Portal:Indonesia/BOTW/47, 2007



Abdul Muis (3 July 1883–17 June 1959) was an Indonesian writer, journalist and nationalist. He argued tirelessly for Indonesia's independence from the Netherlands.

Born on the Sungai Puar in West Sumatra, Muis studied medicine in Jakarta for three years before being forced to pull out due to illness. Muis worked as a journalist, becoming known for his inflammatory articles, which were highly critical of Dutch involvement in Indonesia.

Hoping to take a more practical rôle in the political struggle, Muis joined the nationalist movement Sarekat Islam where he was promoted to its executive board. In an attempt to appease the Union's views, the Dutch administration appointed Muis to the newly-created Volksraad ("People's Council"). Muis is today seen as an important freedom fighter in Indonesia's history. (read more...)