Ki Hajar Dewantara

Ki Hajar Dewantara (1889-1959) was an influential Indonesian educator and nationalist known for his advocacy of education as a means of fostering independence and national identity. He founded Taman Siswa, a school system aimed at promoting self-reliance and cultural pride among Indonesians during colonial rule. Dewantara emphasized the importance of adapting education to local culture and needs, believing that learning should be relevant and accessible to all. His motto, "Ing ngarso sung tulada, ing madya mangun karsa, tut wuri handayani," translates to guiding and inspiring from the front, nurturing in the middle, and supporting from behind.