Tan Malaka

Tan Malaka (2 June 1897 – 21 February 1949) was a teacher, Indonesian philosopher, ex-PKI activist and Commintern agent, guerilla, and Indonesian national hero.

Biography

Early life

Tan Malaka's full name was Ibrahim Gelar Datuk Sutan Malaka. His given name was Ibrahim, while Tan Malaka was a semi-aristocrat name which came from his maternal line. He was born in present-day Nagari Pandan Gadang, Suliki, Limapuluh Koto, West Sumatra, though his birthdate is uncertain. His parents were HM. Rasad, an agricultural employee, and Rangkayo Sinah, a daughter of a respected person in the village. As a child Malaka studied religious knowledge and trained pencak silat. In 1908 Malaka attended Kweekschool, a state teacher's school, at Fort de Kock. According to his teacher, G. H. Horensma, although Malaka was sometimes disobedient, he was an excellent student. At this school, Malaka enjoyed his Dutch language lessons, so Horensma suggested that he become a Dutch teacher. He also was a skilled football player. He graduated from that school in 1913 and was offered a datuk title and a fiancée. However, he only accepted the title. He received the title after a traditional ceremony in 1913.