Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
📖

Mohammad Hatta

society Maturity 11-13 evolution death dying politics Next article →

This article covers sensitive topics: evolution, death_dying, politics. Parents can manage visibility in Parental Controls.

Mohammad Hatta was a vital statesman and nationalist from Indonesia.

Mohammad Hatta Indonesian statesman, nationalist, and founding fathers
Mohammad Hatta Indonesian statesman, nationalist, and founding fathers

He served as the nation's first vice president and its third prime minister. Because of his leadership, he is often called "The Proclamator." Hatta was a founding father who helped transform Indonesia from a Dutch colony into a free nation. His life was defined by political activism, academic study, and a deep commitment to independence.

Born on August 12, 1902, in Fort De Kock, Hatta grew up in a prominent Islamic family.

Mohammad Hatta Birth Place and Museum, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra 2017-02-13 01
Mohammad Hatta Birth Place and Museum, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra 2017-02-13 01

His grandfather was a respected religious leader named Sheikh Abdurrahman. Hatta's father died when Hatta was only eight months old. Following the traditions of the Minangkabau matrilineal society, he was raised by his mother's family. This family was wealthy, which allowed him to study the Dutch language and the Qur'an. He attended various schools, including the Europeesche Lagere School and the MULO. During his youth, he even worked part-time in a post office.

In 1919, Hatta moved to Batavia to attend the Hogere burgerschool. He finished his studies there in 1921 with distinction. Later, he traveled to the Netherlands to study at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He focused on economics and earned a doctorandus degree in 1932. While studying, he became a leader in the Perhimpoenan Indonesia.

Reproductie van een foto uit een publicatie Titel De oprichters der Perhimpoen, Bestanddeelnr 8821
Reproductie van een foto uit een publicatie Titel De oprichters der Perhimpoen, Bestanddeelnr 8821

This organization began as a student group but turned into a political one. As chairman, Hatta argued that Indonesia should not cooperate with the Dutch colonial government. He also edited a magazine called Indonesia Merdeka to spread these ideas.

Hatta traveled across Europe to represent Indonesian interests at various international congresses. In 1926, he attended a peace congress in France. In 1927, he went to Brussels to meet other nationalists, including Jawaharlal Nehru from India. During a meeting in Switzerland, he delivered a speech about Indonesia's struggle for independence. These activities alarmed the Dutch authorities. In June 1927, the Dutch raided the offices of his organization. Hatta and four other activists were arrested and eventually tried in The Hague.

Mohammad Hatta 2002 Indonesia stamp2
Mohammad Hatta 2002 Indonesia stamp2

He used the trial to explain that Indonesia deserved to be an equal partner, not a colony.

After being released, Hatta returned to Indonesia in 1932. He became the chairman of the New PNI, a political party focused on training leaders. He often disagreed with Sukarno, another major leader, regarding how to handle political divisions. Between 1932 and 1933, Hatta wrote many articles to train new members. However, the Dutch government continued to target his group. In 1934, Hatta was arrested and eventually exiled to the Boven Digoel concentration camp in Papua.

Muhammad Hatta home in exile
Muhammad Hatta home in exile

There, he was given a choice: work for the Dutch for 40 cents a day or live as an exile. Hatta chose to remain an exile.

Even in exile, Hatta remained a scholar and a teacher. He brought 16 chests of books to Boven Digoel to teach his colleagues about history and philosophy. Later, in 1936, he was moved to Bandaneira in the Maluku islands.

Muhammad Hatta home in exile
Muhammad Hatta home in exile

In Bandaneira, he and other nationalists had more freedom to interact with local people. Hatta taught local children about politics and history. He even adopted a local boy named Des Alwi, who grew up to be a famous diplomat. Hatta's time in exile was not a period of silence, but a period of intense intellectual preparation.

In 1942, World War II changed the political landscape when Japan invaded Indonesia. The Dutch colonial government surrendered to the Japanese forces. Hatta met with Japanese officials, including Major General Harada, to discuss the future. Hatta wanted Japan to recognize Indonesian independence to put pressure on the Allies. By July 1942, Hatta was reunited with Sukarno. This partnership became essential for the final push toward freedom.

Indonesia declaration of independence 17 August 1945
Indonesia declaration of independence 17 August 1945

In 1945, Hatta and Sukarno officially proclaimed Indonesia's independence. Hatta was the second person to sign the declaration, cementing his role as a founder of the nation.

641 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Mohammad Hatta Birth Place and Museum, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra 2017-02-13 01.jpg
Mohammad Hatta Birth Place and Museum,...
File:Reproductie van een foto uit een publicatie Titel De oprichters der Perhimpoen, Bestanddeelnr 8821.jpg
Reproductie van een foto uit een...
File:Mohammad Hatta Indonesian statesman, nationalist, and founding fathers.jpg
Mohammad Hatta Indonesian statesman,...
File:Mohammad Hatta 2002 Indonesia stamp2.jpg
Mohammad Hatta 2002 Indonesia stamp2.jpg
File:Muhammad_Hatta_home_in_exile.jpg
Muhammad_Hatta_home_in_exile.jpg
File:Indonesia declaration of independence 17 August 1945.jpg
Indonesia declaration of independence 17...
Dr. Mohammed Hatta vertrekt weer naar...
File:RI Transfer Signing.jpg
RI Transfer Signing.jpg
File:TE-2022-100000-depan.jpg
TE-2022-100000-depan.jpg
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Wajangpop voorstellende Dr. Mohammed Hatta (1902-1980) de eerste vice President van Indonesië TMnr 4551-21.jpg
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Wajangpop...
File:Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna rib.svg
Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna rib.svg
File:Bintang Gerilya rib.svg
Bintang Gerilya rib.svg

+ 1 more

More to explore

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.