Minahasa
Minahasa

Sam Ratulangi

Sam Ratulangi: National Independence HeroSam Ratulangi is considered to be the most well-known Minahasan hero.  The airport, and main street in Manado are named after him.  He was born in Tondano on November 5, 1890.  Starting his education in Tondano, he would eventually study abroad, and receive a doctorate degree from a school in Switzerland.

Sam Ratulangi devoted his life to advance the quality life of Indonesians during Dutch rule.  He was part of the committee to prepare for the independence of Indonesia, and after the independence he was given the position of the governor of Sulawesi.

Sam Ratulangi died on June 30, 1949, and was buried in Tondano.  A memorial was built in the outskirts of Tondano for him.  This memorial overlooks the site of the Institute of Teacher Education in Tondano.

The following is a translation of a page at the National Information Center of the Information Department of the Republic of Indonesia web site about Sam Ratulangi:

Dr. G. S. S. Y. Ratulangi (1890 - 1949)

National Independence Hero

By the order of the President of the Republic of Indonesia
No. 590/Year 1961, dated November 9, 1961

Sam Ratulangi: National Independence HeroWhile working at the department of locomotive development in South Priangan, Sam Ratulangi experienced unjust treatment from the government of Holland.  He received work compensation that was lower than workers who were Dutch, eventhough he had the same position and education as they did.  Such treatment fostered Sam Ratulangi's nationalism.  He was determined to add to his education, to be more than the Dutch.  His knowledge and education was eventually contributed for the advancement of his country.

Gerungan Saul Samuel Yacob Ratulangi, who is more popularly known as Sam Ratulangi, was born on November 5, 1890 in Tondano, North Sulawesi.  After finishing Hoofden School (king's school) in Tondano, he continued his studies at a Technical School (KWS) in Jakarta.  In 1915, he received a diploma as a teacher of science in middle school from Holland, and four years later he received a doctor of science degree from a school in Switzerland.  In Holland he was head of Indonesian Association, and in Switzerland he was head of an organization of Asian students.

Sam Ratulangi: National Independence HeroAfter returning from Europe, Sam Ratulangi taught science at AMS (high school level school) in Yogyakarta, and eventually moved to Bandung to start the Indonesian Insurance Firm.  For three years, from 1924 to 1927, he was appointed as secretary of Council of Minahasan Students.  He used position for the welfare of the people by starting new areas for agricultural use, starting a foundation for educational funds, etc.  Because of his fierce effort, the government of Holland abolished forced labor in Minahasa.

As a member of Volksraad in 1927, Ratulangi demanded that the goverment of Holland abolish differences of treatment in the political, economic, and educational fields between the Dutch and Indonesian.  In 1932, he took part in the estalblishment of Vereniging van Indonesische Academici (The United Scholars of Indonesia).  This organization was aimed to bring together the scholars of Indonesia to bring about a feeling of nationalism among the people of Indonesia.

In early August of 1945, Ratulangi was appointed as a member the Preparatory Committee on Indonesian Independence.   After the Republic of Indonesia was established, he was appointed to the position of govenor of Sulawesi.  He was arrested by the Dutch and exiled to Serui, Irian Jaya, after the United Nations struggled to keep Sulawesi as part the Republic of Indonesia.

Sam Ratulangi: National Independence HeroOn June 30, 1949, Sam Ratulangi died in Jakarta as a enemy prisoner.  His body was buried back in Tondano.

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