The first individual designated a National Hero of Indonesia, Abdul Muis navigated a multifaceted career as a journalist, politician, and author during the transition toward national independence. Born in Sungai Puar in 1883, he utilised his public platforms to challenge Dutch colonial policies and advocate for greater autonomy within the Indonesian archipelago throughout the early twentieth century.
Early Career and Activism
Muis attended the Europeesche Lagere School and STOVIA, though he did not complete his medical training due to health issues. Following his departure from the civil service in 1905, he pivoted to journalism. In 1912, he co-founded the publication Kaoem Moeda and contributed critical essays to De Express. His political engagement deepened through the Sarekat Islam, where he served as a negotiator in the Netherlands, later holding a seat in the Volksraad from 1918 to 1921.
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His nationalist activities frequently drew the attention of Dutch colonial authorities. In 1919, he faced arrest following a speaking tour in North Sulawesi. By 1922, his leadership during a protest strike in Yogyakarta resulted in confinement to Garut, West Java, for a duration of three years.
Literary Contributions
Starting in 1927, Muis transitioned toward creative writing in partnership with the state-owned publishing house Balai Pustaka. His 1928 novel, Salah Asuhan, explored the tensions between traditional values and Western modernity through the narrative of Hanafi and Corrie. This work established his reputation as a significant figure in Indonesian literature. He continued his output with publications such as Pertemuan Jodoh in 1932, Surapati in 1950, Hendak Berbakti in 1951, and Robert Anak Surapati in 1953.
Final Years
Muis spent the final phase of his life in Bandung, where he contributed to the formation of the Bandung Institute of Technology and established the Persatuan Perjuangan Priangan to support regional development. He died in 1959 and was interred at the Cikutra Cemetery. President Sukarno formally recognized his contributions to the nation by naming him a National Hero in 1959.
Fast facts
- Born: 1883, Sungai Puar
- Died: 1959, Bandung
- Education: Europeesche Lagere School, STOVIA
- Political membership: Sarekat Islam, Volksraad
- Volksraad position: 1918-1921
- Notable novel: Salah Asuhan (1928)
- Burial site: Cikutra Cemetery
- Honor: National Hero of Indonesia
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the novel Salah Asuhan?
It highlighted the conflict between traditional values and Western modernity in pre-independence Indonesia.
What political roles did Abdul Muis hold?
He was a member of the Sarekat Islam and served as a member of the Volksraad between 1918 and 1921.
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