Main Service Star For Soegondo Djojopoespito In History Today, August 2, 1978

Soegondo Djjopoespito (second from the right) together with founding figures of the Republic of Indonesia, including Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA History today, 45 years ago, August 2, 1978, the New Order Government (Orba) appointed Soegondo Djjojopoespito as the recipient of the Main Service Star. The award was given because Soegondo's services were considered large for the nation and state.

Previously, Soegondo was known as a figure who actively perpetuated the spirit of independence for young people. This existence made Soegondo appointed as chairman of the Second Youth Congress. A congress that gave birth to the Youth Pledge.

No one suspected that the Law College, Rechtshoogeschool (RHS) Batavia was transformed into a "house" of freedom fighters. The school, which the Dutch considered a means of perpetuating control of the bumiputra, actually formed many Indonesian freedom fighters.

Soegondo Djojopoespito, one of them. RHS managed to forge him to become one of the youth figures who was sensitive to the fate of the bumiputras. This familiarity stemmed from Soegondo's frequent participation in discussions among freedom fighters.

Soegondo also became an active reader of the Indonesian Association (PI) output magazine in the Netherlands, Indonesia Merdeka. The magazine is widely spread across the archipelago, inspiring Soegondo to fight to escape the shackles of colonialism. Every day the magazine reads its spirit boils.

He also began to be close to figures from PI. This closeness paid off. The PI management, who had returned to Indonesia, then initiated a youth organization with Soegondo. The Indonesian Student-Student Association (PPPI), his name.

The organization became one of the organizations involved in the Youth Congress I and the Second Youth Congress on 27-28 October 1928. Even in the Second Youth Congress, Soegondo was asked to be the leader of Congress. There are no two leaders.

He was able to bring the Youth Congress to run smoothly. As a result, the narrative of the nation, homeland, and the language of one Indonesian was born. Even with his permission, Wage Rudolf Soepratman's Indonesian song was played for the first time. The Gaung made Soegondo's name even more famous among the youth.

Because there are many obstacles and even dangers that must be faced. However, Soegondo managed to carry out its duties well. It even resulted in a decision that was later known as the Youth Pledge. A person can be elected as chairman of course with considerations. Soegondo is indeed a man who is diligent, loyal, consistent, and has a strong opinion, but can also accept the opinions of others.

"With these properties Soegondo was chosen as Chairman of Congress and succeeded. In organizing a congress, a good leadership is needed. Because with the leadership that deserves the congress to be successful. And it turns out that Soegondo can be the chairman of the congress well, it is proven that the newspapers that were published at that time praised Soegondo's skills," explained Sri Sutjiatiningsih in the book Soegondo Djjojopoespito: Karya's Results and Service (1999).

It is possible that Indonesia has become independent. Many freedom fighters have begun to be appreciated by the Indonesian government for awarding it. Soegondo is included in it. Soegondo is on the New Order radar which was awarded awards for his services.

Ulam's beloved peak arrived. The New Order government then appointed Soegondo as the recipient of the Main Service Star on August 2, 1978. Even though Soegondo had passed away -- Soegondo passed away on April 24, 1978. The award was given for Soegondo's services which continued to spark resistance to Dutch colonialism. Even the award was only received by the Soegondo family on August 17, 1978.

"Signing the honorary Star of Main Services to those whose names (Soegondo Djojopoespito) in the attachment to this decree, as an appreciation for their great loyalty and services to the country and the nation of Indonesia, especially in the field of culture and the struggle to unite the Indonesian people during the Dutch colonial period," it was written in the New Order's decree.