Mudalovers friends, do you know this figure? His name is often considered an antagonistic figure in Indonesian history. Only a handful of people know that he is the designer of the state symbol of the Eagle Rajawali–Garuda Pancasila, which is currently the symbol of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), namely Garuda Pancasila.
“Perhaps this is what I can contribute to my nation, and hopefully my first contribution (the national symbol) will be useful for the country we love.”
Those were the words spoken by Sultan Hamid II when he handed over the archive of the National Emblem Design to Mas Agung, Chairman of the Idayu Foundation, Jakarta on 18 July 1974. The United Republic of Indonesia (RIS) itself established the Eagle Rajawali–Garuda Pancasila as the state symbol on 11 February 1950.
Furthermore, the original design drawing of the Indonesian State Emblem was then designated as a National Cultural Heritage Object through Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture Number 204/M/2016 on 26 August 2016. Now, the position of the state symbol is parallel to the red and white national flag and the national anthem Indonesia Raya.
Sultan Hamid II’s political career was indeed short and full of twists and turns. This was because he was a pro-Dutch and Indonesian figure, especially when this nation wanted to gain independence from the Dutch occupation of Indonesia.
The general opinion that was formed about him was that he was someone who had been “stuck in a historical accident” or even more extreme, a “former convict in a political case”. However, is that really the “stamp of history”?
Isn’t there a positive side to his contribution that deserves honest recognition and appreciation in the course of the nation’s history? Have the historical facts regarding his national work really been submerged along with the political turmoil of the past, so that his role has not risen to the surface?
Sultan Hamid II was indeed double-faced in his political career. He was pro for the Netherlands when he was able to achieve several quite prestigious positions. One of them is becoming Chair of the Bijeenkomst voor Federaal Overleg (BFO) or the Consultation of Federal States, which is a Dutch product.
However, Indonesia’s role in the Round Table Conference (KMB) is not solely to fight for BFO and federalism. He was able to persuade Queen Juliana that the Netherlands was willing to hand over sovereignty of all its former colonies in the Dutch East Indies to RIS.
On December 27 1949, Queen Juliana officially handed over sovereignty of the Dutch East Indies to the head of the Indonesian delegation, namely Mohammad Hatta, at a meeting at Dam Palace, Amsterdam.
That is a little proof of the diplomatic skill of Sultan Hamid II, who was also Adjutant in Buitenfgewone Dienst bij HN Koningin der Nederlanden (Aide in Extraordinary Service to Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands), which is the highest rank as assistant to the queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
After being recognized for its existence by the international community, the transition to the founding of Indonesia then resulted in a conflict of ideas in initiating the form of the state. This conflict of thought was born from a disagreement between the concept of a “unitary state” (federalist) and the concept of a “unitary state” (unitarist).
Sultan Hamid II, in politics and fighting for the independence of a nation and state, believed that the Malay Archipelago (current Indonesia) was more appropriate to use a federal system in its constitutional system.
However, he received opposition from republicans (unitarists) at that time, many of whom were on the island of Java (especially Yogyakarta) who wanted centralized domination or a unitary system (unitarism).
To get to know this figure more clearly, let’s look together at the following brief explanation of the life history of Syarif Abdul Hamid Alkadrie or Sultan Hamid II.
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Family History of Sultan Hamid II
If we talk about Sultan Hamid II at the level of Indonesian state history, we actually cannot separate the existence of the Pontianak Qadriyah Sultanate, which is the only youngest sultanate in the archipelago, especially in West Kalimantan. This sultanate was founded on October 23, 1771.
Sultan Syarif Abdul Hamid Al-Qadrie or commonly known as Sultan Hamid II and Syarif Hamid II of Pontianak, was the 7th sultan of the Qadriyah Sultanate of Pontianak (1945–1978). He was born in Pontianak, West Kalimantan on July 12 1913, coinciding with 7 Sha’ban 1331 H.
He is the son of the 6th Sultan of Pontianak, Sultan Syarif Muhammad Al-Qadrie from his third wife, Syecha Jamilah Syarwani. Sultan Hamid II had a sibling named Syarif Machmud Al-Qadrie, the father of Syarif Abubakar Al-Qadrie who is now the Sultan of Pontianak. Apart from that, he still has seven siblings from another mother.
When he was little, he was raised by a British woman named Miss Fox, who always called him Max . Sultan Hamid II grew up in the Qadriyah Palace, Pontianak Sultanate. He is a descendant of the founder of Pontianak State, Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Al-Qadrie.
Syarif Abdurrahman Al-Qadrie became the first sultan of the Pontianak Sultanate from 1 September 1778 to 28 February 1808. His title as sultan was then succeeded by his son, Sultan Syarif Kasim Al-Qadrie (1808–1819).
