Everlasting Takdir
He is perhaps the last renaissance person. Sutan Takdir Alisyahbana was a controversial thinker. He was one of the caretakers of the Indonesian language—consistent, conscientious and sometimes stubborn in his opinions. In the field of philosophy, Takdir viewed the renaissance with a romantic and sentimental outlook, so that it was difficult for him to accept non-conventional and modern artistic development. He was consistent in upholding his admiration for Western progress. Long after his passing, his name and his thoughts continue to be discussed. The following is Tempo’s investigation and analysis of the thoughts and controversies of the man we are so proud of.
March 4, 2008
“I consider myself a modern person, but I am concerned about the confusion among modern communities of our time, and I would like to dedicate the remaining years of my life to focus on the struggle, to give direction...”
IT was raining heavily that afternoon in Tugu, Puncak, where a small villa with a large garden is located. This is the place where Takdir loved to hold discussions. It is also where thousands of his books are kept. He is a
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