OVER the past two months, many of us at Proklamasi 72 were immersed in history books and documents. A number of the publications are originals, others photocopies. The titles vary, but all the books relate to Oemar Said Tjokroaminoto, known as the ‘mentor’ to the Republic’s founders.

The books are part of the Tempo library collection, some newly purchased. A good number resulted from the ‘hunting expeditions’ of Philipus Parera, Temp