani,' are still influential today, with the latter part of it featured in the Ministry of Education and Culture's logo.

Takeaways

• 📘 Ki Hajar Dewantara is recognized as the 'Father of Indonesian Education', symbolizing his significant contributions to the field.
• 🎓 Born on June 26, 1889, as Raden Mas Soewardi Soeryaningrat, he was raised in the Yogyakarta royal court, indicating his noble background.
• 🏥 His early education was at STOVIA, a medical school in Batavia, but he did not complete it due to health issues.
• 📰 As a young adult, Soewardi worked as a journalist for newspapers like 'Oetoesan Hindia' and was politically active.
• 🏛 In 1912, he co-founded the first political party in the Dutch East Indies with Douwes Dekker and Cipto Mangunkusumo, aiming for Indonesian independence.
• 📝 His critical writings against colonial government led to his exile to the Netherlands in 1913.
• 📚 During his exile, he deepened his knowledge of education and teaching, further developing his patriotic spirit and vision for advancing Indonesia through education.
• 🏡 He returned to Indonesia in 1919 and in 1922 established the Tamansiswa educational institution in Yogyakarta, promoting equal educational opportunities for all Indonesians.
• 🔄 He dropped his noble title, adopting the name Ki Hajar Dewantara to make his struggle more relatable to the masses.
• 🏛 After Indonesia's independence in 1945, he was appointed as the first Minister of Education and Culture.
• 🕊 Ki Hajar Dewantara passed away on April 26, 1959, and his birthday, December 16, was declared National Education Day in Indonesia.
• 🌟 He created three educational mottos that are still in use today, reflecting his lasting impact on Indonesian education.

Q & A

Who is Ki Hajar Dewantara and what is his significance in Indonesian history?

Ki Hajar Dewantara, also known as Raden Mas Soewardi Soeryaningrat, is a national hero of Indonesia renowned as the 'Father of Indonesian Education'. He played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence and the development of its educational system.

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

Ki Hajar Dewantara was originally named Raden Mas Soewardi Soeryaningrat. He was born on June 26, 1889.

Where was Ki Hajar Dewantara raised and what was his early education like?

He was raised in the environment of the Keraton Paku Alam in Yogyakarta, coming from a noble background. His early education included attending the STOVIA, a medical school in Batavia, but he did not complete his studies due to health issues.

What career did Ki Hajar Dewantara pursue after his incomplete education?

After his incomplete education, Ki Hajar Dewantara worked as a journalist for several newspapers such as 'Oetoesan Hindia' and 'Kaum Muda'.

What was the significance of the political party Ki Hajar Dewantara co-founded in 1912?

In 1912, Ki Hajar Dewantara co-founded the first political party in the Dutch East Indies with Douwes Dekker and Cipto Mangunkusumo. The party aimed to achieve the independence of the Indonesian nation.

Why was Ki Hajar Dewantara exiled to the Netherlands in 1913?

Ki Hajar Dewantara was exiled to the Netherlands in 1913 due to his critical writings against the colonial government, particularly after his article titled 'If I Were a Dutchman'.

How did Ki Hajar Dewantara utilize his time in exile in the Netherlands?

During his exile, Ki Hajar Dewantara deepened his understanding of education and teaching. This period also saw the growth of his patriotism and his determination to advance the Indonesian nation through education.

When did Ki Hajar Dewantara return to Indonesia and what significant educational institution did he establish upon his return?

Ki Hajar Dewantara returned to Indonesia in 1919 and on July 3, 1922, he established the Tamansiswa educational institution in Yogyakarta.

What was the purpose of the Tamansiswa school founded by Ki Hajar Dewantara?

The purpose of the Tamansiswa school was to provide equal opportunities and rights to education for all Indonesian people, not just the nobility or the Dutch.

Why did Ki Hajar Dewantara abandon his noble title and adopt the name Ki Hajar Dewantara?

Ki Hajar Dewantara abandoned his noble title and adopted his name to make his struggle more easily accepted by the society at large.

What position did Ki Hajar Dewantara hold after Indonesia's independence in 1945?

After Indonesia's independence in 1945, Ki Hajar Dewantara was appointed as the first Minister of Education, Teaching, and Culture in Indonesia.

When did Ki Hajar Dewantara pass away and how is he commemorated today?

Ki Hajar Dewantara passed away on April 26, 1959, in Yogyakarta. His birthday, June 26, is now celebrated as National Education Day in Indonesia.

What are the three educational mottos created by Ki Hajar Dewantara and what do they signify?

The three educational mottos created by Ki Hajar Dewantara are 'Ingarso Sung Tulodo', 'Ing Madyo Mangun Karso', and 'Tut Wuri Handayani'. They signify 'Teach and Lead by Example', 'Be Energetic in Deeds and Thought', and 'Be Patient and Enduring', respectively.

How are Ki Hajar Dewantara's mottos integrated into the Indonesian educational system today?

Ki Hajar Dewantara's mottos are still used in the Indonesian educational system. The motto 'Wuri Handayani' is even part of the logo of the Ministry of Education and Culture.