Margono Djojohadikusumo, an Economic Warrior Who Deserves to be Recognized as the Father of Indonesian Currency

The book "Margono Djojohadikusumo: Pejuang Ekonomi dan Pendiri BNI 1946" written by HMU Kurniadi and Jimmy S. Harianto was officially launched at the Kompas Institute, Friday (8/8/2025).

JAKARTA - The book "Margono Djojohadikusumo: Pejuang Ekonomi dan Pendiri BNI 1946," written by HMU Kurniadi and Jimmy S. Harianto, was officially launched at the Kompas Institute on Friday (August 8, 2025). This book chronicles the journey of President Prabowo Subianto's grandfather as the founder of BNI and the initiator of the Oeang Republik Indonesia (ORI), which cemented the nation's monetary sovereignty after independence.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that Margono's legacy—BNI 1946 and the cooperative movement—was an instrument of the nation's economic struggle. "This is an important part of preserving collective memory," he said.

Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff Muhammad Qodari stated that Margono deserves to be recognized as the Father of Indonesian Republic Money. "Presenting Republic money is not just a transaction, but a matter of dignity and independence," he said.

Deputy Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Fahri Hamzah assessed that Margono's pro-people banking ideas are relevant to providing affordable housing. "Affordable housing loans are an instrument of people's dignity and independence," he said.

BNI Commercial Banking Director Muhammad Iqbal admitted he was inspired by Margono's message that banks don't just count money, but also build national dignity.

A family representative, Mora Dharma Silitonga, reminded Margono of Margono's message: the measure of success is its benefit to the people. Authors HMU Kurniadi and Jimmy S. Harianto revealed that research for this book took over a year, scouring archives and interviewing various parties.

Kompas Deputy General Manager Paulus Tri Agung Kristanto called this book an important reference on the role of the founding fathers in building the national economy. The launch was attended by national figures, academics, historians, economists, and Margono's extended family, and concluded with a book signing.