Biography of Sutan Syahrir, Indonesia's First Prime Minister, Comrade of Mohammad Hatta

Kapanlagi.com - Perhaps not many know that shortly after independence, Indonesia once implemented a parliamentary system of government. At that time, Sutan Syahrir became Indonesia's first prime minister. Obviously, as a prime minister, Sutan Syahrir's biography is very important to know.

In addition to being Indonesia's first prime minister, Sutan Syahrir was very instrumental to the Indonesian nation. Many of Sutan Syahrir's thoughts and real actions during his life had an impact on the progress of the nation. We can learn about his extraordinary contributions by reading Sutan Syahrir's biography.

Compiled from various sources, here is a review of Sutan Syahrir's biography from birth to becoming Indonesia's first prime minister.

1. Personal Life and Background

Sutan Syahrir is known as a national hero, revolutionary, and politician who once served as the Prime Minister of Indonesia. Syahrir was also the figure behind the establishment of the Indonesian Socialist Party in 1948.

Before reaching the point where he is now known, Sutan Syahrir had a long life biography. Sutan Syahrir's biography certainly began when he was born on March 5, 1909 in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra. Syahrir was born to parents Mohammad Rasad with the title Maharaja Soetan bin Leman and the title Soetan Palindih from Koto Gadang, Agam, West Sumatra and Puti Siti Rabiah who came from Natal, Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra.

Syahrir's parents were not ordinary people. Especially his father Mohammad Rasad is known to have served as an advisor to the Deli sultan. Syahrir is also the brother of Rohana Kudus, the first female activist and journalist in Indonesia. In addition, Sutan Syahrir's other siblings are Sutan Syahsam who is a native stockbroker and Sutan Nuralamsyah who is a politician and prosecutor.

In 1951, Sutan Syahrir married a woman named Siti Wahyunah who gave him two children named Kriya Arsyah Sjahrir and Siti Rabyah Parvati Sjahrir.

2. Education History of Sutan Syahrir

Discussing the biography of Sutan Syahrir would not be complete without reviewing his educational background. Sutan Syahrir attended Europeesche Lagere School (ELS), which is equivalent to elementary school. Later, Syahrir continued his education at Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs (MULO), which is equivalent to high school. He completed both levels of education in Medan, West Sumatra.

Then in 1926, Syahrir graduated from MULO. Syahrir then continued to attend Algemeene Middelbare School (AMS), which is equivalent to high school in Bandung. At school, Syahrir began to find his interest in the world of literature and art. Syahrir was involved in many artistic activities during his time at AMS.

In addition to artistic activities, Syahrir also began to engage in various social and political activities. Syahrir was then part of a regional organization. Syahrir later became one of the 10 youths who initiated the establishment of a nationalist youth association called Jong Indonesie, which was later renamed Pemuda Indonesia.

It was this organization that ultimately initiated the holding of the Indonesian Youth Congress, a monumental congress that gave birth to the Youth Pledge in 1928.

After graduating from AMS, Syahrir had the opportunity to continue his education at the Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam. There, Syahrir's thinking began to develop. Syahrir became interested in delving into the concept of socialism. Syahrir also began to write extensively, pouring out every idea and concept. Sjahrir also became increasingly active in the youth movement. He joined the Indonesian Association (PI) which was then led by Mohammad Hatta.

3. Activities in Politics and the Struggle for Independence

Sutan Syahrir began to show his interest in politics and the independence movement since joining a regional organization. Syahrir's spirit to fight for Indonesia's independence grew stronger over time, especially since studying in the Netherlands where he became close friends with Mohammad Hatta.

Syahrir and Mohammad Hatta called for the independence movement through their writings published in the magazine Daulat Rakjat owned by the Indonesian National Education.

In addition, Syahrir also joined the Indonesian National Party (PNI) founded by Soekarno after returning from the Netherlands. Eventually, there was a renewal that led to the emergence of a new PNI led by Syahrir.

Because of his movement, Sutan Syahrir was arrested and exiled several times. Along with Mohammad Hatta, Syahrir was once arrested and exiled to Boven-Digoel and then to Banda Neira.

Sutan Syahrir was also one of the figures who strongly urged Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta to declare Indonesia's independence on August 15th, 1945, a demand also supported by the youth at that time. Syahrir was convinced that the condition of Japan, which was almost defeated by the Allies, should be used by the Indonesian people to gain independence.

4. Becoming Indonesia's Prime Minister

After Indonesia's independence, Soekarno appointed Sutan Syahrir as prime minister. However, during his tenure, Syahrir did not hesitate to criticize Soekarno. But as prime minister, Syahrir was also not immune to criticism. In fact, Syahrir was once kidnapped because of his decision which was deemed unwise.

The kidnapping of Prime Minister Syahrir occurred when he was negotiating with the Netherlands. At that time, the Netherlands wanted to regain control of Indonesia. However, in the negotiations, Syahrir only demanded that the Netherlands recognize Indonesia's sovereignty over Java and Madura. Many disagreed and urged Syahrir to demand that the Netherlands recognize Indonesia's sovereignty over the entire archipelago.

After the kidnapping, Syahrir continued to serve as prime minister. He then continued the negotiations with the Netherlands through the Linggar Jati agreement.

During his tenure as prime minister, Syahrir reshuffled the cabinet three times. His diplomatic skills were also considered effective. Syahrir always persevered in fighting for Indonesia's sovereignty in the international arena.

At the same time, Syahrir was also appointed as Indonesia's representative to the UN. At that time, Syahrir succeeded in involving the UN in every negotiation with the Netherlands. Eventually, the UN pressured the Netherlands to recognize Indonesia's sovereignty.

5. The End of Sutan Syahrir's Life

Sutan Syahrir passed away in Zurich, Switzerland, on April 9, 1966 at the age of 57. At that time, Syahrir passed away while being held as a political prisoner. Nevertheless, Syahrir was still buried in the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta.

Before his death, the relationship between Syahrir and President Soekarno had deteriorated. This was the result of the PRRI case in 1958. In addition, the case also led to the dissolution of the Indonesian Socialist Party (PSI). Syahrir was then arrested and imprisoned. Until finally, Syahrir fell ill and was allowed to seek treatment in Switzerland as a political prisoner.

Those are some brief biographical reviews of Sutan Syahrir. Hopefully, they are useful and can broaden your knowledge!

(kpl/gen/psp)