Raden Mas Soewardi Soerjaningrat (Ki Hajar Dewantara)
- Born:
- May 2, 1889, Yogyakarta, Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia)
- Died:
- April 26, 1959, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Nationality:
- Indonesian
- Profession(s):
- Education Pioneer, Writer, Philosopher, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Born into an aristocratic Javanese family.
- Received education at Europeesche Lagere School (ELS), a Dutch primary school.
- Continued studies at STOVIA (School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen), a school for indigenous doctors, but did not complete it due to illness.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a journalist for several newspapers and magazines, advocating for Indonesian independence.
- Founded Indische Partij in 1912 with Douwes Dekker and Tjipto Mangunkusumo.
- Exiled to the Netherlands from 1913 to 1919 for political activism and writing critical of Dutch colonial policies.
- During exile, studied educational principles and established the Indonesisch Pers-bureau.
- Upon return to Indonesia, focused on establishing the Taman Siswa educational system in 1922.
- Served as Minister of Education in the first Indonesian cabinet (1945).
Notable Works
- Numerous articles and essays on education, culture, and nationalism.
- Developed the Taman Siswa educational philosophy, emphasizing holistic education and national identity.
- Formulated the "Tri Pusat Pendidikan" (Three Centers of Education) concept: family, school, and community.
Legacy and Impact
Raden Mas Soewardi Soerjaningrat, more famously known as Ki Hajar Dewantara, is revered as the Father of Indonesian Education. This pahlawan pendidikan ki hajar dewantara biography highlights his enduring contributions to shaping Indonesian education and national identity. His Taman Siswa system remains influential, emphasizing national culture, character building, and accessible education for all. His birthdate, May 2nd, is celebrated as National Education Day in Indonesia.