KI HAJAR DEWANTARA’S ACTIONS AND THOUGHTS: THE NORMS AND VALUES OF MODERN INDONESIAN EDUCATION

Abstract

Ki Hadjar Dewantara is synonym with Indonesian education. His thoughts and actions became the foundation of modern Indonesian education system. His famous slogan is Tut Wuri Handayani, which means following from behind by influencing. That is, do not try to pull students from the front. Children who are still learning should be left to find their own way. This slogan reflects his eclectic education philosophy, derives from his understanding and contemplation on Eastern tradition and Western scholarship.This article is an attempt to trace back the origins of the norms and values, by presenting the actions and thoughts of Ki Hadjar Dewantara in its context. The family and cultural backgrounds gave him the foundation of his self-awareness as a subject in a colonial society. The impact of his mixed education, and social and political condition of this colonial period were significant factors that has moulded Ki Hadjar’s political awareness and outlook. By looking into the actions and thoughts of Ki Hadjar Dewantara, we might find expositions on how an Indonesian subject interact with his world and ideals in a unique period of the history of Indonesia, and the origins behind the philosophy and ideals that shaped Indonesian education.