Following the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, Indonesia faced not only the challenge of rebuilding domestically but also the arduous task of gaining international recognition. Asserting sovereignty required relentless diplomacy, both at regional forums like the Asia-Africa Conference and on the global stage of the United Nations (UN).
Amid escalating tensions with the Netherlands, Indonesia relied on skilled diplomats to convince the world that its independence was non-negotiable. Among these figures, Haji Agus Salim stood out—a brilliant thinker, polyglot, and statesman whose legacy remains etched in Indonesia’s diplomatic history.
Education and Linguistic Brilliance
Agus Salim was born on October 8, 1884, in Kota Gadang, West Sumatra, into an esteemed family. His father, Soetan Mohamad Salim, served as chief prosecutor at the High Court of Riau, while his mother, Siti Zainab, was known for her strong principles.
Originally named Masjhoedoelhaq, meaning “defender of truth,” Salim grew into a man unwavering in his principles. According to Haji Agus Salim: Karya dan Pengabdiannya, his name changed to Agus Salim due to his Javanese caretaker, who affectionately called him “Gus” (meaning “noble”/ bagus) and retained his father’s surname, Salim.
Privileged as part of the colonial-era elite, Salim accessed European education—a rare opportunity at the time. He attended Europeesche Lagere School (ELS), an exclusive institution for Dutch children, before enrolling at Hoogere Burgerschool (HBS) in Batavia. Notably, he graduated as the top student in the Dutch East Indies in 1903.
His intellectual prowess shone early. By his teens, Salim had mastered seven foreign languages: Dutch, English, Arabic, Turkish, French, Japanese, and German—skills that later became instrumental in his diplomatic career.
Though RA Kartini offered Salim a scholarship to study in the Netherlands, Salim declined. As reported by Tempo, he believed accepting it would mean benefiting from Dutch opportunism rather than genuine goodwill.
He instead worked as a secretary at the Dutch Consulate in Jeddah (1906–1911) under renowned administrator Snouck Hurgronje. This experience deepened his understanding of Middle Eastern politics—a valuable asset during negotiations with Arab nations decades later.
Confronting Colonialism Through Journalism
After returning to the Dutch East Indies in 1911, Salim founded the Hollandsche Indische school (a private elementary school for natives) in his hometown in 1912. However, he soon shifted focus to Java to join the nationalist movement.
Salim emerged as a vocal advocate for Indonesian independence during the National Awakening period (1908–1942). He turned to journalism, serving as a reporter and editor for the daily Neratja, working at Balai Pustaka until 1919, and later editing the Bataviaasch Nieuwsblad.
He became a key ally of HOS Tjokroaminoto in Sarekat Islam (SI), steering the organization beyond religious discourse to embrace anti-colonial and economic self-reliance narratives. In 1921, he was elected to the Volksraad (People’s Council) as an SI representative. His iconic speech—“Indonesia is not a colony, but a colonized nation”—shook Dutch authorities.
His journalistic pursuits continued: he led the daily Hindia Baroe in Jakarta (1925), co-founded the newspaper Fadjar Asia with Tjokroaminoto (1927), and later edited Moestika in Yogyakarta.
Diplomatic Triumphs on the Global Stage
Post-independence, Salim was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister (1947–1949). His diplomatic career began when he represented Indonesia in initial negotiations with the Netherlands on October 23, 1945.
At the talks, Salim argued that Indonesia was no longer part of the Dutch Kingdom, as the Netherlands had surrendered to Japan in 1942, forfeiting any claim to sovereignty. This pivotal moment shifted international sentiment toward Indonesia.
Salim also spearheaded diplomatic missions to the Middle East. As documented in Diplomasi RI di Mesir dan Negara-Negara Arab tahun 1947 (2007), he led a delegation to Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen in April 1947. His fluency in Arabic and cultural acumen secured critical recognitions.
On June 10, 1947, Egypt became the first nation to recognize Indonesia’s independence—a strategic breakthrough that influenced other Arab states. Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen soon followed.
On August 14, 1947, Salim led Indonesia’s delegation at a UN Security Council session in Lake Success, New York. Through persuasive speeches and evidence exposing Dutch aggression during the First Military Action, Indonesia garnered international support.
His diplomatic finesse earned him the moniker “The Grand Old Man”—a testament to his negotiating charisma.
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Agus Salim passed away on November 4, 1954, but his legacy endures. Beyond being a national hero, he was a mentor of diplomacy. His career in journalism and activism forged a leader adept at navigating global complexities.
Salim proved Indonesia’s right to stand among sovereign nations through linguistic mastery, sharp analysis, and unyielding integrity. From newsrooms to UN podiums, his journey exemplifies diplomacy as “the art of war without weapons.”
