Profile Of Mr. Rondahaim Saragih, The First National Hero From Simalungun Who Was Nicknamed Napoleon Of The Batak People

Tuan Rondahaim Saragih (Family document)

YOGYAKARTA - Mr. Rondahaim Saragih Garingging, 14th King of the United Kingdom of Simalungun, North Sumatra was one of the figures awarded the title of national hero today, Monday, November 10. The award ceremony took place at the State Palace in Jakarta.

This award was given based on the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 116/TK of 2025 under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. Mr. Rondahaim Saragih became the first national hero from Simalungun, North Sumatra. Here's the full profile.

Tuan Rondahaim Saragih Garingging was born in 1828 in the Simalungun area, North Sumatra. He is a descendant of the Batak aristocrats and served as the 14th King of the Simalungun Kingdom in the 19th century.

Mr. Rondahaim Saragih holds the title of honor Namabajan. This title describes his role as a leader who is respected in customs and local politics.

Since childhood, Rondahaim has shown visionary leadership and thinking. He realized that divisions among the Batak kingdoms could be a gap for the invaders to strengthen their power.

Realizing this, Rondhaim tried to unite various kingdoms in the Simalungun region such as Siantar, Raya, Tanah Jawa, Purba, and Silimakuta. These efforts are carried out through various diplomacy and secret traditional meetings.

Rondahaim is also known as a war strategist. In the face of Dutch troops who have modern weapons, he applies guerrilla tactics. Because of his ability to lead a war with limited resources but a brilliant strategy, the Simalungun community nicknamed him the 'Napoleon of the Batak people'.

During the colonial period, the Dutch implemented political divide et impera or divided politics in the North Sumatra region. This strategy aims to break the unity between Batak kingdoms so that they are easily controlled.

Seeing this threat, Rondahaim Saragih rose to organize resistance against colonialism. He led the people and royal forces in a fierce battle against the Dutch colonial expansion.

Not only that, Rondhaim also built a diplomatic network with other traditional leaders to strengthen his defensive position. This effort made the Kingdom of the United Kingdom the only kingdom that could not be conquered by the colonialists in North Sumatra.

In addition to leading the physical resistance, Rondhaim also instilled the spirit of initial nationalism in his people. He teaches the values of courage, unity, and love for the homeland.

For his extraordinary services, Mr. Rondahaim Saragih was awarded the Main Service Star based on Presidential Decree No. 077/TK/1999 on August 13, 1999. However, recognition as a National Hero was only given this year after going through a long assessment process.

The proposal for the appointment of the title of hero for Mr. Rondahaim Saragih has been proposed since 2010. Finally, in March 2025, Rondahaim was approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs' Research, Studies and Development Team for National Hero Titles (TP2GP).

The awarding ceremony for the title of hero was held today, Monday, November 10, to coincide with Heroes' Day. In the ceremony, President Prabowo Subianto awarded the title of National Hero to ten figures who contributed to the nation.

In addition to Mr. Rondahaim Saragih Garingging, here are nine figures who were awarded the title of National Hero.

Zainal Abidin Syah from North Maluku