Tan Malaka Becomes A Teacher In Deli: When The Salary Of The Father Of The Republic Is Equivalent To Europeans

Indonesian independence fighter, Tan Malaka, was nicknamed the Father of the Republic. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The Bumiputras have often been the most hurt party in the Dutch colonial era. The salaries of European teachers and Bumiputra are never the same. This condition often creates social jealousy. However, Tan Malaka actually penetrates existing boundaries.

He was able to show his class as a teacher for contract coolers in Deli, North Sumatra. He gets the rights of the first class: Europeans. His salary is high. Something that gives the meaning of great appreciation to teachers. Even though the skin color is different.

People's independence can only be obtained with people's education. That is the principle held by a Tan Malaka. The man who was born in Suliki, June 2, 1897 views education as an important tool for achieving independence.

Tan Malaka became diligent in schooling because of it. He then entered the bumiputra teacher school in Bukittinggi and succeeded. His teacher, GH Horensma is not very happy if Tan Malaka only has the status of an bumiputra teacher. His intelligence will not be appreciated by the Dutch. He was able to see Tan Malaka as a smart figure.

Horensma wants Tan Malaka to pursue higher education. Horensma thinks Tan Malaka can be a head teacher (equivalent to the principal). Or at least the status of a teacher is the same as a European teacher in the archipelago.

Funds are a problem. However, Horensma and all villagers collected money so that Tan Malaka could attend school in the Netherlands. The money is seen as a loan. This means that when Tan Malaka passes and works, the money will be paid in installments.

As a result, Tan Malaka left for the Netherlands in 1913. Tan Malaka was indeed unable to get a title as a head teacher due to illness due to weather influence. However, he was able to get a Diplolapactie (European teacher) title. This condition made him return to the archipelago immediately.

"Then follow stories about teacher schools in Haarlem and teaching programs there, poor health, boarding houses, and political awareness, which are covered by the dialectics of the thesis, antithesis, and synthesis (Nietzsche, Rousmen, MarxANGles), which were seeded after being in his new boarding house in Bussum.

"The increased study costs greatly disturbed his mind, until 1919 when the offer to work as a teacher for Senembah Maatschappij in Deli gave a welcome solution," said historian Harry A. Poaze in the bookTan Malacca, Left Movement, and Indonesian Revolution Volume 3 (2008).

Tan Malaka finally returned to the archipelago in 1919. He initially stayed for a while in Batavia (now: Jakarta). Then, continue his journey to Deli. An important plantation area controlled by European plantation companies.

He was appointed as a teacher for contract coolie children at a school owned by Senembah Maatschappij. This position made Tan Malaka initially feel special. The company owner wrote a special message so that white employees of Senembah Maatschappij enforce Tan Malaka like Europeans.

Places to live are given. High salaries that are equivalent to European teachers are also not left behind - even though there is no detailed note received by Tan Malaka. Tan Malaka's position surpassed the usual income of bumiputra teachers. All because Tan Malaka was given the task of creating an educational system for cool children.

This condition made Tan Malaka explore all problems in Deli. Tan tries to find out the character to the wishes of each student. Tan Malaka also did not forget to record the misery of contract coolers. The recording was processed into writing criticism in the local mass media.

The rights affairs received by Tan Malaka as a teacher are always fulfilled. However, not everyone likes the presence of Tan Malaka - especially the writing. Many garden owners do not agree with Tan Malaka's presence and his teaching system. This condition is because education is considered to make the children of contract coolers smart.

They view intelligence as a threat. Fear of coolies in the future inflames resistance against garden owners and colonialists. Gardeners only want contract cool children to remain stupid. It's quite smart to hoe. school is not necessary. Or in the term Tan Malaka, Cangkul School.

Recently the polemic made Tan Malaka resign. He considered his position as a teacher in Deli quite difficult. Moreover, Tan Malaka supporters have returned to the Netherlands. Tan Malaka finally chose to resign and go to Java to build other schools since 1923.

Tan Malaka's departure was not empty-handed. The remaining salary was then given in cash by Senembah Maatschappij. The company also did not forget to buy Tan Malaka a class I ship ticket to Java Island. A facility that is rarely enjoyed by the natives. The departure then made his political career soar. He then became known as the Father of the Republic of Indonesia.

My most important goal has been achieved. First, gain experience among contract coolies. Second, get money to pay debts (loans for tuition fees) to my village and former teacher. Most of this and this debt has been paid off. With the supplies that I keep myself at will, if necessary, I can pay off," said Tan Malaka in the book From Prison to Prison (2017).