H. Probosutedjo:
Longing for Prosperity of the People
(Media Reflection 1974-2005) 

Author: Nurinwa Ki S. Hendrowinoto, dkk.
Publisher: Universitas Mercu Buana in cooperation with Yayasan Biografi Indonesia
Year: 2005
ISBN: 9799948800

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:

H. Probosutedjo was born in Kemusuk village, Yogyakarta, on the 1st of May 1930.  As an ex teacher of science and history and, also, as an ex Headmaster it is not surprising that he shows an immense sense of nationalism, one who is not afraid to swim against the currents.  He is unwavering in his beliefs that the right must be righted and the wrong must be held accountable. 

H. Probosutedjo is deeply concerned with the unsettling situation in the Republic of Indonesia. From the era of physical revolution, to the Old Order, the New Order and, now, we arrive at the Reformation era, the historic cycles which brought them about seem to be repeated.  He notices that the fall out which occurred in each era has always been accompanied by multiple crisis, such as economic, social, cultural, and leadership crisis, and even crisis in moral issues.  It is as if Indonesians are lacking an identity.

As a Javanese man, H. Probosutedjo’s candor is regarded as unique among his peers in the country.  His frank statements and writings are often perceived to be conflicting with the government’s attitude.  This is extraordinary because, in the New Order era, the President of Indonesia was his own brother of the same mother, Army General Soeharto.  For someone like H. Probosutedjo it is important to behave according to ‘Mbabar Jati Diri Sangkan Paraning Dhumadi’ (Inner Self Revelation in Contemplation of the Maxim ‘Remember Where We Came from’) and ‘Ngulir Budi Ngudhi Kaluhuraning Bongso’.

What H. Probosutedjo feels have been recorded by the Indonesian press.  These records are in the form of news information regarding the man himself between the years 1974-2005, or 31 years worth of records.  There are about one thousand press clippings including H. Probosutedjo’s own writings which have been printed in the newspapers.   His published writings have been compiled into two volumes of anthology entitled ‘Ngudhar Roso Mulat Sariro’ (Statement from the Heart) printed in 1994, and ‘Keimanan Guru Pengusaha’ (Faith of the Businessman Teacher) printed in 1997.

Included in this book are the opinions of several academics who have attempted to analyse and understand the man, H. Probosutedjo, as a tribute on his 75th birthday. Their opinions differ from those offered by the general media. This book, therefore, not only serves to immortalize the character of a unique man who once lived on Indonesian soil but it also shows that as a human being a man gets implicated by his own weaknesses.

Please note that this book is available in the Indonesian language.  The translation above is only intended to provide a limited description of the book.