November 10 is commemorated as National Heroes Day. Every year, this day is marked with cultural festivals and ceremonies to honor the sacrifices of the heroes.
November 10 signifies the outbreak of the battle between Indonesian fighters and British and allied forces in Surabaya in 1945. During this three-week battle, Muhammadiyah members in East Java also took up arms.
Recalling the struggle, President Sukarno officially designated November 10 as National Heroes Day through Presidential Decree Number 316 of 1959.
Who is a National Hero?
A National Hero is a title bestowed upon Indonesian citizens who have made significant contributions to the nation through either defending the country from colonialism, performing heroic acts, or producing great works.
According to Law Number 20 of 2009, National Heroes can be categorized into several groups: Proclamators, National Awakening Heroes, Pioneers of Independence, and National Independence Heroes.
To be awarded the title of National Hero, an individual must meet general and particular requirements and must be nominated and appointed by the President.
11% of National Heroes Are from Muhammadiyah
As of 2023, Indonesia has bestowed the title of National Hero on 206 people, including 190 males and 16 females. Of these, 23 or approximately 11% are Muhammadiyah members.
The contributions of Muhammadiyah members spanned a wide range of backgrounds, including ulama (Islamic scholars), intellectuals, politicians, and military personnel. They played pivotal roles in critical moments, such as the preparations for independence, the proclamation of independence, military aggression, and the post-independence period. The 23 heroes are as follows:
1. K.H. Ahmad Dahlan
As the founder of Muhammadiyah, K.H. Ahmad Dahlan played a key role in laying the foundations for Indonesia’s independence. His efforts included advancing human resource development and promoting equal access to education, healthcare, and social services. Additionally, he pioneered a modern, adaptive, dynamic, and progressive approach to Islamic thought. The rise of numerous National Heroes from Muhammadiyah showed his success. In recognition of his contributions, the government honored him with the title of National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 657 of 1961.
2. Siti Walidah
Siti Walidah, the wife of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, played a crucial role in Muhammadiyah efforts to redefine the role of women in a more modern, active, and expansive way. She believed that women should be educated and not restricted by the constraints of conservatism or domestic responsibilities. To further this vision, she founded the Aisyiyah, Muhammadiyah women’s wing, which became a key element in empowering women in public, religious, and national affairs. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, she was declared a National Hero on September 22, 1971, through Presidential Decree Number 042/TK/1971.
3. Ir. Sukarno
Ir. Sukarno, the proclaimer and the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, was the Head of the Teaching Division of Muhammadiyah Bengkulu. On the international stage, Sukarno had a significant influence through the Non-Aligned Movement at the Asia-Africa Conference. In recognition of his contributions, the government awarded him the title of Proclamation Hero in 1986 and National Hero in 2012.
4. Fatmawati
Fatmawati, an active member of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Bengkulu and Sukarno’s wife. Both of her parents were members of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah. She was the first person to sew the national flag of Indonesia, the red and white, which was later raised during the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945. Acknowledging her contributions, the government awarded her the title of National Hero in 2000 through Presidential Decree Number 118/TK/2000.
5. General Sudirman
General Soedirman, Indonesia’s first five-star general, was a member of Hizbul Wathan, the Muhammadiyah scouts, and a teacher at the Muhammadiyah primary school in Cilacap. He is recognized as the Father of the Indonesian Army (TNI) for his leadership during key moments in Indonesia’s struggle for independence, including commanding the People’s Security Army (TKR) in the Battle of Ambarawa, leading PETA (Pembela Tanah Air/Defenders of the Homeland) in disarming the Japanese, founding the People’s Security Reserve (BKR), and spearheading the guerrilla resistance during the Second Military Aggression in 1948-1949. In honor of his heroic contributions, the government conferred upon him the title of National Hero on December 10, 1964, through Presidential Decree Number 314 of 1964.
6. Dr. Soetomo
Dr. Soetomo, the founder of Budi Utomo, served as a member of PKO (Penolong Kesengsaraan Oemoem or a Muhammadiyah humanitarian organization) and an advisor on Muhammadiyah health affairs from 1925 onward. He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of Muhammadiyah Hospital in Surabaya. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the government named him a National Independence Hero through Presidential Decree Number 657/1961.
