Ramon Magsaysay Award History: Ali Sadikin Wins 'Asia's Version Of The Nobel Prize'

JAKARTA - There is no more prestigious annual award in Asia than Ramon Magsaysay. The award was even touted as the “Asian Version of the Nobel.” Contributing notable figures who fill the list. The Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa are some of them. Even a series of figures from Indonesia also had time to taste the highest award in Asia. They are Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1955), Mochtar Lubis (1958), Until Ali Sadikin (1977).

The President of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay, is the man behind the name of the main award and highest honor in Asia. For his country, the figure of Ramon Magsaysay is like a hero. His actions against colonialism and communism have inspired the world. However, who would have thought that Ramon Mangsaysay was a school teacher on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Even his parents are not important people in the world of politics.

But Ramon Magsaysay breaks all boundaries. Launching Britannica, his involvement as a guerrilla leader in Luzon during World War II was the beginning to penetrate the world of Philippine politics. Just when the United States (US) retook the Philippines from the hands of Japan, Ramon Magsaysay was appointed Military Governor of the Province of Zambales. His career is going up. He even served as a congressman for the Liberal Party for two terms (1946-1950).

After that, Ramon Magsaysay offered a plan to President Elpidio Quirino to kill the communist guerrillas, Hukbalahap, who were still scattered on Philippine soil. The plan he made was based on his experience as a guerrilla in World War II. The idea is accepted. Ramon Magsaysay was made Secretary of National Defense, before becoming Minister of Defence. Thanks to him, the image of the Philippine Army is highly respected and admired.

Ramon Magsaysay did not waste the opportunity to become the number one person in the Philippines. His promise to reform every segment of life in the Philippines has broad popular support. As a result, Ramon Magsaysay won the 1953 general election against the previous president Elpidio Quirino. During his reign in the Philippines (1953-1957), Ramon Magsaysay brought many changes.

He is credited with bringing his country to its prime through a climate of good democracy and anti-corruption. However, the President of the Philippines died in a plane crash in March 1957. All the Filipino people then mourned. Perhaps no other President will replace Ramon Magsaysay in the hearts of the Filipino people. Therefore, to commemorate the services of Ramon Magsaysay, the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation was formed. One of his agenda was the Anugerah Magsaysay Award shortly after his death.

The annual award is given to individuals or organizations in Asia who are able to embody the same spirit of change as the late Ramon Magsaysay. Especially to those who perpetuate the spirit of anti-corruption.

Some of the major figures who received this award were the Dalai Lama of Tibet (1958) and Mother Teresa of India (1962). All figures from Indonesia even got the Asian version of the Nobel Prize. Those who have won the Ramon Magsaysay Award are the legendary writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1955), journalist Mochtar Lubis (1958), and the charismatic Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ali Sadikin (1977).

Ali Sadikin's hard work in building Jakarta paid off when he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971. In the view of the owner of the Ramon Magsaysay award, Ali Sadikin is described as a stubborn figure. However, Ali Sadikin's stubbornness became the main ingredient in the process of transforming Jakarta from the big village into a metropolitan. Ali Sadikin built many public facilities -- from entertainment centers to schools. Even Ali Sadikin is an anti-corruption figure like the late Ramon Magsaysay.

“His achievements, dynamism, compassion, and especially his honesty made Jakartans predict that one day Sadikin would become president. His frankness confused the people of Jakarta, though they were pleased with him for it. In a city where it is said that anyone can be bribed, Sadikin is seen as incorruptible.”

“He received a salary of Rp. 14 thousand (at that time: 36 dollars) a month plus other costs, gas, electricity, and vehicles. Obviously he can not live from it. Sadikin raised his thumb towards his wife's practice room (Dentist Nani Sadikin). Ali Sadikin said: From there (I lived)," was present at The Ramon Magsaysay Award 1958-1971, quoted by the man nicknamed Kennedy from the east in Ali Sadikin's book Mengusur and Build (1977).

During that time, an envoy from Anugerah Ramon Magsaysay immediately visited Ali Sadikin's office at City Hall. Ali Sadikin found the award very surprising. This is because the arrival of the envoy was accompanied by diplomats from the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta. Awards are no joke, he said. Ali Sadikin also received the honor. However, Ali could not go to Manila in March 1971. After being rescheduled, Ali Sadikin was only able to depart in December 1971.

Ali's arrival to the Magsaysay building was accompanied by his wife, Nani Sadikin. After the event opened, Ali Sadikin was introduced to the Manila public. A series of achievements revealed one by one. Ali Sadikin was introduced as a figure who succeeded in establishing a civil government which was accompanied by success in building Jakarta. The committee immediately handed over a plaque and a check worth 10 thousand dollars to Ali Sadikin. The procession was immediately followed by the testimony of the award recipient. Ali emphasized his speech in becoming governor of all groups.

“On that occasion I have explained that a good governor is a governor who fully positions himself as the head of a regional government, regardless of where he comes from and whatever political affiliation he holds. The oath of office taken is the oath of office of the governor and not the oath of office of a party leader or commander or admiral. Furthermore, placing oneself as a governor also means putting the public interest above the interests of the group or corps,” wrote Ali Sadikin in the book Gita Jaya (1977).

In that speech, Ali Sadikin also shared his unhappy experience when appointed by the First President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno. Ali Sadikin realized that the task entrusted to him was completely foreign. Alias outside of Ali Sadikin's background as a marine. Moreover, the appointment of Ali Sadikin was when the Indonesian people were in a transitional period filled with mutual suspicion. Ali Sadikin did not give up. He continued to work hard until Soekarno's dream of making Jakarta the capital city admired by the world came true.

“When I started city administration, it turned out that charisma alone was not enough to meet the leadership qualities to solve the city's innumerable problems. There are calculated risks to be taken; challenges to my program for public order and improvements must be neutralized.”

“At the same time my mind is open to constructive criticism and my heart is open to those who give encouragement. It is difficult to introduce new ideas. Especially for the community who are reluctant to accept change because of their cultural characteristics, background and insight,” said Ali Sadikin's speech in Manila as written by Ramadhan KH in the book Bang Ali: Demi Jakarta 1966-1977 (1992).

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