“Non-Javanese” Figures on the New Rupiah Banknotes

We often feel there is an imbalance between Java and the other islands of Indonesia. One example is the lack of recognition of heroes who come from outside Java. There is something interesting about the latest edition of Rupiah banknotes: the government is trying to introduce several figures who are little known to the public by issuing new banknotes featuring these “non-Java” heroes. Many of us may not yet know these heroes from outside Java, even though their contributions to Indonesia are enormous. Come on, let’s take a look at their brief profiles!

T.B. Simatupang

Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Tahi Bonar Simatupang , better known as T.B. Simatupang , came from Sidikalang, North Sumatra (January 28 1920 – January 1 1990). He was appointed by President Soekarno as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (KASAP) from 1950 to 1953.  On November 8, 2013, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono awarded the title National Hero to TB Simatupang. Today his name is immortalized as one of the major street names in Cilandak, South Jakarta. On December 19, 2016, in recognition of his services, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia immortalized him on the new Rupiah coin denomination of Rp. 500.

Frans Kaisiepo

He was a national hero of Indonesia from Papua, known for the Malino Conference of 1946. At that conference, he discussed the formation of the United States of Indonesia. The appearance of a Papuan hero on the Rp10,000 banknote caused quite a stir. Many considered the face of a hero who had once contributed to the proposal of the name Irian unfit to be on Rupiah banknotes, and he was often mocked. Don’t copy that, friends. In any case, his contributions to this nation are very noble.

Sam Ratulangi

Many people are familiar with this figure, because his name was given to an airport in North Sulawesi. But what were the contributions of this national hero, whose face is on the Rp20,000 banknote, to Indonesia? He was an Indonesian independence activist and also the first governor of North Sulawesi. This hero, whose real name was Gerungan Saul Samuel Jacob Ratulangi, was also a multidimensional figure, with his philosophical work titled “Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou”. Wow, impressive, right!

Dr.Ir. Herman Johanes

This hero comes from Rote, East Nusa Tenggara. The portrait of Prof. Dr. Ir. Herman Johannes will replace the image of the Kakatua Raja on the Rp100 coin. Not many know that he was a scholar, politician, and also a professor at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). In fact, he also served as rector of UGM for the period 1961 – 1966.

I Gusti Ketut Pudja

On the Rp1,000 coin, you will find the face of I Gusti Ketut Pudja, who replaces the image of the Garuda Bird on the previous series of coins. He is known as one of the members of the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI), representing Sunda Kecil, now known as the provinces of Bali and Nusa Tenggara. He was also involved in drafting the proclamation text at the house of Admiral Maeda. A progressive figure!

K.H. Idham Chalid

The hero whose face is on the Rp5,000 banknote was born in  Satui, Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of Indonesia in the Ali Sastroamidjojo II Cabinet and the Djuanda Cabinet. He was a politician active in religious activities and served as chairman of the Tanfidziyah of Nahdlatul Ulama from 1956 to 1984.

Hatta

You are certainly familiar with this name, because he was one of The Founding Fathers and also the first Vice President of Indonesia. Born in Fort de Kock (now Bukittinggi, West Sumatra), Dutch East Indies, in 1902, he served as Prime Minister in the Hatta I, Hatta II, and RIS cabinets. He resigned as vice president in 1956, because of a dispute with President Soekarno. Hatta is also known as the Father of Indonesian Cooperatives.

Tjut Mutia

Born in  Keureutoe, Pirak, North Aceh in 1870, she is known for her resistance against the Dutch alongside her husband, Teuku Muhammad or Teuku Tjik Tunong, in March 1905. Her face adorns the Rp1,000 banknote, replacing the face of Captain Pattimura in the previous edition.

The government’s efforts to raise awareness of these figures through the new Rupiah banknotes deserve proper appreciation. After all, this nation was built and fought for by all of its children, from Sabang to Merauke. Is it really right that only heroes from Java are well known? In this way, may the spirit of diversity keep burning in all our hearts!