Ignas Kleden, a philosopher and sociologist, embarked on a journey towards understanding humanity and the world, leaving behind a rich legacy of writings that spanned several decades. Born on May 19, 1948, Kleden’s intellectual prowess, extensive reading, and keen analytical skills were cultivated from a young age, laying the foundation for a remarkable contribution to the realms of philosophy, sociology, and public discourse.
In his adolescence, while attending a seminary during high school in Flores Timur, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Kleden delved into the works of renowned figures such as John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln. His affinity for literature and writing manifested through monthly composition assignments, where he and his peers reinterpreted literary works. This early exposure to diverse literary traditions laid the groundwork for Kleden’s later exploration of Indonesian literature during his high school years.
In 1973, Kleden faced a pivotal decision, choosing to forego becoming a clergyman. Despite being just a year away from ordination, Kleden realized his calling lay in the power of the written word rather than delivering sermons. This decision led him to relocate to Jakarta, where he took on the roles of an editor at Yayasan Obor and a staff member at Yayasan Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial. He began contributing articles to prominent publications like Kompas and TEMPO, earning recognition as a public intellectual.
Kleden’s pursuit of knowledge extended beyond journalism, prompting him to pursue a master’s degree in philosophy in Germany. In 1982, he earned his MA with a thesis on the philosophy of Karl Popper. He returned to Indonesia and continued to contribute to prestigious journals such as Prisma, with his articles later compiled into “Sikap Ilmiah dan Kritik Kebudayaan” (1987). Kleden’s critique extended to anthropological studies, particularly challenging Clifford Geertz’s holistic approach to Indonesian studies.
As Kleden gained recognition, he remained committed to his intellectual integrity. In his collection “Menulis Politik: Indonesia sebagai Utopia” (2001), he acknowledged the temptation for writers to misuse their reputation for personal or group interests. He stressed the importance of writers instinctively siding with those oppressed or harmed by power.
Kleden’s observations extended to the academic landscape in Indonesia, where scholars often found themselves unexpectedly thrust into the limelight upon completing their studies. Despite the luxury of becoming a public figure, he advocated for a balance between public engagement and serious research.
In 2003, the Freedom Institute honored Ignas Kleden with the Achmad Bakrie Award for Social Thought. The Institute highlighted the significant contribution of “Sikap Ilmiah dan Kritik Kebudayaan” (1987) to social science in Indonesia, emphasizing Kleden’s critical examination of the epistemological foundations of social thought.
Ignas Kleden’s intellectual journey reflects a lifelong commitment to knowledge, social critique, and public engagement. His legacy, immortalized through his writings and contributions, serves as a beacon of light, inspiring generations to question, analyze, and contribute to the discourse surrounding humanity and society.
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