BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – The stipulation of 10 November as National Hero’s Day gives deep meaning to the Indonesian people. Commemorating National Hero’s Day is a form of appreciation for the services of the patriots in seizing independence from the onslaught of colonialism and imperialism.
As a symbol of appreciation for the dedication of national figures who fight for Indonesia’s independence and grow the organization of Paguyuban Pasundan, Unpas dedicate the name of ‘Otto Iskandar Dinata’ and ‘Ir. Djuanda’ immortally around campus.
The contribution of Otto Iskandar Dinata who have once served as Head of Paguyuban Pasundan in 1929-1945 was appreciated by giving his name after one of halls in unpas, Mandala Saba Otto Iskandar Dinata, Campus IV, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 193, Bandung.
While Ir. Djuanda, Secretary General of Paguyuban Pasundan in 1929-1943 and the 10th Indonesian Prime Minister, was currently become the name of green-open-area ‘Taman Djuanda’ in Unpas Campus II, Jalan Tamansari No. 6-8, Bandung.
Otto Iskandar Dinata’s Contribution in Paguyuban Pasundan
Otto Iskandar Dinata and Ir. Djuanda are the pioneer of Paguyuban Pasundan, head association supervising Universitas Pasundan which still existed after the national post-commitment of 1928 Sumpah Pemuda and was able to survive until the age of 108.
“Si Jalak Harupat” Otto Iskandar Dinata was known to be brave and loud when defending Indonesia’s independence. Under Otto’s leadership, Paguyuban Pasundan grew rapidly. He even founded and established primary and high school.
Reported from tirto.id, although he has been actively running on Paguyuban Pasundan, Otto was an active member of Volksraad or People’s Council (DPR-like office) formed in the Dutch colonial era. While serving in Volksraad representing Paguyuban Pasundan, Otto kept being loud to convey his thought that Indonesia would be freed from colonialism.
Because of his controversial speech and tend to threaten Dutch’s existence, he eventually was withdrawn from the Volksraad. He then focused on developing the Paguyuban Pasundan. The shriek of independence and his criticism of the Dutch were also included in the Sundanese daily newspaper, Sipatahoenan.
Otto once became an editor-in-chief of Tjahaja newspaper when Japan occupied, joined Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (Putera), served as member of Jawa Hokokai and Pembela Tanah Air (Peta), as well as became a member of BPUPKI and PPKI committee. He also served as Prime Minister on the first Indonesian cabinet and appointed to do and prepare Badan Keamanan Rakyat (BKR) which is the first base of Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI).
Ir. Djuanda, The Guardian of Indonesian Maritime Sovereignty
Ir. Djuanda was the best member of Paguyuban Pasundan and the last Indonesian Prime Minister. He was the initiator of Djuanda Declaration in 13 December 1957, so that he was also then inaugurated as the guardian of Indonesian maritime sovereignty.
In that declaration, Djuanda stated to all international community that all maritime territories connecting the islands in Indonesia were all included in the territory of Republic of Indonesia. Djuanda Declaration also stated that the determination of the 12-mile sea boundary measured from the lines connecting the outermost points on the islands of the Republic of Indonesia will be determined in the Law.
Djuanda Declaration was opposed by the United States and Australia. However, because of his persistence, the it survived and was ratified by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Thanks to his services, Indonesia has a stretch of sea covering an area of 5.8 million square kilometers. The archipelago stretches along 81 kilometers of coastline with more than 17,000 islands on it. (Reta)*