7. Haji Agus Salim
Haji Agus Salim was an active member of Muhammadiyah during the era of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan. He played a key role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. In addition to serving as a member of the BPUPKI (Investigating Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence), he led several diplomatic missions to the Middle East in 1947 and represented Indonesia at the Round Table Conference in The Hague. He also held the position of Foreign Minister on multiple occasions. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Agus Salim was named a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 657 on December 27, 1961.
8. K.H. Mas Mansur
K.H. Mas Mansur, who served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah 1937-942, was a member of the Empat Serangkai (Four Companions), alongside Hatta, Sukarno, and Ki Hajar Dewantara. During the Japanese occupation, he also led the Putera organization (Pusat Tenaga Rakjat/Centre of the People’s Power). In recognition of his significant contributions, Mas Mansur was declared a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 162 on June 26, 1964.
9. Djuanda Kartawidjaja
Djuanda Kartawidjaja, known as the Father of Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs through the Djuanda Declaration, served as a leader of Muhammadiyah Tasikmalaya and a teacher at SMA Muhammadiyah Kramat, Jakarta. A pioneer in the Indonesian aviation industry, Djuanda held several important government positions throughout his career, including Minister of Transportation, Minister of Finance, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Public Works. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was honored as a National Independence Hero through Presidential Decree Number 244 in 1963.
10. Haji Fachrodin
Haji Fachrodin was a journalist and the founder of Suara Muhammadiyah, a key Muhammadiyah publication. He was also a pioneer of the Badan Penolong Haji Indonesia, an organization established to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage for Indonesian Muslims. He was also involved in political activism, such as Centraal Sarekat Islam (CSI) and Partai Sarekat Islam (PSI). In Muhammadiyah, he held a position of the Secretary of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, he was named a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 162 in 1964.
11. Otto Iskandar Dinata
Otto Iskandar Dinata, also known as Si Jalak Harupat, was a teacher at SMA Muhammadiyah Kramat, Jakarta. He was a member of the BPUPKI (Investigating Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence) and played an important role in preparing the establishment of the Badan Keamanan Rakyat (BKR/People’s Security Agency). His proposal to elect Sukarno and Hatta as President and Vice President was unanimously accepted during the PPKI (Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence) meeting on August 18, 1945. In recognition of his significant contributions, Otto Iskandar Dinata was named a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 088/TK/1973 on November 6, 1973.
12. Andi Sultan Daeng Radja
Andi Sultan Daeng Radja, an active member of Muhammadiyah Bulukumba, was a participant in the 1928 Youth Congress and one of the founders of the Indonesian Nurses Association (PPNI). He represented South Sulawesi at the PPKI (Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence) session and played a significant role in the struggle against colonialism in Indonesia. In recognition of his dedication and contributions, he was declared a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 085/TK/2006.
13. Teuku H. Muhammad Hasan
Teuku H. Muhammad Hasan, who served the Indonesian Minister of Education in the Emergency Cabinet of 1948-1949, was the first Muhammadiyah consul in Kutaraja, Aceh, in 1927. He later became the vice chairperson of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI). In recognition of his significant contributions, he was honored as a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 085/TK/2006.
14. Adam Malik
Adam Malik was a member of Hizbul Wathan, the Muhammadiyah scouts. He was best known for announcing Indonesia’s independence. He went on to serve as the third Vice President of Indonesia, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and President of the United Nations General Assembly. He was also a co-founder of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Indonesian News Agency (ANTARA). He was honored as a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 107/TK/1998 on November 6, 1998.
15. Buya Hamka
Buya Hamka, a charismatic Islamic scholar of Muhammadiyah, was not only a distinguished writer and journalist but also a fierce political and guerrilla fighter against Dutch and Japanese forces in West Sumatra. As the first Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), his influence extended far beyond his literary and journalistic work. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Buya Hamka was awarded the title of National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 113/TK/2011.
