Professor Jan Klopper's Message To Ir. Soekarno: Diplomas Certificates Don't Last

President Soekarno when inaugurate his almamater, Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng to be Institut Teknologi Bandoeng (ITB) on March 2, 1959. (rinaldimunir.files.wordpress.com)

JAKARTA - Soekarno's actions often attract the attention of many people. Professor Jan Klopper, especially. The First Chancellor of the Technische Hogeschool te Bandoeng (now: Bandung Institute of Technology) often supported Sukarno, who was radical in voicing anti-colonialism.

Klopper didn't mind at all. As long as it doesn't interfere with Bung Karno's lectures. He also asked Soekarno to promise to be serious about studying. Like a gentleman, the Son of the Dawn agreed. He was also given a graduation speech by Prof. Klopper: diplomas don't last forever.

Education was once an expensive item for the natives during the Dutch colonial period. Not all natives can access Dutch-style education. Those who are rich and struggling are the most likely to go to school. Soekarno, for example.

Professor Jan Klopper, Soekarno's lecturer and also a Rector of Technische Hogeschool te Bandoeng. (Wikimedia Commons)

His family had to work hard to be able to send Bung Karno to the Technische Hogeschool te Bandoeng advanced education. Everything was done so that Soekarno became a useful human being for his family and nation.

Soekarno did not waste it either. the opportunity to go to college is a place for him to sharpen his knowledge and think critically. He also often openly perpetuates the narrative of anti-colonialism and imperialism.

Soekarno's courage to spread the idea of releasing the shackles of Dutch colonialism got the attention of many people. Professor Klopper, moreover. As rector, he was responsible for Soekarno's life behavior while still a student.

Klopper initially asked Soekarno to withdraw from political activities. Soekarno did not want to promise that. Klopper agrees. He also tried to revise his wishes. He wanted Soekarno's study not to be interrupted. That was the only promise Soekarno could agree on. Because of that, Klopper was amazed by Soekarno. Vice versa.

Certificate of inauguration of the opening of the Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng. (Wikimedia Commons)

“This first achievement of mine caused such a great uproar, that I was immediately summoned to the office of the university President. If you wish to continue your studies here, Professor Klopper warns, you must persevere in your studies. I don't mind if a student has political aspirations, but it must be remembered that he first and foremost fulfills his obligations as a student."

“You have to promise, from today on you will not interfere in political movements. I didn't lie to him. I explained my problem honestly. Professor, what I will promise is, that I will not neglect the lessons that you give in lectures. That's not what I asked of you. That's all I can promise, Professor," said Soekarno as written by Cindy Adams in the book Bung Karno: Penyambung Lidah Rakyat Indonesia (2011).

Diplomas Certificates Don't Last

The relationship between Bung Karno and Klopper was getting closer. Even though they often argue. Soekarno often questioned the mission of the Dutch East Indies colonial government in the Nusantara. Klopper did not hesitate to answer Bung Karno's every question.

Including the goal of the Dutch government to provide space for the natives to get an education. According to Klopper, existing universities, including Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng, contain the dominance of knowledge that benefits the Netherlands.

However, Soekarno thought differently. According to him, education should be a means of liberation. Klopper did not mind the views of his students. Instead of Soekarno being stuck solely on a political agenda, The great man was actually able to juxtapose struggle and education.

Soekarno graduated on May 25, 1926. He graduated together with two other Bumiputras. Thanks to that, Soekarno was entitled to the title of civil engineering Ingenieur. Bung Karno also specialized in road and irrigation works. Although Soekarno prefers to be called an architect.

The main book Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng explains Soekarno's personal data. (surabaya.go.id)

As a form of sympathy, Klopper gave a graduation speech to Bung Karno. A message that Bung Karno would always remember for the future. Klopper said that Soekarno's diploma won't last forever. Because the only thing that lasts forever is a person's character. And Soekarno had it.

“In conversations with friends, he repeated the statement of the school's rector, Professor Klopper, when my husband received his diploma. Ir. Soekarno, this diploma can be torn and shattered into ashes at one time. It is not permanent. Remember, the only force that can live on and on forever is one's character. It will live on in the hearts of the people, even after death."

“He repeated the lines. He didn't forget it. Especially me. That sentence has stuck with me since I was young. I don't know who taught me that. Maybe my mother, maybe my madrasa teacher. The power that can live forever and ever is a person's character. That sentence is right," said Soekarno's wife, Inggit Garnasih, as written by Ramadhan K.H. in the book Soekarno: Kuantar Ke Gerbang (2014).