JAKARTA - Today, 32 years ago, November 8, 1990, President Soeharto designated Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX as a national hero. The appointment of the Sultan of Yogyakarta was carried out for his great role and contribution to the homeland and nation.
Without his presence, Indonesia will be difficult to become independent. His most visible role was when the capital city of Indonesia had to move to Yogyakarta during the Indonesian independence revolution. Sri Sultan bears everything. From office facilities to employee salaries.
The role of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX cannot be underestimated in the map of Indonesian history. Without it, Indonesia may not grow. He was actively involved in the efforts of the bumiputras to escape the shackles of colonialism. He stood against Dutch colonialism.
His most obvious contribution was during the revolution. All kinds of efforts to maintain independence are fully supported by him. The Indonesian government was allowed to move the capital city from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. All kinds of government facilities were prepared. Including assistance for employee salaries.
The kindness of the Sultan of Yogyakarta is also remembered by many people. Soekarno's wife Fatmawati, and Hoegeng Imam Santoso (later to become the National Police Chief) were some of them. Both of them felt how difficult it was when all of Indonesia's top brass were captured by the Dutch in Military Aggression II. This condition makes it difficult for the Indonesian government to run.
Government employees, including the military, automatically do not receive salaries. However, to keep the struggle going, the King took control. He also 'endowed' most of his property for the struggle. He actively sent funds to freedom fighters, including to Hoegeng and Fatmawati.
“However, there was one thing that was unforgettable during the Second Aggression in Yogyakarta for our family. And apparently also for republican fighters who live in the city of Yogya. The problem is that I no longer receive a salary due to the chaotic situation, especially when high-ranking state officials were imprisoned on the islands of Bangka and Brastagi. For daily meals, I work at Pinocchio Restaurant.”
“And Mery (Hoegeng's wife) has to sell one and another food there too. Life is very difficult. However, one day someone came to the house to deliver money to the house. The amount is also large, 12.50 guilders, because the NICA currency has a high exchange rate. However, the guilders were all given in the form of coins. The introduction added that it was money from the Sultan," said Hoegeng as written by Abrar Yusra and Ramadhan K.H. in the book Hoegeng: Polisi Idaman dan Kenyataan (1993).
President Soeharto clearly knew the characterization of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX in the revolutionary period. Moreover, he clearly saw his influence when he was still a Lieutenant Colonel and was in charge of the Yogyakarta area at that time.
He was also helped a lot by the Sultan of Yogyakarta. As a token of appreciation, President Soeharto designated the late Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono as a national hero at the Merdeka Palace on November 8, 1990. The award was given by Suharto to representatives of the family of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX: Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.
"President Soeharto in commemoration of Hero's Day 1990 on November 8, 1990, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, has bestowed the title of National Hero on the late Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia who is also former Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia and former Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta."
"The awarding of the title of National Hero to Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX based on Presidential Decree number 053/TK/1990 is an award for his extraordinary services and heroic acts in the struggle against the Dutch and Japanese colonial invaders as well as in the struggle to maintain and fulfill independence. Such acts of heroism can be used as role models for every Indonesian citizen," wrote the Dharmasena Magazine report entitled Gelar Pahlawan Nasional Untuk Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX (1990).
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