UGM and UII Respond to Sale of National Hero Sardjito's House in Yogyakarta
The Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) have responded to news that the legacy home of national hero Prof. Dr. M. Sardjito in Terban, Yogyakarta City, is being offered for sale to them.
UGM spokesperson I Made Andi Arsana, when contacted, said he would first check the information on this matter.
“I will discuss it, yes. There is no information to me yet,” said Made Andi to reporters on Thursday (14/5).
In agreement, UII Rector Fathul Wahid said he would confirm this to the foundation overseeing the campus.
“Thank you for the information. I will forward it to the Foundation. The purchase of property is outside the rector’s authority,” said Fathul to reporters.
Sardjito’s inherited house is located in Terban Ward, Gondokusuman Subdistrict, Yogyakarta City.
Previously, the heirs and relatives are said to have agreed to release it for reasons of better maintenance and preservation of the building.
Sardjito’s relative, Budhi Susanto (70), who currently resides in the house, stated that he has offered the inherited building and land to 10 parties. Two of them are UGM and UII.
Of all those parties, Budhi said his side most hopes that UGM or UII would be willing to buy the house.
He envisions the house eventually becoming the Sardjito Museum, or even being repurposed as the rector’s official residence.
Sardjito himself, besides being known as a national hero of Indonesia, was also the first rector of UGM and the third rector of UII.
“The most noble thing is if this house is used as a private residence or bought by UGM or UII to be used as a historical house. If UGM, it can clearly be used as the residence for successive Rectors; if UII, it’s up to them, since Mr. Sardjito was once Rector of UII, right,” he hoped.
Budhi declined to mention the exact price of the house.
“It’s in the M (billions) lah,” said Budhi.
With its strategic location in the city centre, he is confident the house still has many interested buyers. However, there is one thing he truly wants to avoid: the house being turned into a cafe like the buildings around it.
“Of course (after changing hands) it will be renovated well. Or used as the Professor Dr. Sardjito Museum. Or used as a social service house like a community health centre. All three capture the spirit of Mr. Sardjito,” he said.