Cokroaminoto and Indonesian Independence Movement

• Raden Haji Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto, also known as Cokroaminoto, was a prominent figure from Java with a strong Islamic background.
• He was dissatisfied with the treatment of common people by Dutch colonial rulers, despite coming from a well-off background.
• Inspired by the Chinese Revolution, news of unrest reached Cokroaminoto, who encouraged his followers to resist Dutch rule.
• He joined the Sarekat Dagang Islam (Trade Union of Islamic Commerce) in Surabaya and became its leader.
• In 1912, the organization was renamed Sarekat Islam (Islamic Union) and Cokroaminoto was appointed as its first chairman.
• Cokroaminoto believed that a union was essential for the fight for rights and equality.
• He traveled throughout the region, recruiting members and spreading the message of unity.
• In 1912, Haji Agus Salim, another nationalist leader from Sumatra, joined Cokroaminoto at his residence in Surabaya.
• Despite opposition from the Dutch, the movement grew, with many thousands of members.
• Other social organizations also emerged in Surabaya in 1911.
• The Indonesian Congress was held in Bandung in 1920, with students of Cokroaminoto playing a key role.
• Despite internal conflict within Sarekat Islam and the Dutch crackdown, support for the movement remained strong.
• Cokroaminoto's house became a gathering place for revolutionary figures.
• In 1921, Cokroaminoto was arrested by the Dutch, accused of instigating unrest in various regions.
• Despite being imprisoned for a year, he remained committed to the struggle for independence.
• In 1923, Cokroaminoto was released from prison but was later arrested again in 1928 during the Madiun Affair.
• Cokroaminoto died in Yogyakarta in 1954.
• His ideas inspired future generations, culminating in Indonesia's declaration of independence in 1945.

Learn about Raden Haji Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto, a key figure in the Indonesian independence movement who founded Sarekat Islam and played a vital role in resisting Dutch colonial rule.