Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia: An Education, Politics, and Christianity Figure in Indonesia

theolingua.id – Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia was an important figure in Indonesian history who played a role in education, politics, and Christianity. He served as Indonesia’s second Minister of Education after Ki Hadjar Dewantara in the Sjahrir I and II Cabinets (1945-1946). Apart from being an educator, he was also active in politics and religion, which led him to found the Indonesian Christian Party (Parkindo) with Johannes Leimena.

Born on 21 January 1896 in Padang Sidempuan, North Sumatra, his full name was Todung Sutan Mulia Harahap. He came from a Batak Christian family and was a cousin of Amir Sjarifuddin, a former Indonesian Prime Minister. The name Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia was later immortalised as the name of a Christian publishing house, BPK Gunung Mulia.

Early Education and Career

Since childhood, Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia has shown academic intelligence. He began his primary education at the Europeesche Lagere School (ELS) in Padang Sidempuan. He then went on to high school in the same city before continuing his higher education at Leiden University in the Netherlands. At the university, he majored in law and successfully obtained his bachelor’s degree.

After completing his studies in Leiden, he continued his doctoral education in literature and philosophy at the University of Amsterdam. His studies in the Netherlands introduced him to various Christian activists, including Hendrik Kraemer, a lay theologian and missiologist from the Netherlands. This introduction shaped his thinking about the Christian movement and education in Indonesia.

Upon returning to Indonesia in 1919, he began to devote himself to the world of education as a teacher at a lower school in Kotanopan, Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra. He later became the principal of the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School (HIS). His experience in education led him to the Department of Teaching and the Department of Economics.

Political Activism and Struggle in Education

In addition to being active in the world of education, Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Volksraad (People’s Council) for two terms, from 1922 to 1927 and from 1935 to 1942. As a devout Christian, he attended the World Missionary Conference in Jerusalem in 1928, which further strengthened his role in the world of religion and education.

In 1929, he and Hendrik Kraemer founded the first Christian political party in Indonesia, the Christelijk Etische Partij (CEP), which later changed its name to the Christelijk Staatkundige Partij (CSP). In addition, he was also active in Bible translation and the spread of Christianity to various regions in Indonesia.

Minister of Education at the Beginning of Independence

After Indonesia’s independence, Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia was appointed Minister of Education in the Sjahrir I and II Cabinets (14 November 1945 – 12 March 1946). Although his tenure was short, he succeeded in laying the educational foundations for the newly independent Indonesia. Some of the important steps he took included:

• Improving educational facilities and infrastructure, which were still minimal due to the war.
• Increasing the number of teachers, considering the very limited number of teachers after independence.
• Improving access to education for the wider community, including in remote areas.

After leaving office as minister, he remained active in politics and education. In 1950, together with Johannes Leimena, he founded the Indonesian Christian Party (Parkindo). Three years later, in 1953, he also co-founded the Indonesian Christian University (UKI), which is still one of the leading Christian higher education institutions in Indonesia.

Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia’s Legacy and Influence

Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia is known as a figure who contributed to education, politics, and Christianity in Indonesia. One of his best-known legacies is BPK Gunung Mulia, a Christian publishing house that continues to grow today.

He passed away in 1966 at the age of 70. Although his name is not as popular as some other national figures, his contribution to Indonesian education and politics is enormous. His role in laying the foundations of national education and his struggles in the world of politics and religion remain an important part of Indonesian history.

Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia is a clear example of how a Christian academic, politician, and activist can make a significant contribution to his country. His work in various fields shows a high level of dedication to the education and progress of the Indonesian people.