Liem Koen Hian’s life reads like a tale of defiance and
determination. Born in Banjarmasin in 1897 into a merchant family, Koen Hian
initially pursued education at the Hollandsch Chineesche School (HCS) and began
his career in the business sector. However, his true passion lay in journalism,
and he soon found himself in the bustling city of Surabaya, where his journey
as a journalist began.
In 1915, Koen Hian started working at the newspaper Tjoen
Tjhioe. Despite his initial enthusiasm, his foray into journalism was fraught
with challenges. Two years later, he founded the newspaper Soo Lim Po, but its
brief existence led to a period of self-doubt. Moving around, Koen Hian tried
his luck in Aceh and Padang before returning to Surabaya, where he found his
footing as the editor-in-chief of Pewarta Soerabaja, thanks to the trust of
publicist The Kian Sing.
Koen Hian’s tenure at Pewarta Soerabaja marked the beginning
of his transformation into a staunch Indonesian nationalist. Influenced by the
ideas of Dr. Tjipto Mangoenkoesoemo, he began to see Indonesia as a homeland
for all its people, transcending ethnic divisions. His shift from Chinese
nationalism to Indonesian nationalism was groundbreaking, reflecting a broader,
more inclusive vision for the country.
In 1925, Koen Hian became the editor-in-chief of Soeara
Publiek, a position that would further solidify his reputation as a fearless
critic of colonial rule. Under his leadership, the newspaper gained popularity
but also attracted enemies. Soeara Publiek’s unapologetic support for
Indonesian nationalism and its critique of the colonial government and
pro-China nationalists led to financial struggles and eventual closure due to
mounting debts.
Undeterred, Koen Hian continued his mission with the newly
established Sin Jit Po. His editorial style was as combative as ever, attacking
the Chinese elites who aligned themselves with the Dutch colonial authorities.
His criticisms were not without consequence; he faced imprisonment multiple
times but remained unbowed.
Koen Hian’s political activism reached new heights with the
founding of the Partij Tionghwa Indonesia (PTI) in 1932. As PTI’s leader, Koen
Hian advocated for Indonesian independence and opposed the racial school
system. His radical stance often put him at odds with established Chinese
organizations like the Chung Hwa Hui (CHH), led by H.H. Kan, who viewed PTI’s
actions as betrayal.
The rivalry between Koen Hian and Kan was intense. While Kan
and his supporters collaborated with the colonial government to undermine the
PTI, Koen Hian’s defiance earned him the respect of many nationalists. Despite
being under constant surveillance and house arrest, Koen Hian’s spirit remained
unbroken. His establishment of a trade union that opposed existing Chinese
labor organizations further showcased his relentless pursuit of justice and
equality.
Kwee Thiam Tjing, a close associate and fellow journalist,
captured Koen Hian’s indomitable spirit in his memoir “Menjadi Tjamboek
Berdoeri” (2010). Thiam Tjing recounted numerous instances of Koen Hian’s
fearless confrontations with authorities and his unwavering commitment to the
nationalist cause. One such anecdote involved a confrontation with a Dutch
store owner in Surabaya, where Koen Hian assessed the man’s strength before
delivering a decisive punch—a metaphor for his strategic approach to battles
both physical and ideological.
Koen Hian’s legacy is a testament to the power of conviction
and courage. His life story is a reminder that the fight for justice often
comes with great personal risk, but it is this very struggle that paves the way
for change. Koen Hian’s unwavering belief in Indonesian nationalism and his
fearless journalism left an indelible mark on the country’s journey toward
independence.
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