Assaat

Assaat Datuk Mudo (18 September 1904 – 16 June 1976), known as Mr. Assaat, was born in Banuhampu, West Sumatera, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). He was the only President of Yogyakarta-based Republic of Indonesia when became the part of the United States of Indonesia. Reign from December 1949 until August 1950. He and a number of Indonesia founder, fought for the independence of Indonesia from the Dutch.

Education

His early education, he studied in Islamic school and Dutch schools in Indonesia. He learned Islamic matter in Adabiah, Padang and also in MULO (Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs). And next to School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen in Batavia (now in Jakarta). He completed his education in the Netherlands' school with the title Meester in de Rechten (Bachelor of Law).

Political Activities

His activities as a politician started in Jong Sumatranen Bond. Afterwards, he joined Perhimpunan Pemuda Indonesia. While in the Rechts Hoge School his professors disliked Assat's political activities and Assaat failed his exams. He then entered Partai Indonesia (Partindo) with Adnan Kapau Gani, Adam Malik, and Amir Sjarifoeddin. After Indonesian independence, he was elected as head of Central Indonesian National Committee (KNIP) until Sukarno was captured by the Dutch. Assaat was named President of the Provisional Government of Indonesia until Soekarno's return. In December 1948, the Dutch launched their second "Police Action" and focused their attack on Yogyakarta. Assaat was captured by the Dutch army and sent to exile on Bangka Island along with other nationalist leaders.