Furthermore, he was successively replaced by Sultan Syarif Usman Al-Qadrie (1819–1855) as the third sultan, Sultan Syarif Hamid Al-Qadrie (1855–1872) as the fourth sultan, Sultan Syarif Yusuf Al-Qadrie (1872–1895) as sultan fifth, and Sultan Syarif Muhammad Al – Qadrie (1895–1944) as sixth sultan.
Sultan Syarif Muhammad Al-Qadrie reigned from 15 March 1895 until he was captured and killed by Japanese troops on 24 June 1944. After the interregnum ( vacancy in government) from 24 June 1944–23 October 1945, because of Japan’s position in West Kalimantan and at the same time as the World War. II, Syarif Abdul Hamid Al-Qadrie (Sultan Hamid II) was appointed the seventh Sultan of Pontianak.
When Japan defeated the Netherlands and the Allies on March 10 1942, he was also held captive until August 1945. He was released when Japan surrendered to the Allies and was promoted to colonel.
When his father died as a victim of Japanese aggression, he was appointed Sultan of Pontianak to replace his father on 29 October 1945 with the title Sultan Hamid II. His appointment as the seventh sultan of the Pontianak Sultanate was because he was the only son of Sultan Syarif Muhammad Al-Qadrie who survived the Japanese capture and murder.
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Sultan Hamid II’s Political Career and Contribution to Indonesia
1. RIS Cabinet Formation Council and Portfolio State Ministers in 1949
Through RIS Presidential Decree No. 1 of 1949 dated 18 December 1949, Sultan Hamid II was appointed as one of the cabinet formators together with Drs. Mohammad Hatta, Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung, and Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX.
Furthermore, through RIS Presidential Decree No. 2 of 1949 dated 20 December 1949, Sultan Hamid II was appointed Portfolio State Minister together with:
- Drs. Mohammad Hatta as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs;
- Anak Agung Gde Agung’s idea as Minister of Home Affairs;
- Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX as Minister of Defense;
- Prof. Mr Dr. Soepomo as Minister of Justice;
- Arnold Mononutu as Minister of Information;
- Mr S. Prawiranegara as Minister of Finance;
- Ir. Djuanda as Minister of Prosperity;
- Ir. H. Laoh as Minister of Transportation, Energy and Public Works;
- Mr Wilopo as Minister of Labour;
- Mr Mohammad Kosasih Purwanegara as Minister of Social Affairs;
- Dr. Abu Hanifah as Minister of Education and Culture;
- Dr. Johannes Leimena as Minister of Health;
- KH Wahid Hasjim as Minister of Religion;
- Mr Mohammad Roem as Minister of State;
- Dr. Suparmo as State Minister.
On December 14 1949, a session for the election of the President of the RIS was held at the Kepatihan Building, Yogyakarta by representatives from 16 States. The trial was chaired by Mohammad Roem and Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung. Next, the RIS Presidential election was held with the sole candidate Ir. Soekarno on December 16 1949.
Ir. Soekarno was finally elected as President of the RIS, who was then inaugurated and took the oath on December 17 1949 in Bangsal Sitinggil, Yogyakarta.
On December 23 1949, the RIS delegation chaired by Drs. Mohammad Hatta with members Sultan Hamid II, Sujono Hadinoto, Dr. Suparno, Dr. Kusumaatmaja, and Prof. Dr. Supomo left for the Netherlands.
The Dutch government then handed over sovereignty over Indonesia to RIS on December 27 1949. The ceremony to hand over sovereignty was held in two places, namely in the Netherlands by Queen Juliana as Queen of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Willem Dress, and Minister for Overseas Affairs AMJM Sassen to Drs. Mohammad Hatta as leader of the Indonesian delegation (RIS).
The second handover of sovereignty was carried out in Jakarta. The participants consisted of High Representative of the Crown AHJ Lovink who handed over sovereignty to Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX as the representative of the RIS government.
At the same time, Ir. Soekarno in Yogyakarta received the handover of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia to the RIS from the Acting President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Assat.
As of December 28, 1949, the RIS government center (capital) was in Jakarta, while the capital of the Republic of Indonesia (NRI) as one of the RIS states remained in Yogyakarta.
Entering the early 1950s, it was recorded as an important period for Sultan Hamid II, because it greatly determined his career on the national political stage in the future.
2. National Emblem Committee in 1949
Sultan Hamid II was appointed Minister of State for Portfolio Zonder or without special duties (without department) in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Mohammad Hatta, based on the Decree of the President of RIS, Ir. Soekarno, Number 2 of 1949, December 20, 1949.
