THE MIND OF THE PEOPLE – Bung Tomo is one of the heroic figures in the battle 10 November 1945 which is now commemorated as National Heroes Day.
Bung Tomo helped fight the colonialists who wanted to regain control of Indonesia, City to be precise Surabaya.
Therefore, no Bung Tomo so closely linked to the icon of Indonesian resistance and the Suroboyo arek-arek.
One of the speeches Bung Tomo which is popular today, 'Independence or Death’ has become one of the nation's spirit slogans.
Bung Tomo born with Sutomo on 7 October 1920 in Blauran Village, Surabaya.
His father's name was Kartawan Tjiptowidjojo, one of the middle-class natives who used to work as a government official, as well as staff from Dutch import-export companies.
While his mother's name is Subastita, a person of mixed Central Javanese blood, Sunda and Madura who were once local distributors for sewing machine companies.
His childhood was spent Surabaya. Even though he grew up in a family that prioritized education, Bung Tomo on age 12 years was forced to leave school because he was also affected by the Great Depression that hit the world at that time.
So to help his family's economy, Bung Tomo small started working odd jobs.
But not long after that, Bung Tomo began to return to education at HBS by correspondence. He was listed as a graduating student, although not officially.
Then, he joined KBI (Indonesian Nation Scouting). Moment 17 year, Bung Tomo managed to become the second person in the Dutch East Indies to reach the rank of Pandu Garuda. Before Japanese colonization in 1942, This ranking was only achieved by three Indonesians.
Besides that, Bung Tomo Young is also actively involved in the world of writing and journalism. He was a freelance writer for the daily Soeara Oemoem.
When he reached his age 18 year, he has been appointed Editor of the People's Defenders Weekly.
At age 25 year, he became Head of the Antara News Agency in Surabaya. Even when Indonesia became independent, Bung Tomo reported the news in Javanese so as not to be subject to censorship from Japan.
Apart from being a journalist, he was elected as a member of the New People's Movement and the Youth of the Republic of Indonesia in Surabaya on 1944. That was the starting point of his involvement in the battle 10 November.
He inspired the Indonesian people, especially in Surabaya, to fight against the British colonialists who wanted to re-colonize Indonesia.
Bung Tomo voicing his speeches via radio to ignite the people's enthusiasm to fight to defend Indonesia's independence. The event was later remembered as National Heroes Day.
On the other hand, Bung Tomo got married with his sweetheart during the revolution in 19 June 1947. His marriage was held when the Indonesian people were struggling to maintain their independence against the Dutch and their allies.
Sutomo is married to Sulistina, a former Indonesian Red Cross nurse (PMI). This couple is blessed with four children, each named Titing Sulistami (birth date 29 June 1948), Bambang Sulistomo (birth date 22 April 1950), Sri Sulistami (birth date 16 August 1951), and Ratna Sulistami (birth date 12 November 1958).
Entering the time of revolution 1945 until 1949, Bung Tomo served as General Chair of the Indonesian People's Rebellion Front (AT).
Besides that, He was also on the Advisory Board of Commander-in-Chief General Sudirman and Chairman of the Weapons Production Coordinating Board throughout Java and Madura.
Meanwhile on 1950 until 1956, Bung Tomo entered the ranks of Prime Minister Burhanuddin Harahap's Cabinet as Minister of State for Ex-Armed Combatants/Veterans Affairs. He also serves as Minister of Social Affairs (Ad Interim).
But gradually his career Bung Tomo on the political stage began to sink. When the start of the New Order is on 1978, he was detained by the government because of his criticism. A year later, he was released.
Since then, Bung Tomo seems no longer interested in being vocal about the condition of the government. He also began to focus on his family and educating his five children.
Bung Tomo breathed his last breath 7 October 1981. He died in Padang Arafah while performing Hajj.
His body was taken to Indonesia to be buried in a public cemetery (TPU) Gagging on Surabaya, according to his will that refused to be buried in Heroes' Cemetery Park.
Source of : pikiran-rakyat.com 4 June 2022