National historical figure RM. Margono Djojohadikusumo made remarkable contributions to building the economic and governmental foundations of Indonesia during the early years of independence. This was highlighted by Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Diponegoro University, in his academic reflection on Margono’s significant role in the nation’s history.
Who Was RM. Margono Djojohadikusumo?
Margono is best known as the founder of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in 1946, which at that time served as the country’s first central bank after independence. However, his contributions extended far beyond the banking sector. He was also a pioneer of the national cooperative system, a skilled diplomat, and a critical thinker who frequently wrote about strategic national issues.
What Did Prof. Dr. Alamsyah Say?
According to Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, Margono was a multidimensional figure, deeply committed to economic self-reliance, people’s welfare, and clean and accountable governance.
“RM. Margono Djojohadikusumo was not only an economist and bureaucrat, but also a true intellectual. His role was pivotal in initiating national economic policies that were independent and pro-people,” said Prof. Alamsyah.
Margono’s Role in Economics and Banking
During the colonial period and the early years of independence, Margono had a profound understanding of the people’s economic conditions. His experience working at Volkscredietwezen, a colonial-era rural credit institution, enriched his insights on people-centered economics.
When Indonesia faced the Second Dutch Military Aggression, Margono played a critical role in saving the nation’s foreign reserves by selling BNI’s gold in Macau and exploring the export of strategic commodities like vanilla to international markets. These actions proved vital in maintaining national economic stability as the country fought to defend its independence.
Pandangan Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum. Terhadap Kiprah RM. Margono Djojohadikusumo
Margono’s Contributions to Politics and Governance
Margono was also active in the political arena. He served as the Chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) in 1945 and participated in the Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference (RTC) in The Hague, which led to the Netherlands’ recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty.
As a staunch advocate for democracy, he also proposed the use of investigative rights (Hak Angket) in Parliament during the 1950s to scrutinize the government’s foreign exchange policies. This act demonstrated Margono’s strong commitment to government transparency and accountability.
Margono as an Intellectual and Writer
Beyond economics and politics, Margono was known as a prolific writer. His works, such as “Ten Years of Cooperatives (1930–1940)” and “Reminiscences from Three Historical Periods”, are important references in the study of Indonesia’s socio-economic history.
His articles in various newspapers provided critical perspectives on government policies and offered alternative ideas that remain relevant to this day. He was a consistent voice for inclusive, fair, and sustainable development.
Why Does Margono’s Legacy Still Matter Today?
Prof. Dr. Alamsyah emphasized that the intellectual and institutional legacy built by Margono continues to have a profound impact today. He not only left behind BNI as a national financial institution, but also instilled the spirit of people-based economic development and transparent governance.
“Young generations should learn from Margono’s spirit and grand vision. He was a symbol of nationalism who worked silently but made a real impact on the nation,” said Prof. Alamsyah.
The legacy of RM. Margono Djojohadikusumo shows that nation-building is not only achieved through political power, but also through intelligent ideas, concrete actions, and long-term dedication. As a historical figure who paved the way for Indonesia’s modern financial and political systems, Margono deserves to be remembered and emulated by the future generations of this nation.