Story of an Indonesian Official's Child Choosing a Simple Life, Rejecting to Sell His Parents' Name

The life journey of an Indonesian official’s child has once drawn public attention. That figure is Soesalit, the son of women’s emancipation icon R.A. Kartini, who instead chose a simple life, even in limited economic conditions, without relying on his family’s prominent name.

Soesalit’s name is not as famous as his mother’s. However, this occurred due to his own choice not to achieve success by riding on his family’s reputation.

Soesalit was born into a distinguished family. His father, Raden Mas Adipati Ario Djojoadiningrat, served as Regent of Rembang. Meanwhile, his mother is widely known as a pioneer of women’s equality thought in Indonesia.

Although he had great opportunities to continue his father’s position, Soesalit chose a different path. In the book Kartini (2024) by Wardiman Djojonegoro, it is mentioned that he rejected an offer to become regent despite pressure from his family.

Instead, Soesalit chose to join the military in 1943. He underwent training under Japanese troops and later became part of Pembela Tanah Air (PETA). After Indonesia’s independence, he continued his career in Tentara Keamanan Rakyat.

According to the book Kartini: A Biography (1979) by Sitisoemandari Soeroto, Soesalit was active in various battles against the Dutch. His involvement in the battlefield propelled his military career upwards.

The peak occurred in 1946 when he was appointed Commander of Diponegoro Division II, tasked with guarding the capital in Yogyakarta. Additionally, he once held a civilian position as advisor to the Minister of Defence during the Ali Sastroamidjojo Cabinet era in 1953.

Despite his illustrious track record, Soesalit still chose a simple life. In fact, many people did not know that he was Kartini’s son, because he never publicised his family background.

This was also revealed by his superior, Abdul Haris Nasution. In his notes, Nasution stated that Soesalit could have lived decently by utilising his mother’s famous name.

“He could have avoided living in poverty by stating that he was Kartini’s only son,” wrote Nasution, quoted from Kartini: A Biography (1979).

However, Soesalit remained steadfast in his principle of not “selling” his parents’ name. This attitude led him to live a simple life as a veteran without demanding his rights.

Until his death on 17 March 1962, Soesalit continued to live in limitation. This is a life choice that reflects the integrity and principles he firmly held from the beginning.