Standing here before the M.H. Thamrin Statue, can you feel the echoes of a national hero? This statue commemorates Mohammad Husni Thamrin. He was a Betawi figure and a leader of political reform in Indonesia. He fought for the Indonesian people in national and international political forums.
The M.H. Thamrin Statue stands on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta. Sculptor Ketut Dinarta created this statue. The cost was Rp 2 billion. Donors contributed the money. Fauzi Bowo, Governor of Jakarta, inaugurated it on June 3, 2012.
Why was M.H. Thamrin so important? M.H. Thamrin was born on February 16, 1894, in Sawah Besar. He was a renowned politician during the Dutch East Indies era. He also played a key role in the Dutch East Indies football world. In 1932, he donated 2000 guilders to build a football field for indigenous people in Petojo.
At 25, M.H. Thamrin became a member of Batavia’s Municipal Council. On January 1, 1929, he founded the Society of The Betawi. This organization fought for the Betawi people’s interests. M.H. Thamrin proposed a clean water supply for drinking. The government approved it and built the Ciliwung Canal. It is now the Pejompongan water purification system.
In 1927, at age 33, M.H. Thamrin was appointed to the Volksraad or House of Representatives. He demanded the abolition of Poenale Sanctie in Sumatra. This was a miserable system for the people. Finally, Poenale Sanctie was abolished. M.H. Thamrin donated his home in Gang Kenari as a meeting place for national movement leaders. Today, it is the M. H. Thamrin Museum.
In 1938, he became Vice Chairman of Partai Indonesia Raya. In 1939, he proposed changing terms like Indie Nederlands to Indonesia. The colonial government rejected this.
Because of his struggles, M.H. Thamrin was detained in 1941. He was accused of collaborating with the Japanese. His death was controversial. Official reports say he committed suicide. Others allege prison officials killed him. He was buried in TPU Karet. More than 10,000 mourners marched at his funeral. They demanded self-determination and independence.
Look closely at the M.H. Thamrin Statue. Notice his graceful stance. He holds a roll of paper in his left hand. This symbolizes his ideas. His open right hand represents openness to the people. The statue is five meters tall.
The M.H. Thamrin Statue stands on a round monument covered in black ceramic. M.H. Thamrin wears a peci. This statue reminds us of his contributions. He is a national hero. Remember M.H. Thamrin’s fight for Indonesia as you explore Jakarta. His spirit lives on in this statue.