Let's not forget

Let's not forget
WR Soepratman

From Kompas

On Aug. 17 each year, the nation celebrates Independence Day
and the red-and-white flag is hoisted to the accompaniment of the
national anthem, Indonesia Raya.

In relation to the city administration's plan to erect statues
in Jakarta, I suggest that the composer of the above anthem, Wage
Rudolf Soepratman, should also be honored and immortalized in the
form of a statue.

According to information I have read, WR Soepratman was born
in Jatinegara, Jakarta, on Aug. 17, 1903 and Indonesia Raya was
first sung during the Kongres Pemuda (Youth Congress) in Jakarta
in 1928.

WR Soepratman was a teacher and a reporter, the chief editor
of Kaoem Kita (Our Folks), worked for the daily Kaoem Moeda
(Young Folks) and also for Alpena news agency together with Bp
Parada Harahap. He also wrote the following national songs: RA
Kartini (an Indonesian heroine famous for her struggle for
women's rights), Bendera Kita (Our Flag), Di Timur Matahari (In
the East, the Sun) and Bangunlah Hai Kawan (Rise, Dear Friend).

RONNY WIDJAJA

Jakarta