The Struggle of Tirto Adhi Soerjo, the Indigenous Journalist
Tirto implemented what is now known as advocacy journalism, defending the oppressed through journalism.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The name Tirto Adhi Soerjo (1880 – 1918) is still remembered, at least through two markers. First, a street name in the city of Bogor, which commemorates his name. Second, when the name Tirto was adopted as the name of an online media outlet.
If the name Tirto Adhi Soerjo (Tirto) is used as a street name in the city of Bogor, besides being a form of appreciation for Tirto as a national press figure, it also happens that his grave is in the city of Bogor (Tanah Sereal cemetery).
That is why the inauguration of the street name coincided with National Heroes Day (November 10, 2021).
It can be said that Tirto was one of the first indigenous journalists to use print media (newspapers) to convey ideas and shape public opinion, including how to be critical of power, in this case the colonial government.
Tirto provided an important lesson, how the press and literacy can be an additional energy in driving change.
Perhaps this is what has become the inspiration for journalists of the current generation, both those who join online media and other media platforms, including social media.
Tirto and the National Awakening
Tirto also made a major contribution to the Indonesian national movement which was increasingly developing since the beginning of the 20th century. In the midst of pressure from the colonial regime, he had thought about and voiced ideas about nationalism and awareness as one nation.
On May 20, 1908, Tirto, along with other STOVIA students, initiated by Wahidin Sudirohusodo, declared Boedi Oetomo. Incidentally, Tirto also studied at STOVIA, but did not finish, because he was more interested in the world of movement and journalism.
Going back a little to 1905, at the same time as the figure from the Javanese medical school STOVIA (School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artchen) in Batavia, Wahidin Suedirohusodo, Tirto visited his acquaintances, to initiate the formation of an organisation.
Before Boedi Oetomo was declared on May 20, 1908, Tirto Adhi Soerjo had formed Sarekat Prijaji in 1906.
By declaring the establishment of Sarekat Prijaji (SP), it means that Tirto contributed to the establishment of the first Indonesian nationalist organisation in the Dutch East Indies.
While Wahidin and other activists from STOVIA only initiated Boedi Oetomo (BO) on May 20, 1908.
The formation of SP was announced through a circular in Malay-language newspapers published in various regions of the Dutch East Indies. In the announcement, it was stated that an organisation had been established to accommodate the priyayi and indigenous nobility with the aim of advancing the nation through education.
However, Tirto’s togetherness with Boedi Oetomo did not last long. Tirto chose to resign because he felt that the organisation would only “lift the upper class”.