A Banjar Son’s Indonesierschap

BORN in Banjarmasin (now in South Kalimantan), Liem Koen Hian, an ethnic Chinese, would one day become an important figure in the pre-independence nationalist movement. Known to be clever and courageous, Liem lived a life of adventure as a young man. His political attitude was shaped when he was working as a journalist writing for a number of newspapers in Java and Sumatra. Although he once supported China, Liem later promoted Indonesia’s independence and fought for the future of the nation’s minority groups as a member of the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Indonesia’s Independence (BPUPKI). His colorful life ended in misfortune. It is unknown where he is buried.