Taman Siswa, a legacy of Ki Hadjar Dewantara

Indonesia has picked May 2 as National Education Day to honor Suwardi Suryaningrat for his contributions to the country's education system.

Among the legacies of Ki Hadjar, who is better known as Ki Hadjar Dewantara, is Taman Siswa school, which he established in 1922.

What is it about Taman Siswa that makes it so special and important that its founder is given a prominent place in the history of the nation?

Taman Siswa is deeply embedded in the history of Indonesia's struggle for independence. Its establishment was considered a turning point in the independence movement.

Taman Siswa, which adopts local wisdom, was established amid campaigns against colonialism but that promoted foreign slogans, including Karl Marx's socialism and France's principles of Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite (liberty, equality and brotherhood).

Taman Siswa is based on seven principles: 1. Tutwuri Handayani, which requires teachers to nurture students and encourage them to develop; 2. Freedom for all people to develop themselves; 3. Education must be in line with local culture; 4. Education for all; 5. Self-confidence; 6. Self-financing; and 7. Teachers' voluntary willingness to reach out to students.

The establishment of Taman Siswa was not without resistance. Ki Hadjar Dewantara published Wasita magazine to explain his ideas. Within only eight years, Taman Siswa had opened 40 schools, including three in East Sumatra and four in East and South Kalimantan, with a total enrollment of 5,140 students.

The most important thing that was taught at Taman Siswa was that students must rely on themselves, not the colonial Dutch.

Students who joined the school were made familiar with national culture through plays and songs. They lived in dormitories under the supervision of teachers.

Girls were told to develop their talents because they would become mothers who had to perform specific tasks.

All students were instructed in literature and language. They were also schooled in religion.

Craftsmanship was a part of their education. It was designed to develop independence and personality.

"Someone who crafts something with his hands is better than one who copies the thoughts of others," reads one Taman Siswa slogan.

However, it seemed that Taman Siswa had not fully succeeded in preserving Ki Hadjar's great ideas. Between 1922 and 1940 Taman Siswa flourished in tandem with the spirit of struggle that was ingrained in nearly all Indonesians. After 1942, the school was caught up in the country's war of independence.

Today, the only remaining Taman Siswa school is found in Yogyakarta, which was also the first school Ki Hadjar built.