16. Ki Bagus Hadikusumo
Ki Bagus Hadikusumo, who served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah 1942-1953, was a member of BPUPKI (Investigating Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence) and PPKI (Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence). He played a key role in the removal of seven words from the Jakarta Charter and was actively involved in drafting the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was honored with the title of National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2015.
17. Nani Wartabone
Nani Wartabone, a Muhammadiyah figure from Gorontalo, was a fighter against Dutch colonialism. In 1923, he founded Jong Gorontalo in Surabaya, led the Gorontalo branch of the Indonesian National Party (PNI), and in 1941, established Komite 12 to prepare for the Pacific War. In recognition of his dedication and contributions, Nani Wartabone was honored as a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 085/TK/2003.
18. Lafran Pane
Raised in the Muhammadiyah education system, Lafran Pane grew into a political activist. He played a key role in the kidnapping of Sukarno and Hatta to Rengasdengklok, a pivotal moment in preparing for the independence proclamation of Indonesia. Lafran Pane was also known as the founder of the Indonesian Student Association (HMI). In recognition of his contributions, he was named a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 115/TK/2017.
19. AR Baswedan
AR Baswedan, a Muhammadiyah scholar born in Ampel, Surabaya, was a member of BPUPKI (Investigating Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence), BP-KNIP (the Executive Board of the Central Indonesian National Committee), the Indonesian Parliament, and the Constitutional Assembly. He served as the second Deputy Minister of Information in the Sjahrir Cabinet. His diplomatic mission to the Arab world played a pivotal role in securing both de jure and de facto recognition of the independence of Indonesia from Egypt. In recognition of his contributions, AR Baswedan was honored as a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 123/TK/2018.
20. Gatot Mangkupraja
Gatot Mangkupraja, who served as Vice Chairperson of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, was a member of BPUPKI (Investigating Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence). He also pioneered the establishment of the voluntary military unit, Defenders of the Homeland (PETA). In recognition of his significant contributions, Gatot Mangkupraja was awarded the title of National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 089/TK/2004.
21. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Sroedji
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Sroedji was a member of Hizbul Wathan, the Muhammadiyah scouts. He gave his life in 1949 during a battle against Dutch forces in the village of Karang Kedawung, Jember. In recognition of his courage and sacrifice, he was awarded the Bintang Mahaputra honor through Presidential Decree No. 91/TK/2016.
22. Abdul Kahar Muzakkir
Abdul Kahar Muzakkir was a member of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah. Although his main contributions were in the field of education, he also played an important role as a member of the Nine-Person Committee (Panitia Sembilan) during the lead-up to the independence of Indonesia in 1945. During the revolution, he contributed to the moral and organizational development of the Angkatan Perang Sabil (APS/Holy War Armed Forces) militia. In recognition of his dedication and service, Abdul Kahar Muzakkir was awarded the title of National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 120/TK/2019.
23. Kasman Singodimedjo
Kasman Singodimedjo was the Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah branch of Jakarta and a member of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah. He was also a distinguished military and political leader. He served as the Commander of Defenders of the Homeland (PETA), led the People’s Security Reserve (BKR), and was a member of the PPKI (Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence). Additionally, he held the positions of Indonesia’s first Attorney General and Deputy Minister of Justice in the second Amir Sjarifuddin Cabinet. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, he was honored as a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 123/TK/2018.
Beyond the officially recognized National Heroes, Muhammadiyah has nurtured many significant contributors to the independence of Indonesia who have yet to be formally honored. These include Oey Tjeng Hien (the founder of PITI/the Chinese Indonesian Association), Samaun Bakri (a journalist), H.M. Rasjidi (a diplomat and Indonesia’s first Minister of Religious Affairs), Sjamsuddin Sutan Makmur and Muljadi Djojomartono (the Ministers of Social Affairs), H.M. Farid Ma’roef (a diplomat), R.M. Saroso Notosuparto (also known as Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya, Mangkunegara VIII), Askar Perang Sabil, Mohammad Roem, and others.
The national heroes may become powerful sources of inspiration and role models for Muhammadiyah members. Their legacy may continue to guide and motivate, encouraging Muhammadiyah to keep contributing its best efforts toward the progress of the nation and the well-being of all Indonesians.
