The Internationalization of The Nationalism of Mohammad Hatta

Abstract

Mohammad Hatta, a distinguished national figure from Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, possessed a strong foundation in religious and modern education, which instilled in him a sense of discipline from a young age. His engagement with various national organizations began early in his life, and he developed acquaintances with prominent figures in the national movement during his elementary school years. Notably, his political activism in Batavia, coupled with his associations with figures like Nazir Pamoentjak, a leading member of the Jong Sumatranen Bond (JSB), and Abdoel Muis of the Sarekat Islam (SI) movement, solidified his position as a resolute and principled figure, particularly concerning matters of religion. During his academic pursuits in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Hatta established a robust political network with individuals and movements advocating anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism, and anti-capitalism. This network enabled him to champion and advance the cause of national independence on the international stage, a context heavily influenced by the prevailing ideologies of international socialism and communism. This internationalization of Indonesian nationalism introduced Hatta, the Perhimpoenan Indonesia (PI), and the broader Indonesian struggle for independence to the global community.