Dialogika

In this episode, we talk about one of the lesser-known founding fathers of Indonesia, our first ever Prime Minister, Sutan Sjahrir!

Dubbed the ‘Smiling Diplomat,’ Sjahrir is one of our nation’s greatest intellectuals and patriots, and was a key figure in the independence movement — from his time with Mohammad Hatta in the Netherlands organizing the Indonesian youth there, to negotiating the beginning of the new Indonesian Republic with the Dutch when he was the Prime Minister, and even to the last of his days when he was unfairly imprisoned without trial under alleged conspiracy charges for disagreeing with Sukarno’s regime. Sjahrir’s life story is a truly inspiring one, and as one of the foundational individuals behind Indonesia’s parliamentary democracy, we wanted to dedicate this episode to him and his ideas — especially in light of the increasing threats from all sides to our fragile democracy.

Thanks for listening!

For those interested in learning more about the topic, we’ve provided links to resources as well as other recommended readings.

Perjuangan Kita — Sjahrir’s epic pahmplet outlining Indonesia’s dream for independence

Sutan Sjahrir, Bung kecil Yang Tersingkir — Sjahrir, the forgotten hero

Jalan Sejarah Sutan Sjahrir Sebelum Jadi Pahlawan Nasional — brief insights into Sjahrir’s life story

Beda Sukarno dan Sjahrir tentang Partai Politik — Sjahrir and Sukarno’s different visions for Indonesian democracy

Sutan Sjahrir — courtesy of Wikipedia Indonesia

Sjahrir dan Sosialisme Indonesia — Sjahrir and Indonesian socialism, courtesy of Kompas

In Memoriam: Sutan Sjahrir — archival video of Sutan Sjahrir’s memorial service

 

 

 

MUSIC CREDITS:

SOUL HIGH by RYAN LITTLE

MONTMARTRE by JAHZAAR

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