Soekarno: Arsitek Bangsa (The Architect of Nation)

Nobody is Perfect

(The Summary and Reflection)

Antonius Siwi Dharma Jati

Title                             : Soekarno: Arsitek Bangsa (The Architect of Nation)

Author                         : Bob Hering

Genre                          : History Book

Published                     : April, 2012

The number of page     : 136 Pages

In the previous reading, I read a book entitled “North Korea 1945-1967” as one of the communist countries which has been treating his people with the communist ideology. One part of the history of North Korea shows that its Government has a close relationship with Indonesian Government, especially in the reign of our late and first President Soekarno. For there were some conflicts with the Western Countries, at that time, Soekarno decided to turn to the communist ideology. That was why he approached some communist countries including North Korea.

In this context, I would like to show the life of Soekarno as a President of Republic of Indonesia and his struggles to gain the independence and to maintain it for his beloved country, Indonesia. This book tells about the leadership of Soekarno, the son of the morning. In his autobiography, he quoted his mother’s words. “Jangan, jangan pernah kau lupakan bahwa kau anak fajar. Kau akan menjadi pemimpin besar bangsa ini, karena ibumu melahirkan dirimu pada waktu fajar.”[1] Soekarno’s real name was Koesno Sosrodihardjo. His name was replaced by his parents with the name of Karna, because he was always sick as a child. Meanwhile “Soe” that was added means goodness. Karna is the name of the knight in the story of Maha-Baratha. His parents wanted him to be like the knight Karna, the one who was good and strong. His whole life gives an image of the nation, because he has dedicated his life to build his country. He is included a Founding Father like Tan Malaka, SM Kartosuwiryo, M. Hatta, Sutan Sjahrir, Semaun and other leaders who struggled to establish Indonesia on national and international stage.

In addition, he sacrificed a lot during the war in order to make a country free from colonialism. Indonesia gained its independence after World War II and the cold war. As a new independent country, Indonesia was contested by the countries in two blocks, east and west. With his bloody struggles, Soekarno made Indonesia as third block which was also called the neutral block, who did not play much political role. However Indonesia can survive despite having to deal with internal conflicts as well.

         Sukarno’s leadership increasingly rose in 1950 with the Guided Democracy governance model. He built all the necessary facilities for the biggest sports event, The Ganefo (Game of the New Emerging Force) to compete with the Olympics. It made Indonesia increasingly taken into account in the world. The struggle in the political arena heated up, that Indonesia was forced out of the United Nations in January 20, 1965. However, in September 19, 1966, Indonesia re-joined the UN. In 1965, the era of Sukarno's leadership fell due to the bloody coup of G/30/S/PKI or Gestapu. At that time, there was sympathy for the armed forces, especially referring to General Suharto. Soekarno was imprisoned in his own house and all government mandates were revoked.

What I like the most from this book is the story which tells about Soekarno’s merits and drawbacks. He is very meritorious for Indonesia. He was like an architect of this nation. Even so, he had shortcomings as a leader that made him step down from his post as president. Everyone has weaknesses and strengths. The point is not to be a perfect man, but to be the best as far as I can. As a human being, I am not perfect, but capable and loveable. I will give the best of my life and God will give the rest. AMDG.

---

[1] “Don’t; don’t forget if you are a son of morning. You will become a great leader in this country, because your mom gave birth to you in the morning.”