Getting To Know The National Hero From Majalengka, Abdul Chalim

President Joko Widodo gave a National Hero title to Abdul Chalim's heirs during the awarding of a title sign at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (10/11/2023). (Between/Hafidz Mubarak A/nym)

JAKARTA - Indonesian independence is not only present because of the role of intellectuals. The narrative of independence is also often played by religious circles. Kiai Haji (KH) Abdul Chalim, for example. The National hero who is also a famous scholar from Majalengka also brings the narrative of breaking the shackles of colonialism and ignorance.

The initiation was presented with other scholars to build Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Abdul Chalim brought the whole of NU to fight for and defend Indonesia's independence. This service made his name eternal in the memory of all Indonesian people.

Access to education is something that is difficult for the natives to get from the Dutch colonial era. However, not for Abdul Chalim. His parents are respected people as Village Heads in Majalengka. Religious too. The narrative allows him to access education well.

The man who was born in Majalengka, June 22, 1898, was able to access western education. The regulation made him fluent in Dutch. The western education was then balanced by his family by solidifying Abdul with good religious education.

His entire family supports Abdul's true knowledge of Islam. His knowledge grew. He became fluent in Dutch and Arabic. He also continued his mission to study at Islamic boarding schools in West Java. At its peak, thirst for knowledge then took him who was 16 years old to study religion to Makkah.

Life in Makkah in fact opened Abdul Chalim's eyes. Instead of only being able to explore religion, his sensitivity to the fate of the colonized nation began to be felt. This familiarity became even more open when he met his fellow archipelago scholars in the Holy Land.

KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah, for example. Both joined the Islamic Sarekat (SI) Hizaz in Makkah. Abdul Chalim then made the Dutch an enemy that must be fought. Mainly, because the Dutch are increasingly involved in religious affairs, then often harm the natives.

Bekal berharga di Makkah jadi ajiannya dengan Abdul Wahab, Hasyim Asy'ari dan ulama lain menginisiasi satu organisasi Islam. An organization yang dapat meningkatkan tingkat umat Islam dan kesejahteraan sosial. Melawan kehilinduan pula. NU, namanya. Ormas itu muncul pada 31 Januari 1926.

In 1924, Kiai Hasyim did not seem to see the need to establish such an organization and did not give his approval. However, after the invasion of Ib Sa'ud of Makkah, he changed his mind and agreed to the need to form a new organization in 1926.

He then wrote, as the opening of the NU Articles of Association, an Arabic-language treatise. In this minutes he quoted several verses of the Koran calling for Muslims to unite and close with the statement that the formation of an organization to defend Islam is a logical and necessary consequence of these divine commands, "explained Martin van Bruinessen in the bookNU: Tradition, Relations-Relations of Power, Search for New Discourse (1994).

Those who are administrators are KH Hasyim Asy'ari as Rais Aam and Abdul Wahab Hasbullah as the initial Katib, and Abdul Chalim was asked to become Katib Tsani (second secretary). This power made him often invite all students to fight to break the shackles of colonialism.

Abdul Chalim's influence grew when he started using the Soeara Nahdatoel Oelama newspaper medium. The newspaper became a means for Abdul Chalim to spread his ideas about the independence nation.

Abdul Chalim's struggle did not stop when Indonesia was independent. He saw that the Dutch spirit wanted to colonize Indonesia again. He also inflamed resistance against the Dutch during the Revolutionary War (1945-1949).

Abdul Chalim had seen the Dutch recognizing Indonesia's sovereignty. He later died on June 12, 1972. His departure actually left an important legacy, related to courage and courage against the invaders as well as ignorance.

Abdul Chalim is also considered capable of inspiring the whole of Indonesia. The Indonesian government does not want its services to be forgotten. Abdul Chalim was appointed as a National Hero. His appointment as a National Hero in full on November 10, 2023.

"KH. Abdul Chalim has set an example that santri and ulama do not avoid the call of the world of politics. By becoming members of our legislature, we contribute maximally to building the nation. Therefore, the Indonesian nation must continue all the struggles that have been through by KH. Abdul Chalim, by appointing him as a national hero," said Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Yandri Susanto as quoted on the MPR website, March 31, 2023.