Bung Hatta’s Legacy – Weaving Indonesian Identity from the Netherlands





Bung Hatta’s Legacy – Weaving Indonesian Identity from the Netherlands
Published by
David Kevin Handel Hutabarat
Published at
Tuesday, 12 December 2023


This article traces Mohammad Hatta’s intellectual and political journey in the Netherlands and Europe, which shaped his nationalism and commitment to democracy. Despite ideological conflicts, political pressures, and slander, Hatta’s integrity remained intact, making him a vital figure in fostering Indonesia’s democratic values.
The exploration, which involved journeys and investigations to various locations in the Netherlands and Europe related to Mohammad Hatta’s activities, as well as public discussions held under the research theme “Bung Hatta’s Legacy – Weaving Indonesian Identity from the Netherlands”, revealed various factors that influenced and shaped his thoughts and actions. From ideological conflicts with left-communist figures such as Semaun to his firm understanding of religion-based nationalism, Hatta demonstrated steadfast character and conviction in his struggle. Despite facing slander and political pressure later in life, his integrity as a leader free from corruption remained intact.
From his intellectual journey in his hometown, the satellite city of Batavia, to his sojourn in the West, Mohammad Hatta deepened his understanding of democracy. His experiences and education laid the foundation for his nationalism and his belief in the importance of democracy for his nation. Despite a turbulent political journey, Hatta remained resolute in his democratic convictions, reflected in works such as “Our Democracy”. Although he faced challenges and obstacles from colonial authorities and the political turbulence of the early Republic of Indonesia, Hatta persistently upheld democratic principles. Ironically, although many claimed to be defenders of democracy and the Republic of Indonesia, the democratic ideals inherited from Bung Hatta have often been neglected or forgotten. This conclusion underscores the importance of revisiting and advocating for the democratic values instilled by this founding father for the continuity and progress of the nation.
Paper Details
- Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara