Ki Hajar Dewantara

He was born on May 2nd, 1889, in Yogyakarta. His real name is Raden Mas Soewardi Soerjaningrat.His
father was called Pangeran Soerjaningrat, from Pakualam Palace, Yogyakarta. As a part of an aristocratic
family, Soewardi was quite free to enjoy his education. He had studied in Europeesche Lagere School
(same level as Elementary School), Kweekschool, and School Tot Opleidong Van Indische Artsen or
STOVIA. His recognition in the world of education was extraordinary.

He always thought that education was one of the most important factors in freeing the Indonesian
people of their sufferings from colonization. He never considered that his aristocracy was important;
instead he took off his aristocracy and changed his name to Ki Hajar Dewantara. He did that because he
wanted to bring himself closer to the people.

On July 13th, 1913, when he was 24 years old, Ki Hajar was arrested by Netherlands’ soldiers because he
made a publication about his article which was titled Als Ik Eens Nederlander Was (If I Am A
Netherlander) in ‘De Express’ media. In this article, Ki Hajar Dewantara wrote that if he was a
Netherlander, he would give his colonies freedom. He had to appear before a Netherlands’ court. He did
that with calm and full of spirit. On July 3rd, 1922, Ki Hajar (as sparker of ideas) and with his friends in
Sloso Kliwonan Association, established the Nationaal Onderwijs Instituut Tamansiswa, or “Taman
Siswa”. This school was opened to Indonesian people who wanted to study. Ki Hajar Dewantara had
three important principles, when he put into operation his schools, of which there were 129 branches in
Indonesia. His principles were Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo (in front gives examples), Ing Madyo Mangun
Karso (in the middle builds up the spirit), and Tut Wuri Handayani (from behind supervises). To this day,
these wise principles are still a guiding principle and an orientation in the world of Indonesian education.

When Japan colonized Indonesia, Ki Hajar Dewantara became a member of The Center of People’s Power
(PUTERA). PUTERA was built by Japan to monitor dangerous people for Japan. Ki Hajar did that on
purpose, in order not to be suspected and to be free to move. When PUTERA dispersed, Ki Hajar was
chosen as a member of Naimuhu Bunkyonkyoku Sanyo. It is an educational organization which was made
by Japan.

He got appreciation as “Bapak Pendidikan Indonesia” because of his ideas in the world of education. His
opinions were modern although he lived in colonial times (difficult times). He always thought that
everybody had the right to get an education. He was chosen also as Minister of Indonesian Education
under President Soekarno’s administration. Ki Hajar Dewantara still tried to develop the educational
system in Indonesia by his brilliant ideas. When President Soeharto commanded, Ki Hajar Dewantara was
bestowed as “Bintang Mahaputera”. He was also called as a pioneer of the Indonesian Press. His birthday
was celebrated as Education Day. He passed away on April 26th, 1959. His wife, Nyi Sutartinah, collected
things which had been used by Ki Hajar and his family. There were about 3000 things, and then they
were put at Dewantara Kirti Griya Museum, Yogyakarta.
1. What is the monologue about?

A. A biography of General Soedirman

B. The family of General Soedirman

C. The death of General Soedirman

D. A spirit of General Soedirman for the Indonesian Armed Forces

2. What is ki hadjar dewantara real name?

3.What is his birthday commemorated for ?

What is his famous motto ?

5.based on the text, we know that..