As Minister of State for the Zonder Portfolio, Sultan Hamid II was only given the task of preparing various needs for cabinet meetings and was tasked with coordinating the design of the State Emblem. The appointment of cabinet member personnel was carried out by Ir. Soekarno seven days before the official handover of sovereignty from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to RIS.
As Minister of State, Sultan Hamid II remembered the words of Ir. Soekarno, that the state symbol should reflect the nation’s outlook on life and the foundations of the Indonesian state. The basic principles of the state, namely Pancasila, are visualized in the state symbol.
On January 10 1950, a technical committee was formed with the name of the State Emblem Committee under the Coordinator of State Minister Zonder Portfolio Sultan Hamid II with the composition of the technical committee, namely Muhammad Yamin as chairman and Ki Hajar Dewantara, MA Pellaupessy, Mohammad Natsir, and RM Ng. Poerbatjaraka as a member.
This committee is tasked with selecting proposed designs for national symbols to be selected and submitted to the government.
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3. Designer of the National Emblem in 1949
Ir. Soekarno on July 22 1958 made a speech before the assembly at the State Palace in the context of socializing Government Regulation no. 43 of 1958 concerning the Use of State Emblems, which was promulgated by the Minister of Justice GA Maengkom.
In State Gazette No. 71 of 1958 and the explanation in Supplement to State Gazette No. 1636 In 1958, he proudly pointed out the symbol hanging in front of the audience several times:
” Brothers, look at our National Emblem behind this. How magnificent. How wonderful and beautiful. The Eagle Bird, Garuda whose right wing and left wing have 17 spirals, with a tail with 8 spirals, the date 17th of the 8th month, and which is crowned with a shield on which Pancasila is depicted on the shield, under which is written a hymn made by Empu Tantular “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika ”, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika “various but single ”.
RIS designated the Eagle Eagle–Garuda Pancasila as the State Emblem starting February 11, 1950. Four days later on February 15, 1950, Ir. Soekarno introduced the national symbol for the first time to the general public at the Des Indes Hotel (now Duta Merlin Shops, Jalan Gadjah Mada, Central Jakarta).
This is the greatest work of Sultan Hamid II which was specially commissioned by Ir. Soekarno to design the national emblem, after being appointed Minister of State for the Zonder Portfolio, effective December 20 1949.
In connection with the determination of the National Emblem, an exhibition was held at the Des Indes Hotel, Jakarta. The exhibition was initiated directly by Ir. Soekarno expressed his deep satisfaction with the process of making the Eagle Rajawali–Garuda Pancasila State Emblem by Sultan Hamid II, Sultan of Pontianak–West Kalimantan.
Hotel Des Indes was chosen as the exhibition venue because at that time it was known as the most luxurious and prestigious hotel in Jakarta. Operated from 1856 to 1950 in Weltevreden, Batavia (Jakarta). Many important events were held at the Hotel Des Indes, including the place where the Roem-Roijen agreement was signed on May 7 1949.
Due to political reasons, Sultan Hamid II was not recognized for a long time as the designer of the Indonesian National Emblem (Elang Rajawali–Garuda Pancasila).
The official recognition by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia of the work of Sultan Hamid II as the Designer of the Indonesian State Emblem, was marked by the steps taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and the Museum of the Asian-African Conference, in Bandung, West Java Province, to publish a small colored book, measuring 11 centimeters x 20 centimeters, as thick as 48 pages in early 2012.
The pocket book states that the design created by Sultan Hamid II was chosen by Ir. Soekarno as the National Symbol, which later became known as Garuda Pancasila.
There are four parties who played the most role in strengthening historical evidence that Sultan Hamid II was the designer of the Garuda Pancasila State Emblem, including:
First, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sultan Hamid II Foundation, who is also the Personal Secretary of Sultan Hamid II, namely Max Yusuf Al-Qadrie, who still very neatly stores data and documents supporting the legacy of Sultan Hamid II.
Second, Solichin Salam, a journalist for the Jakarta Morning Buana Daily, who received important documents from Sultan Hamid II. Sultan Hamid II asked him to publish the material sent in the Berita Buana Daily.
” Don’t put the national symbol on your house before the state recognizes the symbol, just take a picture of the rantjangan ,” wrote Sultan Hamid II’s letter to Solichin Salam in Jakarta on April 15 1967.
So, that’s a brief explanation of Sultan Hamid II’s family history, political career and contributions to Indonesia . Appreciate the services of national figures, such as Sultan Hamid II, not only by remembering them silently and giving thanks, but also by imitating their attitudes and actions.
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