Mohammad Hatta

          Every year has its great men and women who are remembered for what they have done for their country. One of Indonesia’s great men is Dr. Mohammad Hatta. He was a man with a deep love for his country and people.

          Dr. Mohammad Hatta was born in Bukittinggi on August 12th, 1902. While still in junior high school in Bukittinggi, he became interested in politics and joined the League of Young Sumatrans. 

       He left Bukittinggi to study in Batavia. Then he went to the Netherlands. He studied economics and gained a doctorate degree there. During his stay there he was active in the national Movement. Because of his activities, he was arrested.

         In 1923 Hatta returned to Indonesia. He joined a political organization called “Pendidikan Nasional Indonesia”. One of its goals was to develop political awareness among the Indonesian people. His activities again led to his arrest. The colonial government exiled him to Boven Digul, and later to Banda Naira. Shortly before the Japanese invasion. He was brought back to Java.

         When the Japanese surrendered in August 1945, Soekarno and hatta proclaimed Indonesia’s Independence. Hatta became the first vice-president of the Republic of Indonesia.

         In 1956 Hatta resigned as vice-president and devoted himself to writing. On march 14, 1981, dr. mohammad Hatta passed away in Jakarta.

         Nowadays, he is no longer living among us. However, his spirit of loving the country and nation is one of the reason why he is well remembered.

What made Moh. Hatta arrested?