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