The Response Of The Deputy Chairperson Of The MPR Regarding The Proposal For Giving The National Hero Title Margono
JAKARTA - Eddy Soeparno, Deputy Chairperson of the MPR RI, gave support regarding the proposal to give the title of National Hero to Raden Mas (RM)'s grandfather Margono Djojohadikusumo. President Prabowo Subianto's grandfather was considered to have contributed to establishing a financial institution as a pillar of the nation's economic stability.
"History records with gold ink that RM Margono with a strong national spirit led efforts to establish a Central Bank of Indonesia in a republic that was just independent," said Eddy in Jakarta, quoted from ANTARA, Sunday.
According to Eddy, who is a former banker, RM Margono's proposal and breakthrough to form a Central Bank as well as be his first leader, has shown an extraordinary contribution in defending Indonesia's independence.
"As a former banker, I fully support the awarding of the title of National Hero for RM Margono Djojohadikusumo," he said.
He said that after the Proclamation of independence, one of the tough challenges faced was sovereignty in the economic sector. Moreover, at that time the Central Bank of the Netherlands, De Javasche Bank, clearly rejected Indonesia's sovereignty as an independent nation.
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With the mandate of Bung Karno and Bung Hatta, continued Eddy, RM Margono succeeded in establishing Indonesia's first Central Bank amidst the limitations of the new government being independent and still facing pressure from the Dutch colonialists.
"As Chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council at that time, RM Margono played an active role in proposing until finally establishing Bank Negara Indonesia on July 5, 1946. Because of this breakthrough, he was appointed by Bung Karno to be his first President Director until 1950," he said.
Eddy explained that RM Margono was a pioneer in upholding the nation's economic sovereignty as well as laying the foundations of banking policies in the Indonesian economic system.
As a professional in banking and international finance for 27 years, Eddy envisions the complex situation when RM Margono led the Central Bank in a newly independent country.
Mr. RM Margono, said the Deputy Chairperson of the MPR, was faced with the difficult situation of Dutch economic pressure which rejected Indonesia's sovereignty. On the other hand, he must also provide an understanding of financial literacy in society, which at that time was mostly still illiteracy," he said.
"The situation he went through was extraordinary until under his leadership BNI issued Oeang of the Republic of Indonesia in September 1946. In addition, BNI is also active in providing credit and also preparing a savings scheme for the community," he said.
To encourage the title of National Hero for RM Margono, Eddy admitted that he was ready to socialize RM Margono's works and services to be appointed as a National Hero to the public and related parties.
"All studies that have been and are being carried out regarding RM Margono's proposal as a National Hero's Day will continue to be supported and facilitated to be submitted directly to related parties as policy makers," said Eddy in his official statement.