JAKARTA - The Red and White Flag at the tomb of independence hero Tan Malaka, Selopanggu Village, Semen District, Kediri Regency, East Java, is missing.
Chairman of the Kediri Regency Arts and Culture Council (DKPP) Imam Mubarok explained that the tomb was deliberately installed with a marker of the Red and White Flag made of metal. The flag also shows that this is the grave of the hero of independence.
"Yesterday (Tuesday, 21/2) I was also on a pilgrimage and tahlil in Selopanggu, Semen District, Kediri Regency, because on February 21, 2023, exactly 74 years Tan Malaka died. At that time there was actually something odd when praying on the tomb, but I haven't thought yet, because I was a bit in a hurry because the weather was cloudy," said Imam Mubarok in Kediri, Wednesday, February 22.
He admitted that he then found out about the irregularities by looking back at the photos of his collection in the Tan Malaka tomb area.
"And it's true, it turns out that the Red and White Flag on top of Tan Malaka's grave is no longer available. Whether it's lost or deliberately removed, I don't understand. Whatever he is, Tan Malaka is a Hero of Independence according to Presidential Decree 53/1963 dated March 28," he said as quoted by Antara.
Tan Malaka was nicknamed the Father of the Republic as the Pupuk Penghulu (King) in his village, Nagari Pandam Gadang, Gunung Omeh District, Lima Pukuh City Regency, West Sumatra. He died killed by republican soldiers on February 21, 1949 in Selopggung, Semen District, Kediri Regency.
According to Harry Albert Poeze, a Dutch historian who revealed the mystery of Tan Malaka's death, it was stated that Tan Malaka was executed on February 21, 1949 by troops from the Sikatan Battalion, Brawijaya Division, in Selopangggung, Kediri, East Java. The order came from Lieutenant Soekotjo, who according to Poeze, was the right man with the most opinion that Tan Malaka should be eliminated.
"The position of Tan Malaka is very final and important for his own people. In traditional areas he oversees 142 niniak mamak or traditional leaders, in Bungo Setangkai Village (Three villages: Pandam Gadang, Suliki, and Kurai). The customs are from Agam, toy urang fifty Kota," said Imam.
He also hopes that the flag can be returned to its proper location if someone takes it.
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